It’s tough not to panic if you ever see the check engine light go on. What exactly does it mean? Well, it could be a lot of different possible issues. Here are just a few of the ones that Cary’s Auto Service wants you to know about.
Sensors May Not Be Working Properly
Your car’s onboard computer, also called the ECM or engine control module, relies on a variety of sensors throughout the engine and exhaust system to gather data. The ECM uses that data to make changes to things like the fuel mixture in order to avoid engine knocks, misfires, and other issues. Without those sensors, the ECM can’t make any adjustments. As a way of letting you know that there’s a problem, the ECM shows you the check engine light.
There Could Be a Fuel System Problem
There could also be a problem somewhere in the fuel system. Without fuel, your car’s engine cannot operate at all. It has to have air, spark, and fuel in the right mixture in order to keep itself running. Problems with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or anywhere else in the fuel system mean that your engine has big problems. It’ll let you know that with the check engine light.
The Transmission May Have Issues
Something else that you need to be aware of is that the transmission and the engine work hand in hand. Your car’s engine creates power that it sends to the transmission. The transmission then transfers that power through the driveshaft to the wheels, propelling the vehicle. Problems in the transmission mean that your car’s engine can run and run and you’re not going anywhere. Eventually, that’s a problem for the engine, and the ECM will tell you.
You May Be Overdue with Some Maintenance
Your car’s engine requires specific and routine maintenance in order to keep running the way that it should. Without that maintenance, you get big trouble. Handling things like oil changes when you’re supposed to ensures that the engine is protected and that it has what it needs. If you’re overdue for some of those services, you’ll see the check engine light eventually.
If you’ve got the check engine light glowing on your dashboard, the most important thing to remember is that you can’t afford to ignore this warning. It may not be a huge repair, but it’s definitely not “nothing.” Call Cary’s Auto Service in Tempe, AZ today. We’ll run thorough diagnostic testing that helps us to determine what’s going on.