8 Possible Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

The orange engine symbol known as the 'check engine light' on your car's dashboard's instrument cluster is customized to turn on when the car's electronic mind distinguishes something that is not right.

What can cause a check engine light to turn on? Remember that the fault code that made the light turn on, in any case, is stored in your vehicle's onboard computer:

The oxygen sensor

Also known as the O2 sensor quantifies the measure of unburnt oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust system. It sends information to the vehicle's computer, which utilizes it to manage the combination of air and fuel that enters the cylinders. An engine will continue to run regardless of whether an O2 sensor should be replaced, yet it will consume more fuel than expected. Over the long haul, an awful O2 sensor can harm parts like the spark plugs and the catalytic converter. It might likewise make a vehicle fail its emissions test when going through its MOT test.

Loose fuel cap

A loose fuel cap is perhaps the most widely recognized reason why the check engine light turns on. The cap is a significant piece of a vehicle's fuel delivery system. It remarkably forestalls fuel fumes from leaving the gas tank and it helps hold the entire system under the right pressure.

Failed catalytic converter

This is coordinated into a vehicle's exhaust system. It turns the carbon monoxide produced during the burning interaction into carbon dioxide. Performing regular car maintenance such as oil change, interim or full service on time is critical to keeping your vehicle's exhaust system in the correct working order. In the event that you live in the city and generally drive brief distances, take your vehicle on the motorway from time to time to guarantee the exhaust system does not get obstructed. Keep your eyes and ears open for surprising sounds or stained smoke coming from the exhaust.

Ignition coil and spark plugs

An ignition coil creates the power and electricity the spark need to touch off the fuel and air combination in the cylinders. Classic vehicles have a single-coil, yet numerous advanced and modern vehicles utilize one coil for each cylinder. In the event that your vehicle has a V8 engine in the bonnet, you could have eight separate coils. Regardless of the number of coils you have, a failed coil will very likely trigger the check engine light. Remember, if your vehicle consumes diesel, you have neither ignition coils nor spark plugs. Worn-out spark plugs can cause an assortment of issues including an engine misfire and delay during heavy acceleration. A worn coil can show similar indications and can make the vehicle shut off out of the blue.

Bad spark plug wires 

A spark plug wire moves power and electricity from the coil to the spark plug. Without it, the fuel and air blend in the cylinders would not ignite. Most vehicles utilize a single wire for every cylinder. The symptoms of failed spark plug wires incorporate a rough idle, a perceptible drop in engine performance, and lower fuel mileage.

Mass airflow sensor

Otherwise called a MAF sensor screens how much air enters the engine. It is a component of the engine management system, so your vehicle would not have the option to conform to changes in elevation without it. The common symptoms of a MAF disappointment and failure incorporate a rough idle and issues starting your car, reduced fuel mileage, and often stalling can likewise show a MAF issue.

Vacuum leak

Each vehicle has a vacuum system that plays out a wide assortment of functions. The brake booster is vacuum-worked, and the vacuum system likewise helps lower unsafe and harmful emissions by directing the fumes as fuel vanishes through the engine. In the event that your vehicle's idle starts to flood or settles at a strangely high rpm, a vacuum break could be the offender. Vacuum hoses can dry out and break as they age, particularly in the event that they are presented with exceptional warmth or outrageous cold. This is the most widely recognized reason for vacuum leaks. Other normal issues incorporate broken fittings and loose connections.

Exhaust gas recirculation valve failure

Also known as an EGR, this system brings down the measure of nitrogen oxide that emerges from the engine and encourages it to run more efficiently. It coordinates the hot exhaust gases once again into the combustion chambers, which heats up the fuel and makes it burn easier. It additionally reduces emissions. The EGR valve can get clogged up over time so if you do experience an issue when driving then get a car mechanic to diagnose the issue.