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Glen Alpine Check Engine Light

You’re driving, and your car’s check engine light suddenly comes on. If you’re like many drivers, you won’t know the best way to respond. We’ll examine the different reasons your vehicle’s check engine light may come on and let you know what to do if you notice your Glen Alpine check engine light is lit.

In most instances, the check engine light isn’t an emergency. It may be the result of a broken gas cap. On the other hand, it could also be caused by a serious problem like a misfiring engine. If the check engine light comes on, bring your car in for CEL diagnosis & testing near Glen Alpine. Don’t ignore the check engine light, or you could be faced with an expensive repair bill.

A check engine light that’s flashing is alerting you to a problem that needs immediate attention. The leading cause of a flashing light is a misfire in the ignition system that’s dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust system. This will quickly damage the catalytic converter. If you see a flashing check engine light, pull over, turn the vehicle off, and call for assistance.

If the check engine light is steady, it’s not urgent, but you should schedule an appointment with the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center as soon as possible. A steady light means the vehicle’s computer system isn’t receiving data from one of the vehicle’s sensors or the information the sensor is receiving is outside the normal parameters.

Here are some of the most common causes of a check engine light:
  1. The oxygen sensor is damaged. The oxygen sensor measures the unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. Failure to replace a faulty oxygen sensor will cause the engine to burn more fuel than necessary, lowering your vehicle’s fuel economy. It can damage the catalytic converter and spark plugs.
  2. The catalytic converter needs replacement. The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Driving with a faulty catalytic converter can result in the vehicle failing to pass an emissions test, as well as reduced performance and fuel economy.
  3. The mass airflow sensor is faulty. The mass airflow sensor measures the engine’s air inflow and determines the quantity of fuel necessary to run the engine efficiently. If the mass airflow sensor isn’t replaced, it can damage the catalytic converter, oxygen sensor or spark plugs. Fuel economy and performance will suffer.
  4. The spark plugs are damaged. If your vehicle needs new spark plugs or spark plug wires, it can lead to lower performance, decreased fuel economy, damaged ignition coils, a clogged catalytic converter or damaged oxygen sensors.
  5. The gas cap is missing, loose or broken. The gas cap seals the vehicle’s fuel system and prevents the release of gasoline fumes. If you don’t replace the gas cap, the gas in the tank can evaporate, causing a fuel economy loss.
If your engine light goes on, don’t procrastinate. Contact the experts at the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center. We’ll diagnose the problem and fix any issues quickly.

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