Why is the Check Engine Light On?

Why is the Check Engine Light On?

How to Fix Check Engine Light

Don’t Ignore Engine Error Codes

When the Check Engine Light comes on your car, it’s a sign that something is wrong. You want to have the necessary auto repairs performed before larger problems occur. At Central Florida Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we offer help with the warning lights on your vehicle.

Our team can determine the issue and get it repaired, so you can take care of your car engine. Visit us today in Orlando, FL.

Top Check Engine Light Reasons

When the Check Engine Light comes on, it can be for a number of reasons. In some cases, it’s as simple as having a loose gas cap. If that’s the case, you can pull over and secure the cap to reset the light. It could also indicate that the spark plugs are bad.

Over time, carbon builds up on the spark plugs causing them to foul. If you are having the plugs changed at the regular service intervals, this might not be an issue.

However, larger problems can also contribute to the Check Engine Light. Both the mass airflow sensor and oxygen sensors are responsible for creating a balanced air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber. When this mixture is off due to a bad sensor, the engine can run rough and engine codes will be set.

Even more severe is when the catalytic converter goes bad. Sometimes this occurs because regular maintenance hasn’t been performed. Either way, the car likely won’t pass an emissions test with a defective catalytic converter, so it must be taken care of right away.

What to Do When Check Engine Light Comes On

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you need to determine if it is still safe to drive. When the light is blinking, it means a serious fault has occurred and you should stop driving immediately.

If the light is on steadily, you probably aren’t facing an emergency, but you still want to have the problem repaired immediately. Start by looking at obvious issues, such as a loose gas cap. If you can tighten the cap and get back on the road, there’s nothing more to worry about.

If that doesn’t solve your problem, an OBD2 scanner needs to be used to run a diagnostic test. The OBD II code readers run diagnostic systems to determine where the fault is. Using one is as simple as plugging it into the port and putting the key in the ignition.

Once you turn the ignition on, you should be able to read the codes. To perform a real Check Engine Light reset, you want to do more than disconnect the battery’s negative cable. Resetting the Check Engine Light requires that you fix the problem first.

When Should You Get Auto Service?

When the Check Engine Light comes on, it is meant to get your attention. To properly care for your vehicle, you want to figure out the problem right away before larger issues occur. If you aren’t trained to work on automobiles, you might not know what to do with the codes you find. That’s where our team of certified technicians comes in.

To protect the integrity of your systems, you want a qualified mechanic troubleshooting the issues. If the diagnostic system is trying to tell you that the spark plugs are bad, quick attention is needed. For example, continuing to run your vehicle with fouled plugs can lead to larger problems, such as a damaged catalytic converter, which is an expensive repair. You can ensure that your vehicle provides many more miles of service, simply by getting attention when it is needed the most.

Schedule Your Service Today

There are a lot of auto repair shops in the Orlando area that you could choose from. When the Check Engine Light comes on, why would you want to bring it to Central Florida Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for service. For starters, our certified technicians understand the ins and outs of your vehicle. If something is wrong, it’s not difficult for our mechanics to find the problem and repair it quickly.

Additionally, we have state-of-the-art equipment in our shop, designed for making the jobs more precise and speedy. We also offer convenient scheduling online, so you don’t have to bother making a phone call or coming in to get an appointment.

When the time comes for us to service your vehicle, we offer top-notch amenities to make your wait enjoyable. Our team is also committed to giving you the attention you deserve, keeping you in the loop the entire time. Schedule your service appointment today and see what makes us different.

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