Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

When the check engine light comes, most car owners believe it spells bad news. While the engine light should not be left ignored, there is a chance that the problem is not as bad as you would think. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular explanations why your dashboard engine light could be on.

Here at Reggie’s Motorworks, we have plenty of experience when it comes to a car’s check engine light. If yours has turned on, give us a call today to schedule a service appointment in Noblesville, Indiana, to have one of our trained mechanics take a look. 

Common Causes for a Check Engine Light to Turn On 

Gas Cap

A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the engine light to turn on. Don’t worry, the light is expected to go off after about 15-20 miles of driving, but you may need to purchase a new one from a nearby auto parts store if it does not.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are used to transfer electricity from the engine coil, and the mixture of fuel and air in the cylinders cannot be ignited without them. While some cars use one wire per cylinder, others use two spark plugs per cylinder, requiring two wires and should be replaced 10,000 miles.

Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is a simple but expensive part of the exhaust system which converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide while in the combustion chamber. The good news is that total failure can be prevented with a quick check engine light service appointment.

Mass Air Flow Sensor

The mass airflow sensor is one of the critical parts of your car’s engine as it tracks and measures the amount of air the engine absorbs and the amount of fuel injected. Without this sensor, the vehicle would not be able to respond to any changes to the airflow and may lead to further repairs.

Vacuum Leak

If your car has suddenly begun to accelerate or settle at an abnormally high RPM, your vehicle may have a vacuum leak. The good news is that this repair should not cost you a lot of money, though the process of identifying the source of the vacuum leak can be time-consuming.

Have Your Engine Inspected by Reggie’s Motorworks Today

Although not all of the reasons the engine light check is on are extreme, it is always a good idea to get your car thoroughly inspected to ensure no underlying problems. Although numerous issues may cause the check engine light to illuminate, failure to inspect your car’s engine may lead to more damage and costly engine repairs. 

At Reggie’s Motorworks, we provide various check engine light diagnostic services to help keep your car running smoothly. Give us a call or come see us in Noblesville, Indiana today to speak to an associate about how we can help.