Why the Check Engine Light of your Car is Illuminated?

Why the Check Engine Light of your Car is Illuminated?

All we know that the check engine light of the car is a clear indication of major mechanical issues.

On the other hand, according to the professional mechanics, the minor electrical glitches of the car also illuminate the check engine warning lights. When the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, then make sure that your car is suffering from a serious breakdown.

When the car’s onboard computer or ECU detects any types of error coming from any of the car sensors, then the check engine light is triggered. After detecting the issues, the ECU will create and store the diagnostic trouble code for illuminating the check engine light. When you will take your car to a mechanic, they will first download the error code for diagnosing the root issues and perform the necessary repairs. The following points define the causes behind the illuminated check engine light on your car dashboard.

Broken fuel cap Now modern cars are designed carefully for monitoring the fuel economy and emissions. If any point of the car, you will notice the broken fuel pump or does not have a solid seal and then it will ultimately create less pressure inside the fuel cell. The less pressure informs the sensor regarding the loose gas cap or broken fuel pump which may cause poor gas mileage and acceleration issues in your car. Apart from this, you will notice other signs due to the broken fuel pump in your car such as

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Fuel smells

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Unable to lock the fuel cap

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Loose gas cap

Clogged air or fuel filter The routine service and maintenance play a vital role in operating the air filter and fuel filter of the car efficiently. Apart from changing the engine oil and filter of the car on every 50,000 miles, replacing the air and fuel filter of the car is also important. Moreover, the fuel and air filter of the car is generally used for keeping the engine fuel and air clean as well as allow the engine for burning the gasoline properly. But when the air and fuel filter is clogged, the fuel system sensor automatically sends an alert to the ECU and illuminates the dreaded check engine light. You will notice the below signs in your car:

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Less fuel mileage

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Engine stalling

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Engine misfiring

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Hard-to-start the car

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Engine performance issues

Issues in Oil lubrication The engine requires the proper amount of oil for keeping and lubricating all the moving parts of the car. But when the engine oil is dirty, it will reduce the oil pressure or increase from its specified ratio. After detecting the dirty engine oil, the oil pressure sensor of the car informs the ECU regarding it and illuminates the check engine light. If you ignore the engine oil issues of the car, then the engine unable to get proper lubrication for the smooth functioning of the moving parts. As a result, you will notice several signs like

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Engine overheat quickly

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Damage the internal engine

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Damaged sensor

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Send false data to ECU

Loose electrical connection The poor electrical connections from the ECU to the sensor are the most common reason behind the illuminated check engine light. When the electrical connection of the car is loose or exposed, then it will send a signal to the ECU and indicate the mechanical issues. Loose electrical connection issues are also caused due to the wear out sensors for an extended time. The electrical connection issues generally occur with fuel and exhaust system sensors because they are highly exposed to hot gases and carbon deposits.

Failed mass airflow sensor Due to the fuel or emission system issues, the check engine lights of the car are triggered. On the other hand, the mass airflow (MAF) sensor is responsible for mixing the proper amount of air to fuel ratio and burn the mixture efficiently inside the combustion chamber of the engine. In any circumstance, if the mass airflow of the car is damaged, then the MAF sensor will send a signal to the ECU and prevent the engine from starting. Other signs of failed air flow sensor in your car are:

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Hiccuping engine

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Engine stalling

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Hesitate load during acceleration

Dirty catalytic converter The catalytic converter is generally designed in the car for filtering the exhaust before it removes from the tailpipe. Moreover, it is commonly used for converting the harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Like other car parts, when the catalytic converter is dirty, it will develop an error code and trigger the check engine light. The dirty catalytic converter will produce several signs in the car, such as:

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Lower fuel mileage

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Internal engine damage

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Slow acceleration

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Engine misfiring

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Unable to start

Conclusion Whenever the check engine light illuminates on your dashboard, never ignore it because the minor repair may turn into a major mechanical issue. So, always consult with a professional mechanic for check engine light inspection and fixing the relevant issues.