The only time your automobile’s check engine light comes on with a cause that is not serious is when your gas cap is too loose. If you are pulling out of the service station when the check engine light turns on, this could be the problem. Otherwise, Fast Lane Automotive recommends that you take a check engine light warning very seriously because the engine control module rarely turns it on when there isn’t a problem in the engine.
What Is the Engine Control Module (ECM)?
The ECM is your vehicle’s main computer chip, and it talks with all of the system sensors to make sure that your automobile is running properly. If something goes wrong, such as a problem with too much air blowing into the engine, the ECM will make adjustments on its own to correct the problem. The ECM turns on the check engine light if it cannot correct the problem. It will also turn on any other associated dashboard warning light.
Why Does it Turn on the Check Light?
The check engine light turns on when there is a problem in your vehicle’s exhaust system, fuel system, ignition, or in the transmission among other issues. To break this down further and explain why the check engine light comes on when there is something seriously wrong, you may get a check engine warning if
- The catalytic converter is clogged or is going bad and can no longer convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide
- You have a clogged in your exhaust system and engine exhaust is making its way into your vehicle’s cabin
- There is an electrical system problem that is causing malfunctions or shorts, that could be blowing fuses, or that could be affecting the ECM and system sensors
- Your mass airflow sensor or MAF has failed and you have too much air coming into the engine and making its way into the combustion chamber
- Your oxygen sensor has failed and this, too, is causing the problems listed above when the mass airflow sensor fails
- Your spark plugs are misfiring, are worn, or are malfunctioning and you have a detonation problem in the cylinders
- Your transmission is having problems shifting gears, you have low transmission fluid, or the transmission is malfunctioning in some other way
The check engine light will also come on if you have a problem in the fuel system, such as clogged or leaking fuel injectors, a clogged or malfunctioning fuel pump, or a clogged fuel filter. This is why it’s important to bring your vehicle to our shop as soon as possible. Fast Lane Automotive is the best auto service shop in Orlando, FL.
