Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable transportation as long as you need it to. If you think you are starting to experience engine problems, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal. Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood. Any potential problem can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.
If you’re wondering why does the service engine light come on, there are several reasons. It could be an easy fix or something more serious is happening in the engine.
- Damaged Gas Cap – If the gas cap is loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. The fix may be as simple as replacing the gas cap.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, and how much fuel is burned. If it is faulty, it cannot provide the right data to the computer, thereby reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.
- Failing Catalytic Convertor – The catalytic convertor reduces exhaust gases by converting carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it fails, your gas mileage will decrease and your car won’t accelerate when you step on the gas.
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – The mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. If it fails (possibly from an improperly installed or clogged air filter), toxic emissions will increase, the car will start to stall, and gas mileage will decrease.
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. If they are starting to fail, they will misfire. They simply need to be replaced.
What is the key to a well-running engine? Take care of all service items as recommended, helping to prevent major engine repair problems.
If you need to know more about why does the service engine light come on, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our engine repair services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable transportation as long as you need it to. If you think you are starting to experience engine problems, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal. Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood. Any potential problem can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.
If you’re wondering why does the service engine light come on, there are several reasons. It could be an easy fix or something more serious is happening in the engine.
- Damaged Gas Cap – If the gas cap is loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. The fix may be as simple as replacing the gas cap.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, and how much fuel is burned. If it is faulty, it cannot provide the right data to the computer, thereby reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.
- Failing Catalytic Convertor – The catalytic convertor reduces exhaust gases by converting carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it fails, your gas mileage will decrease and your car won’t accelerate when you step on the gas.
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – The mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. If it fails (possibly from an improperly installed or clogged air filter), toxic emissions will increase, the car will start to stall, and gas mileage will decrease.
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. If they are starting to fail, they will misfire. They simply need to be replaced.
What is the key to a well-running engine? Take care of all service items as recommended, helping to prevent major engine repair problems.
If you need to know more about why does the service engine light come on, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about our engine repair services and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
