While the Check Engine light doesn’t always signal an engine problem, it almost always means your vehicle needs attention. If your Check Engine light comes on, don’t wait! Contact Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in the Albion, MI, area for auto service and genuine Mopar parts. Let us ensure your vehicle gets the attention it needs.
How the Check Engine Light Works
Beginning in the late 1970s, most cars have been equipped with a computer system that monitors the performance of various components. When the computer detects an issue, it tries to resolve it on its own. However, it can’t fix mechanical problems. When the computer can’t troubleshoot the issue, it triggers the check engine light.
The check engine light is more than just a warning—it’s a guide to the severity of the issue. A steady light indicates a minor problem that doesn’t require immediate attention. But a flashing light? That signals a critical and potentially dangerous issue, and you should stop driving immediately.
Regardless of the issue’s severity, your car’s computer logs an error code to its memory. This code can be diagnosed with a code reader, but most drivers don’t have one handy, making it challenging to identify the problem on your own.
If your check engine light is on, schedule an appointment with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s auto repair services in Albion, MI, and let our technicians diagnose the problem.
Common Causes of the Check Engine Light
Sometimes, the check engine light is just a reminder for routine maintenance, but more often, it’s a sign of a problem that needs attention. Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can handle it all, whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious. When that light comes on, don’t hesitate to bring your car to us for diagnosis and repair in Albion, MI.
Poorly Secured Fuel Cap
The gas cap keeps fuel securely inside the tank until it’s needed. Fuel can escape if the cap is loose, leading to wasted gas. If your check engine light comes on right after refueling, you probably forgot to put the cap back on or didn’t tighten it enough. However, if your gas cap is secure, it could signal a fuel system issue, like a leaky connector.
We can install a new gas cap or fix any fuel system problems. Bring your car to our auto shop, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time.
Catalytic Converter Malfunction
The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s exhaust system, transforming harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide into safer ones like carbon dioxide. When your catalytic converter malfunctions, your emissions system can’t work efficiently, causing toxic fumes to be expelled and triggering the check engine light.
Catalytic converters are built to last, so when they fail, it often points to a more serious issue that needs professional attention. Common causes include faulty spark plugs, unburned fuel entering the exhaust, or structural damage to the converter’s ceramic interior. At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we’ll thoroughly investigate your catalytic converter and address any underlying issues to get your vehicle running clean and smooth again.
Faulty Oxygen or Mass Air Flow Sensor
Your car’s engine relies on a specific air-fuel ratio managed by multiple components. When these components fail, your engine may receive too much or too little oxygen, potentially causing long-term damage.
The most common cause is the oxygen sensor, which measures the oxygen remaining after the air-fuel mixture ignites. If this sensor detects an issue with oxygen use or burns out over time, the check engine light will come on.
This issue leads to poor fuel economy and can cause severe engine damage if left unaddressed. At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our mechanics can quickly diagnose and fix these problems, ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently.
Failing Spark Plugs
The ignition system in your vehicle provides the crucial heat needed to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. For gasoline engines, this heat comes from spark plugs. Over time, spark plugs can deteriorate, leading to mistimed or faulty ignition and causing various issues when starting the engine. Diesel engines use glow plugs, which don’t face the same problems.
Due to wear and tear, spark plug issues are more common in older engines. No matter your vehicle’s age, our Albion, MI, team is ready to repair or replace your spark plugs to keep your engine running smoothly. Visit Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for service and get back on the road.
Bad Spark Plug Wires
Spark plug wires are essential for transferring voltage from the ignition coil to the spark plugs, igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber. When these wires deteriorate or fail, they produce a weak or inconsistent spark, leading to misfires and poor engine performance.
Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system detects this malfunction, triggering the check engine light. While this issue is more common in older vehicles due to wear and tear, it can happen to any vehicle over time. If your check engine light is on, our technicians can diagnose and replace faulty spark plug wires, getting your vehicle back on the road.
Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
Your vehicle’s mass airflow (MAF) sensor is vital in maintaining optimal engine performance. It measures the air entering the engine and ensures the proper air-fuel mixture.
When the MAF sensor fails, it sends incorrect data to the engine control unit, leading to poor engine performance and triggering the check engine light. This failure can result in symptoms like rough idling, stalling, and reduced fuel efficiency.
Don’t let a faulty MAF sensor compromise your vehicle’s reliability and safety. Bring your car to Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a professional inspection. We’ll address the issue promptly, preventing further complications like increased emissions or damage to the catalytic converter.
Issues With an Aftermarket Alarm
While providing added security, aftermarket alarms can sometimes interfere with your vehicle’s electronic systems. Improper installation or malfunctioning components can disrupt the communication between the engine control unit (ECU) and various sensors.
This can lead to false readings or intermittent signal loss, causing the check engine Light to illuminate. Some common signs of a problematic aftermarket alarm include unexpected alarm triggers, battery drain, or erratic electrical behavior.
Our skilled technicians can diagnose this issue by performing a thorough visual inspection, reading error codes using advanced diagnostic tools, and testing the alarm system’s electrical components.
They will ensure correct installation, repair or replace faulty parts, and update necessary software. Trust Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to keep your vehicle running at its best with exceptional service and attention to detail.
Vacuum Leak
When your check engine light turns on, a common cause is a vacuum leak. These leaks occur when there’s a gap or crack in the vacuum hoses, intake manifold, or other components that rely on a sealed environment. Extra air enters the engine, causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture, leading to rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, or even engine stalling.
At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and repair the source of the leak. Don’t let a vacuum leak compromise your vehicle’s performance—bring it to us for professional care.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Failure
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is vital for reducing emissions by recirculating a portion of your exhaust gases back into the engine cylinders. If the EGR valve fails, it can lead to an improper mixture of air and fuel, causing increased emissions, reduced engine performance, and poor fuel economy. A failing EGR valve might cause your vehicle to experience engine knocking or a noticeable decrease in acceleration.
At Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, our technicians use advanced diagnostic tools such as OBD-II scanners and digital multimeters to identify EGR valve issues. They then perform necessary repairs, including cleaning the valve, replacing faulty components, and installing a new one if needed.
Dead Battery
A weak or dead battery can cause various electronic components in your vehicle to malfunction, leading to the check engine light switching on. Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems, and a failing battery can disrupt the engine control unit (ECU), causing it to register faults.
You might notice a dying battery if you experience dim headlights, a slow engine crank, or malfunctioning electrical accessories.
Our auto shop technicians can test the battery’s health and charging system, replace the battery if necessary, and ensure all connections are secure and corrosion-free.
Schedule Maintenance With Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Today
When your Check Engine light turns on, don’t stress—Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has you covered! Our qualified team is ready to diagnose and fix the issue, ensuring your car is in top shape.
Contact us to schedule an appointment. Let us take care of your engine troubles so you can get back on the road with confidence. Visit us today for reliable, professional service!
