Once your check engine light comes on, time is of the essence. Your car is telling you there is a small problem that needs to be fixed now, or you can wait and likely need to fix a much bigger issue. When your light comes on, contact an expert auto repair shop to have the problem diagnosed using computer computer diagnostic equipment that will pinpoint the fault. Here are 5 common reasons the light comes on.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions by converting carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases into less harmful emissions. Replacing a catalytic converter is pretty pricy, but they generally don't fail unless something else has already broke, such as much less expensive spark plugs or an airflow sensor. This is why it is important to get your car to a professional mechanic as soon as the check engine light comes on so that you can get the initial problem fixed for a couple hundred dollars before having to spend thousands on an avoidable issue.
Faulty Gas Cap
When your check engine light comes on the best thing you can hope for is faulty gas cap. Gas will evaporate through the opening of a loose or ill-fitting fuel cap causing the light to glow. To avoid an unnecessary test for a fix that costs the turn of your wrist, be sure your gas cap is tight and secure, every time you fill up.
Faulty Ignition Coil
A bad coil means that your car won't be able to produce spark needed to make your internal combustion engine fire up. The coil increases the voltage produced by the 12 volt battery and can go bad for simple reasons, including operating under extremely high temperatures, but they are subject to harsh conditions on a regular basis and wear out over time, meaning they need to be replaced from time to time.
Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor
This sensor monitors incoming air and calculates how much fuel to inject with it to ensure that the engine continues to run smooth. If the car's sensor system determines the sensor is malfunctioning the check engine light will turn on. This is usually an inexpensive fix that is important to take care of because is the MAF sensor goes bad, it can harm your fuel efficiency by 10 to 25 percent.
Faulty Battery or Charging System
New cars have ever evolving charging systems that are usually more sophisticated in terms of the technology used than models of yesteryear. A vehicle's sensors have made batteries and their systems more likely to turn on the check engine light due to a sensitivity to high heat and dry weather.
Don't put off having diagnostics ran when the light comes on, the problem will get worse! For expert check engine light repair in Austin be sure to reach out to Oak Hill Automotive. Our team of ASE Certified techs will get to the bottom of the trouble in no time! Give our full service auto shop a call to request an appointment for superior auto repair in Austin for your import or domestic vehicle.