Top Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On in Louisville, KY

In most cases, it happens with no warning. You’re driving along, and your vehicle seems to be running normally. Yet in the center of your dashboard, the check engine light warns you that your vehicle needs maintenance or repairs as soon as possible.

But what does your check engine light mean, and what should you do about it? Discover the top reasons your check engine light is on, and find out why you should take your vehicle to the service center as soon as possible.

Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the check engine light could turn on for a number of reasons. The most common reasons range from:

The Gas Cap Came Loose

A loose gas cap might not seem like a big deal, but this seemingly minor issue can wreak havoc on your system. After all, a properly tightened gas cap is key to maintaining the correct pressure in the gas tank. If your vehicle’s gas cap is damaged or loose, the check engine light may turn on to alert you to the problem. You can attempt to resolve this issue yourself by tightening the gas cap and checking to see if the light turns off.

The Oxygen Sensor Is Faulty

Every vehicle has an oxygen sensor that’s designed to measure the amount of unburned oxygen present in the exhaust system. In some cases, the check engine light indicates that the sensor no longer works properly and needs to be replaced. Without a prompt replacement, your vehicle could experience lower gas mileage, and the faulty sensor could damage your vehicle’s spark plugs or catalytic converter next.

The Spark Plugs Are Damaged

Your vehicle’s spark plugs play a key role in the combustion chamber, where they take the spark from the ignition coil and ignite the combination of air and fuel. The spark plug wires transmit the spark from the coil to the plugs. Neglecting to replace damaged spark plugs or spark plug wires can cause poor performance, lower fuel economy, and additional damage to related parts like the ignition coil or catalytic converter.

The Catalytic Converter Is Broken

Like the oxygen sensor, your vehicle’s catalytic converter plays an important role in its emissions system. The catalytic converter is responsible for turning dangerous carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Without a properly functioning converter, your vehicle won’t pass a standard emissions test in any state, and it will use more gas than usual for every mile you drive. Over time, it can contribute to additional damage.

The Mass Air Flow Sensor Failed

Every vehicle needs a careful balance of air and fuel to run properly. The mass air flow sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of air in the engine so the right level of fuel can run your vehicle. A faulty or broken mass air flow sensor can cause noticeable decreases in efficiency and can compromise the functionality of related parts, such as the oxygen sensor.

The Aftermarket Parts Aren’t Compatible

While some aftermarket parts may work properly with your vehicle, others cause internal systems to go haywire. In some cases, improperly installed aftermarket car alarms aren’t compatible with your vehicle, causing the check engine light to turn on randomly. In this case, it’s important to have the alarm reinstalled properly or fixed as soon as possible.

The Vehicle Is Overheating

In some cases, the check engine light turns on because the engine is too hot to run safely. To confirm whether this is the cause or at least a contributing factor, take a look at your vehicle’s temperature gauge. If the dial points much higher than the middle, where it usually rests, consider stopping your vehicle in a safe place and getting it towed to avoid serious or expensive damage.

What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Turns On

If you’ve never dealt with a check engine light before, it’s normal to be unsure about how to proceed. Find out why it’s so important to get the issue checked out as soon as possible and why it’s best to get your vehicle serviced by a factory-trained technician.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore a Check Engine Light

In some cases, it’s tempting to ignore the check engine light and move on with your day or week. After all, if you don’t know which of the many potential issues your vehicle is experiencing, then you might feel comfortable assuming that one of the less severe problems is the root cause.

It’s never a good idea to ignore the check engine light, even if you think you might know why it’s on. Here’s why:

• You can’t be sure what triggered the check engine light. A minor issue might trigger the warning one month, but a more serious problem could cause it to turn on a few months later. Until you have your vehicle checked, it’s tough to know.
• Unnecessary waiting can lead to serious damage. If you continue to drive your vehicle for a few days or weeks, the underlying issue can worsen, potentially compromising your vehicle’s performance or even causing a breakdown.
• It can get expensive quickly. A brief service visit costs time and money, but it’s almost always more affordable than waiting. If you ignore the check engine light and allow your vehicle to experience additional damage, you could end up with a hefty repair bill.

Why You Should Take Your Vehicle to the Dealership Right Away

By taking quick action and scheduling a service appointment, you can avoid causing additional damage to related systems and unnecessarily high repair bills. At Oxmoor Ford, our certified technicians are trained to check your vehicle’s warning lights and determine the underlying cause efficiently. Once we confirm the problem, we can get to work immediately and replace faulty components with genuine Ford parts to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

If your vehicle’s check engine light is on, the Oxmoor Ford service team can help. Schedule Ford service at our Louisville dealership today.