An illuminated Check Engine Light always means the same thing, right? Yes and no. While it typically points to a problem with your car’s engine, the exact meaning and urgency can vary depending on the color and whether it flashes or stays on. This can also vary from one car to the next since different manufacturers built in different systems to alert you to problems with your car.
The best way to ensure you know what your car is trying to tell you is to consult your owner’s manual – but we have three common reasons your Check Engine Light may be on.
What Does a Yellow Check Engine Light Say About Your Car?
There’s good news – typically, a static yellow Check Engine Light doesn’t mean an urgent problem. You don’t need to worry about finding a space place to pull over and inspect your vehicle or rush to an auto repair shop. However, you do want to bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic soon so they can check trouble codes and run diagnostics. Even if it’s a minor repair now, it can grow into more serious problems if left alone for too long.
On the other hand, if your car’s Check Engine Light starts blinking or turns red, it’s an indication of more serious engine trouble. When this happens, you should have a mechanic inspect your vehicle as soon as possible.
Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light is On
See a yellow Check Engine Light on your car’s dashboard? Let’s take a look at three of the most common causes that may be behind your illuminated dashboard light. For the most part, you’re likely looking at a relatively simple auto repair – or you may be able to solve the problem on your own by checking certain parts of your car.
1. A Loose or Faulty Gas Cap
Did you recently fill up your gas tank? It’s possible you didn’t fully tighten the gas cap, triggering your Check Engine Light. A loose gas cap allows vapors from the gasoline to escape rather than circulating through the fuel system. Try tightening your gas cap the next time you park your car. If the light turns off after driving a few more miles, that’s likely your only problem. However, if the Check Engine Light stays on even after driving a while further, it’s time to look to another issue.
When you tighten your gas cap, take a look at its condition. If the seal looks worn or the cap looks cracked, you may need to replace the gas cap to solve your Check Engine Light problem.
2. Worn or Failing Spark Plugs
Does your car suddenly jerk while driving? That’s an indication of engine misfires, which could be a result of worn or faulty spark plugs. The spark plugs are meant to ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders at the correct time. As spark plugs wear out, combustion can happen at the wrong time or there may be secondary combustion. When this happens, you’ll notice your engine misfiring, especially when trying to accelerate.
Typically, spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles, though this also depends on the specific spark plugs you have installed in your car’s engine, and some can last up to 150,000 miles.
3. Faulty or Dirty Oxygen or Mass Airflow Sensors
Is it difficult for your car to accelerate? Weak acceleration, alongside an illuminated Check Engine Light, is a good indication you may need to replace an oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor. These sensors work together with the engine control module to monitor and regulate the amount of air and fuel sent into the engine’s cylinders. When these sensors become dirty or start to wear out, it can lead to insufficient fuel being sent into the engine.
These sensors can last 60,000-90,000 miles or more depending on several factors, but if you notice signs they’re faulty, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.
Looking for the Right Minnesota Mechanic? Visit Your Local AAMCO
Need help because your Check Engine Light is on? The expert mechanics at your local AAMCO Minnesota auto repair shop are here to help with any diagnostics and repairs your car needs. Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.