Car dashboards often display mysterious signals that may or may not be meaningful, but one of the most intimidating is the check engine light.This warning light signals computer-monitored emissions problems and other potential issues with your vehicle. Understanding what the light means can help you decide whether it requires immediate repair or is safe to drive.
Check the Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is an integral part of your car’s fuel system, helping prevent harmful contaminants from entering the engine and providing a steady supply of fresh, clean fuel.If your fuel filter becomes clogged, it can create issues throughout the rest of the system. For instance, this could result in decreased gas mileage or noticeable changes to vehicle power output.Clogged fuel pumps can lead to low pressure and misfiring, and in some cases even set off the check engine light.
Check the Spark Plugs
When your car’s check engine light illuminates, one of the first things to inspect is your spark plugs. These vital components ensure your car starts and runs efficiently.The spark plug is a small metal piece located inside your cylinder head with an opening at its tip. When high-voltage electricity passes through this gap, it creates an electric spark which ignites the gas/air mixture in the cylinder.To test your spark plug, take it out of the cylinder head and inspect it closely for any signs of trouble. Carbon fouling on a plug could indicate damage due to clogged air filters, excessive driving at low speeds or an improper fuel/air mixture.
Check the Oil
Motor oil provides essential lubrication for all the moving parts in your car’s engine, helping it run efficiently and extending its life.Regular oil checks are essential for keeping your car running optimally and safely, helping you avoid expensive repair bills in the future.To check your oil, open the hood and locate the dipstick. It should be yellow/orange in color with a handle for pulling.
Check the Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is an integral component of your vehicle’s emissions control system. It detects oxygen levels in your exhaust and sends this data to the engine management computer, which then adjusts your fuel mixture accordingly.If the oxygen sensor fails, it can activate the check engine light and lead to various performance issues such as rough idle, stalling, or increased fuel consumption.Your vehicle’s mileage may require you to replace your oxygen sensor every 30,000 miles or so. The cost of a new sensor and labor for replacement will vary from one car model to the next.
Check the Fuel Pressure
When the check engine light illuminates, it usually indicates there is an issue with fuel pressure. This could be a simple leak in the tank or something more serious.Unbalanced fuel pressure can cause your engine to run rough and use up more gas than necessary, decreasing fuel economy.To resolve the problem, you need to identify what is causing low fuel pressure. A convenient way to check this is by using a fuel pressure gauge.
Check the Spark Plug Wires
One of the most crucial elements in your car’s ignition system are the spark plug wires. If they become damaged or weakened, it can lead to issues with the engine.These wires are intended to carry high voltage pulses from the ignition coil or distributor to the spark plug, keeping this high voltage away from arcing elsewhere in the engine. Unfortunately, they can become frayed due to heat exposure, exposure and abrasion over time.To check your spark plug wires, take them out of their sockets and use a digital multimeter to measure each wire’s resistance. This will help identify which wires are faulty.
Check the Spark Plugs
Your engine’s spark plugs ignite the fuel mixture and are essential for starting, running smoothly, and maintaining good fuel economy. A malfunctioning spark plug may cause your check engine light to illuminate.Testing a spark plug’s performance requires either a multimeter or test light. If the reading doesn’t meet the specs for your spark plug, it’s time for replacement.You can also use a wire or taper feeler gauge to measure the gap between your spark plug’s center electrode and side electrode. A gap that is too wide indicates that your plug may have become worn down.
