Yes, the check engine light is nearly 100 percent accurate in reporting engine problems. A study conducted in 2019 demonstrated that the check engine light finds hidden problems of which a driver would otherwise be unaware. Service Masters can determine the reason why your check engine light came on by conducting a diagnostic test on your automobile. Keep reading to find out why this light is so crucial to the health and safety of your car, truck, or utility vehicle.
Information About This Dashboard Warning Light
The check engine light serves as a catch-all for engine problems that do not have a specific light or gauge on your vehicle’s dashboard. For example, assume for the moment that your engine has a vacuum leak. There is no light or gauge that will identify the vacuum leak, so the engine control module (ECM) turns on the check engine light to make you aware of the problem.
The check engine light is controlled by the ECM. The ECM is your vehicle’s main computer chip, and it works with each vehicle system sensor to make sure everything is running as it should be. It is capable of making adjustments to things such as the air and fuel in your combustion chamber to prevent engine trouble. If there is an error that the ECM cannot correct, it will turn on a dashboard warning light. If there isn’t a specific light or the problem, again, the ECM will turn on the check engine light.
Reasons Why the Check Engine Light Comes On
An engine vacuum leak is just one reason why the check engine light will turn on. There are numerous other causes for a check engine warning. Specifically, the most common ones are
- A faulty catalytic converter
- A problem with the ECM or a system sensor
- A loose fuel cap
- A malfunctioning MAF sensor
- A malfunctioning O2 sensor
- Worn spark plugs
- Problems with your vehicle’s EVAP system
All of these things send specific error codes to the ECM. Running a diagnostic test will download these error codes so we know exactly what is wrong with your engine. This makes diagnosing the problem quicker and easier, which saves you money in the end. Once we have determined the reason why your vehicle’s check engine light came on, we can fix the problem.
Call Service Masters in Clearwater, FL, today if you have a check engine warning illuminated on your dashboard. Once the problem is resolved, the check engine light will turn off.