How To Know What The Check Engine Light Means

You’re driving along with not a care in the world when suddenly your happy mood turns from sunshine and unicorns to dark clouds and a queasy feeling in your stomach.

It’s all because of a little engine-shaped yellow light illuminating on your dash. Yes, the dreaded “Check Engine Light” can be a cause for panic. But unless your car is rumbling, stumbling, smoking, or just up and quits on you, the best thing you can do is take a deep breath, remain calm, and get the problem diagnosed as soon as possible.

That’s why we advise you to take your car to our Northside Ford Auto Repair & Service Center in San Antonio so we can perform a simple and quick diagnostic check of your vehicle. (Note: we service all makes and models.) We’ll hook up a device to your car’s onboard computer that will tell us exactly what’s wrong.

The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD). It was specifically designed as a way to determine issues with a car’s emission control systems. The new version called OBD-II, monitors dozens of your engine’s components and works to correct any problems by making internal adjustments to the engine. If the system can’t self-correct, it illuminates the check engine light to alert you that there is a problem.

Here are 5 common problems that can trigger the Check Engine Light to come on.

Loose Gas Cap

A Loose Gas Cap – If this is all that’s happened, lucky you! A loose gas cap messes with your vehicle’s finely calibrated emission control sensors, causing fuel vapors to escape, and generally throws your entire fuel system off kilter. Pull over safely and ensure that the gas cap is tightened securely. The cap may also be cracked or broken, in which case you can purchase a new one for just a few dollars from most auto stores. Once you’ve corrected this issue, it may take a couple of miles for the sensors to reset themselves and the check engine light to go off.

Replace Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor plays a crucial role in maintaining your engine’s emission controls in working order by sensing how much unburned fuel is escaping from your tailpipe. A faulty oxygen sensor will decrease fuel economy, and if not replaced, could harm your car’s catalytic converter.

Failed Catalytic Converter – The catalytic converter is a large canister connected to your exhaust system. It converts harmful materials and gasses, such as carbon monoxide, into harmless compounds. Unfortunately, replacing the catalytic converter isn’t cheap. It could run you up to a couple thousand dollars or more. Failure to replace it could cause additional damage to your car’s engine.
Replace Mass Airflow Sensor – Your vehicle’s engine needs two basic things: air and fuel. The trick is in mixing the proper amounts of air and gasoline to achieve optimal combustion and maintain correct emissions levels. If you haven’t changed your air filter in quite a while, this could lead to the failure of the airflow sensor. Although you can drive your car with this malfunctioning part, you will notice an appreciable decrease in performance and fuel economy.

Replace Spark Plugs & Wires – If you own a car that’s more than 20 years old, you should replace the spark plugs about every 30,000 miles. Newer vehicles have spark plugs that can last for up to 100,000 miles or more. However, even these long-lasting spark plugs can eventually fail, causing rough idling, stalling, reduced fuel economy, and performance. And of course, that pesky check engine light to come on. Some vehicles make it easy to replace the plugs yourself. However, if you’re not particularly mechanically inclined, our ASE-Certified technicians here at our San Antonio auto repair shop will be happy to install them for you.
Some of the other problems that could make your car’s check engine light come on include

Faulty ignition coils
A loose or cracked vacuum hose
A bad thermostat
Malfunctioning EVAP (evaporative emissions purge control) valve
Failing Electronic Control Module (ECM)
Trust Your Car To The Experts At Northside Ford
Because today’s modern cars are becoming increasingly complex and more technologically sophisticated, having your vehicle serviced by mechanics with the latest training and diagnostic skills is your best option. It’s better to know for sure what’s causing the problem so it can be addressed, possibly saving you hundreds of dollars, or even thousands of dollars, in auto repair bills.

Another money-saving tip is to have your car regularly serviced at our Northside Ford Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center near New Braunfels, TX. We’ll do an engine performance check and look for possible trouble spots that require attention. Our in-depth Vehicle Check-Up Report gives you the tools to properly maintain your vehicle so you can avoid that dreaded check engine light from coming on in the first place.

We also make it easy for you to schedule auto service in San Antonio online.

Whether your check engine light comes on, or you’re looking for expert auto repair service near San Antonio, you can trust your car to the experts at San Antonio’s Edmunds.com 5-Star Dealer Award Winner, Northside Ford. We’re conveniently located at 12300 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, TX 78216. Call us today at 844-281-5493.