Your automobile’s “Check Engine” light is a catch-all dashboard warning light. If a vehicle system is experiencing trouble and does not have its own warning light, it will signal the onboard computer to shine the “Check Engine” light. Bring your car, truck, or SUV into Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic & Repair in St. George, UT, and we’ll determine if the light is on for any of the seven reasons below.
Emissions Trouble
Your automobile’s emissions system is designed to take the exhaust generated by the engine, treat it so it’s safe to introduce into the environment, and then expel it once it is safe. If there is anything wrong at all with the emissions system, your “Check Engine” light will come on.
Overheated Engine
Your temperature gauge is your first warning against your automobile engine overheating, but if it’s broken and the engine is way too hot, you might get a “Check Engine” warning, too. Pullover to safety if you do overheat so you don’t run the risk of blowing the radiator cap.
Oil Pressure
Newer vehicles have oil pressure warnings but older ones might opt for a “Check Engine” warning instead. Either light should come on and you should hear an audible warning, such as a bell, when your oil pressure gets too low or your oil levels are too low.
Oxygen Sensor
Part of the emissions system, the oxygen sensor is one of the most common reasons why a “Check Engine” light comes on. This sensor detects how much oxygen is in your vehicle’s exhaust, and it can fail over time, causing an imbalance in the vehicle’s exhaust.
Gas Cap
Your vehicle’s gas cap must be tightened completely after you refill the tank each time. The cap itself creates vacuum pressure, which is what the fuel system needs to function properly. If the cap is too loose or the seal is broken, you’ll receive a warning light.
Catalytic Converter
Another part of your emissions systems is the catalytic converter, and we hope this never fails on you because they can be expensive to replace. When the catalytic converter experiences problems, you will get a warning light and might smell the foul odor of rotten eggs.
Spark Plugs
Finally, the spark plugs can also turn on your “Check Engine” light if they are faulty. Depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, you may have to have to your plugs changed every 30,000 miles or you might be able to go as long as 100,000 miles.
