If you've been along the road and saw the dreaded check engine light appear you're aware of that sinking sensation. The lamp that indicates a malfunction (also known as the check engine light) is present on your car to let you know that there is a problem with its system. It could be as simple as loose gas caps or a sensor that's not working or even something more significant that involves the transmission or engine. Certain things can be fixed easily, but it is best to take your vehicle to a dealer to help them identify the issue and correct the issue.

Questions about Fuel Delivery or Air

Your car is dependent on an exact mixture of air and fuel for proper operation. The control module lights the check engine light in the event that the mixture is out of equilibrium. This can result from a leaky gas cap or an easy mistake with the tank of fuel.

Problems with the Ignition System

The ignition system includes the spark plugs, coil packs and coil packs. It ignites the fuel mixture and creates combustion that powers the vehicle. The check engine light is activated when the control module that is monitoring the fuel and air mixture finds an issue in the ignition system.

Sensor or Module Issues

Throughout your car's powertrain is a large network of sensors and control modules that work in tandem to keep the transmission and engine operating smoothly. If any of these modules, sensors or wiring systems fails and the system fails, it will turn on the engine light.

Transmission issues

The transmission in your car is in sync with the engine in order to supply the right amount of power to the wheels. The powertrain, that includes the engine, transmission, and emissions system, all work closely together. If there's a problem with any component of this transmission of power, you'll see the engine light flash on.

Emissions Equipment Issues

Modern automobiles are equipped with a range of components designed to help reduce the emission caused by combustion. The catalytic converter as well as the evaporative emission system are among the key components of the car's emissions system. Each system has its own sensors and modules, which communicate with one another. If one of these systems fails or has an issue, the check engine light turns on.

Engine problems

Although this might seem like an enormous subject but the check engine light will go off if one of the essential components which control the engine (e.g., thermostat, heating system and cool system and fuel pump) is damaged or malfunctions. It isn't easy to identify exactly what is going on, so you'll need to figure out what the problem is.

While you can get a code reader , and train yourself how to read it, it's safer to bring it into the dealership. Service technicians will use the most recent diagnostic equipment to diagnose the problem. They have also the knowledge of the tools and components required to fix the issue and get your car back on the road and running smoothly.