Check Engine what is it and how should I react
Check Engine is a light on the dashboard of a vehicle that indicates that the car’s internal combustion engine is not working properly. However, like any other electronics, the ECU can send a signal to the dashboard by mistake. Therefore, you should not panic and immediately call a tow truck to take the car to a service station.
Ignoring the problem is also not a solution. First, you need to figure out why the Check Engine light came on in the first place.
OK, so you’re driving down the road and your check engine light comes on. Odds are good it’s one of the 10 following reasons, according to the CarMD report. Now for the bad news. The cheapest fix is $15. The most expensive – among the top 10 reasons – is replacing the catalytic converter at $1,153.
TOP 10 reasons for check engine light
According to CarMD, the following are the 10 most common check engine light-related car repairs and associated average repair costs. left unrepaired, each of these problems will negatively impact fuel economy and harm the environment:
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Replace oxygen sensor $249
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Replace catalytic converter $1,153
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Replace ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s) $390
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Tighten or replace fuel cap $15
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Replace thermostat $210
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Replace ignition coil(s) $236
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Replace mass air flow sensor $382
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Replace spark plug wire(s) and spark plug(s) $331
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Replace evaporate emissions (EVAP) purge solenoid $184
Don't waste time thinking! Book an appointment for check engine diagnostics or repair today
5 reasons you may have a check engine light on
1. Your oxygen (O2) sensor needs to be replaced.
Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system.
What happens if I don’t replace it?
- Your engine will burn more fuel than needed
- You will lose fuel economy, and get fewer miles per gallon
- Faulty sensor(s) can cause damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter
- You can lose fuel through evaporation
- You may take more trips to the gas pump
3. You have a bad catalytic converter.
Your catalytic converter helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance (like the parts in reasons # 1, 4, and 5).
What happens if I don’t replace it?
- Your vehicle will not pass an emissions test
- You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy
- Your car may run at a higher temperature
4. It’s time to replace your Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF).
Your mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently.
What happens if I don’t replace it?
- Faulty sensors can cause damage to spark plugs, O2 sensors or catalytic converter
- You will experience reduced performance and fuel economy
5. Your vehicle needs new Spark Plugs or Plug Wires.
Your spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs.
What happens if I don’t replace it?
- You will experience poor performance (reduced power, engine missing) and reduced fuel economy
- Worn plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors
Why should you trust us with your brake system repair?
Ur 1 Stop Auto Repair is your one-stop for quality auto maintenance services such as brakes, tune ups, batteries, and oil changes. Let us help you keep you vehicle looking good and running great, we can get you out on the road quickly and affordably.
Take a look around—if you don’t find what you need, stop in and see us. We’re conveniently located in Watsonville, CA. For years we have provided the area with great products and unprecedented service for everything we sell. And for years our customers have been coming back.
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