There are several car parts and systems that can generate a check engine warning on the dashboard if they malfunction or fail. Twin City Automotive advises that the engine control unit is the main computer chip that turns on the check engine light. The reason why it will turn it on is that it has received an error code from one of the parts or systems listed below.
Catalytic Converter
You may end up with a check engine warning if the catalytic converter fails. Without a functioning catalytic converter, there will be excess bad emissions in your vehicle’s exhaust. If a sensor such as the oxygen sensor picks this up, it will send an error code to the engine control unit.
EVAP System
Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s EVAP control system is designed to prevent fuel evaporation. Should this system malfunction, the check engine light will turn on. In fact, the check engine light will also turn on if you fail to screw the gas cap on tightly after you fill the tank at the service station.
Engine Control Unit
As we mentioned above, the engine control unit is your automobile’s main computer chip. It can actually turn on the check engine light if it malfunctions. Unfortunately, another sign that the engine control unit has gone bad is a dead engine that refuses to start.
MAF Sensor
Your automobile may be equipped with a mass airflow sensor that tracks the incoming air. Not every vehicle has this sensor. If yours does and it malfunctions, the engine control unit will receive an error code and turn on the check engine light.
O2 Sensor
The oxygen sensor can also send the engine control unit an error code when it dies. For the most part, oxygen sensors these days last 100,000 miles. If your oxygen sensor goes bad, you may notice engine performance problems and receive a check engine warning.
Spark Plugs
In today’s automobiles, the spark plugs are controlled by the engine control unit. It tells each plug went to generate a spark. If the spark plugs are misfiring because they are worn or the module is malfunctioning, you will end up with a check engine warning.
Twin City Automotive in Winston-Salem, NC, would be happy to find out why your vehicle’s check engine light turned on. Call us today. We will make sure your automobile is serviced by one of our certified and experienced technicians.
