5 Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On

“Wait! How can my check engine light be on? I just went to the mechanic!”

There are many frustrations that come along with that little check engine light and sometimes it just never seems to turn off. Often times, the reason for that little light is an easy fix. Autozone has provided us with 5 reasons your check engine light may be on.

Your Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs replacing

Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system.

What if I don't replace it?

Your engine will burn more fuel than needed.

You will experience loss of fuel economy (up to 40% if ignored)*

Faulty sensor(s) can cause damage to your spark plugs and catalytic converter

Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing

Your gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. It also prevents gasoline fumes (hydrocarbons) from being released into the atmosphere while you aren't driving your car.

What if I don't replace it?

You can lose fuel through evaporation

You may make more trips to the gas pump

Catalytic Converter needs replacing

Your catalytic converter helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance.

What 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

Mass Airflow Sensor needs replacing (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 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

Spark Plugs or Plug Wires need replacing

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 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

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