Check Engine Light: A Quick Fix Guide
Posted 10/30/09
Having your own vehicle has its pros and cons, but in the event of troubles looking into them early helps. Perhaps every automobile owner has faced this particular predicament at one time or the other. We are talking about the check engine light going off, which in all probability suggests that something is wrong within your main hood are. Although the check engine light is in no way a specific indication to the nature of the problem, it still needs attention. And when we say the check engine light gives very unspecific signals, we mean it. What this means is that although the light indicator could mean that some major repair work is due, it could be as frivolous as your gas cap being loose, no joke!Every car owner must learn to regard the check engine light as cause for some concern. In reality, most cases of recurrent check engine episodes suggest serious problems and do need some professional repair. So how do you actually find out what is wrong? What is the best course of actions? Fret not, help is near. While there are plenty of small snags that can make the check engine light come on, most of them are easily corrected. Here are the common causes for your check engine light to be blinking.
Emission Control System Breakdown The emission control system of your engine essentially helps to keep emissions cleaner and the emission levels less polluting. A problem with your emission system may lead to repair time, and with hordes of valves, sensors and heated wiring to contend with, this procedure is better left to a skilled auto repair dealer or garage. A problem with the oxygen sensor could also make the check engine light go off, and may need a replacement. In this regard, the check engine light indication may be misinterpreted. Since the hydrocarbon levels emitted in the exhaust is an indication of emission levels, and even a loose gas cap could increase hydrocarbon exhaust, the engine light may still come on. Thus when the emissions are higher the check engine light comes on, and this could mean that while your emission control is fine, the gas cap was too loose. Thus the check engine light may indicate an untightened gas cap even if the emission system is fine.
Your Gas Cap Isn't Closed Tight A proportion of check engine light problems could come from a loosely fir gas cap. This could be because of emission problems or a pressure buildup in your gas tank. This is a straightforward process and in case your engine light is steadily blinking, check your gas cap. Having fixed the issue, you engine light may not really go off at once, so wait a week or so before trying another approach.
Issues With Spark Plug Wires The check engine light may come on in case of a glitch in your spark plug. Old spark plugs develop tiny cracks, causing electric impulses to burst out of it and not into the spark plug as is the proper mechanism. Check out your spark plugs for signs of wear and tear, and try replacing them.
Unwanted Engine Dampness The check engine light may be triggered if there is water dripping into your spark plug or your engine has a wetness problem. This could come from rain that finds its way into your hood, or water from a high pressure car wash. Dry up the droplets and see if this gets the engine light indication to stop.
Having tried all these tricks if your engine light still blinks, a major repair work may be due. Evidently, proceeding to get your car repaired at your local dealer is the sensible thing to do.