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It’s the warning light we are all desperately trying to avoid, the dreaded check engine light. Scary when we first see it, especially if we have never seen it on our vehicle before, the check engine light is not as bad as it seems. Your car will not fall apart at the scene nor will it catch fire. So the first thing to do when you see the check engine light come on is to take a deep breath.
“There are a lot of things that can cause the check engine light to turn on, and most of them are harmless. Sometimes, you can fix the problem yourself. Other times, you may need a checkup but ultimately the problem will be solved fairly easily”, says a service technician at King Mazda.
Let’s look at some of the reasons that may lead to the check engine light coming on.
The first, and probably the easiest, is that the fuel tank cap is not tightened correctly. This will lead to a problem in the fuel system as fuel vapors can escape. The cap should be the first place you look when the check engine light comes on.
If you have made sure it is secure, then you may want to call your dealership and set an appointment. There may be a cylinder that is not activating, or your mass airflow sensor needs to be replaced. It may also have to do with your catalytic convertor. In any case, you may or may not notice a drop in performance when driving, but try and get to the dealership sooner rather than later. The problem may not be severe, but you do not want to ignore it either.
