Check Engine Light

Wondering why your check engine light is on?

When the check engine light turns on, it is the clearest indication that your vehicle may need some type of attention. At Alpine Oil Change we emphasize the importance of not ignoring that little light since your engine computer is telling something is not right and if you ignore the problem it could lead to a much more expensive problem.

Now knowing this are you wondering why your light is on? Well there are several reasons why your engine light turned on that aren't as bad as you may think, so relax a bit. Some of these are simple things you can actually check on your own.

1. Faulty Gas Cap: One common problem can could be due to a faulty gas cap. This is probably the most important part of your car. The gas cap acts as a safety vault against accidental ignition and prevents fuel vapors escaping and ruining your combustion. This is one the easiest things you can check on your own and the first thing you should check when that light turns on. Just check if the gas cap to see if its loose or leaking air.
   
2. Oxygen Sensor: Another reason could be due to a defective sensor such as the oxygen (O2) and air flow sensor. The O2 sensor monitors how much fuel the engine is burning. It does this by driving its attention to how much unburned oxygen makes its way to the exhaust. However, over time gunk from the exhaust may cover the senor, making it less effective and cause the check engine light to turn on.
   
   
3. Catalytic Converter: Now a catalytic converter replacement might be a bit more demanding of your time if it is the reason behind that triggering light. The catalytic converter helps in filtering the exhaust. When it is damaged however, it can cause more pollution in the air, affects engine performance and the fuel economy.
   
   
4. Spark Plugs & Wiring: Now they say you should get a tune up annually, this includes the check up on your spark plugs and wiring. Any irregularities in the functions of either the spark plugs or wiring can cause the engine to function less effectively and cause much larger problems down the road. Its a very common occurrence when the check engine light turns on the it is more than often that your car needs to be fine-tuned.

Let’s be honest, no one likes that light on and the stress that we feel in the back of our mind. But don't freak out if some of these things happen to your car. Bring your car into our shop and we will help sort out the problem.