Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Learn more about why your check engine light is on

Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On

When you turn the key and your car is getting warmed up and ready for the road, the last thing that you want to see is a Check Engine Light. This small symbol can cause you to panic and stress, but sometimes the fix is simple. If you want to get rid of the light, then you can stop by Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM for a quick inspection. Once our mechanics have the chance to look at your model, they’ll be able to figure out which part or system is responsible.

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Is Your Check Engine Light Flashing?

Before you start to panic, you should check if the light is on or if it’s flashing. If the Check Engine Light is constantly flashing, then this usually means that your engine is misfiring. This can cause unburnt fuel to enter your exhaust system, which will eventually damage your catalytic converter. If you notice any changes in performance, or you think that your engine might be misfiring, then it’s important to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Alternatively, you might see a Check Engine Light that doesn’t flash at all. This could mean a lot of things, as you might have a failing oxygen sensor, a weak battery, or even a bad mass airflow sensor. If you need answers, and you live near Leavenworth, Kansas City, or Overland Park, then you can visit us at Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today.

Is Your Electrical System the Problem?

Your electric system is vast, and there are a lot of different parts that contribute to it. If you have a Check Engine Light, it could be due to a weak battery. This is fairly easy to test, as you can take out your battery and bring it to us at Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. Our voltmeter will be able to quickly tell if your battery is failing. If your battery isn’t the culprit, then it could be your spark plugs. Your spark plugs might seem minor, but they play a massive role as they ignite the mixture of gasoline and air in your engine. They can fail over time though, and the surrounding parts like the ignition coils and the spark plug wires can also give out. If you think that your electrical system might be causing the Check Engine Light, then it’s best to have your car inspected by a professional.

What About Your Sensors?

If it’s not your electrical system, then it’s time to start checking specific parts. If your gas cap is loose or damaged, then that can cause the light to come on. This is your best-case scenario, as the fix is to just get a new gas cap. Alternatively, you could have bad sensors. Your oxygen sensor and your bad mass airflow sensor can both cause the problem. It could also be an issue with your exhaust system or a vacuum leak. Your catalytic converter, your EGR valve, and other parts can all contribute to your Check Engine Light. While it might feel overwhelming to constantly see this light, we can solve your issue today at Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.

There are a lot of reasons that your Check Engine Light might come on. If you’re worried about your car, then you can schedule a service with our team of mechanics at Victory Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM.