Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

If you have been driving a while, you have likely experienced the check engine light coming on at some point. Did you know that there is a difference between a steady light versus a flashing light? A steady light means that there is an issue, and it is best if you don’t ignore it. If it is flashing, that is usually a more serious problem. The engine may be misfiring, and unburned fuel is entering the exhaust system, which can damage your catalytic converter. If your check engine light is on, you need to have it checked out. If you are around Berkeley, Hayward, or Santa Clara, bring your car, truck, SUV, or minivan into Premier Nissan of Fremont and let our professional technicians run diagnostics and figure out what is wrong with your vehicle.

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Possible problems that result in the check engine light being on:

Failing oxygen sensor: Your exhaust pipe has several oxygen sensors that are there to monitor your air-to-fuel-ratio. They gather data and transmit information to your computer so it can manage the air-to-fuel mixture properly. This information is important to provide improved fuel efficiency.
Loose or damaged gas cap: In some vehicles, the check engine light can mean that you have a loose or damaged gas cap. This can be a simple fix like merely tightening the gas cap. Though this may seem minor, it can let fuel vapors escape and the EVAP system may not work right.
Bad spark plugs: These tiny powerhouses generate the spark that starts your engine. When they wear out, this can cause a lot of problems. If spark plugs are not replaced, they can cause ignition problems, fuel waste, or damage to other parts of your vehicle.
Weak battery: An illuminated check engine light can be associated with a weak battery, if your battery is faulty, or is not charged fully, it won’t be able to provide the power needed for the electrical systems in your vehicle.
Damaged catalytic converter: This engine component cuts down on air pollution by removing pollutants from your vehicle’s exhaust by transforming harmful compounds to less harmful compounds such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides.
Bad mass airflow sensor: This monitors airflow so that the engine’s computer can help the vehicle run smoother and maintain fuel efficiency.
EGR valve issue: EGR means Exhaust Gas Recirculation and this valve helps reduce the emission of harmful nitrogen oxide by recirculating portions of the exhaust gas into the air intake system.
Vacuum leak: A leak can cause a loss of vehicle power and a drop in fuel efficiency.

Contact us at Premier Nissan of Fremont if your check engine light is on and set up an appointment with our Service Center. Let our expert technicians run a diagnostic on your vehicle to get to the root of the problem that is triggering your check engine light. You can also schedule service online.

Let Premier Nissan of Fremont help get you back on the road safely.

*Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or offroad vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to: http://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle