What Does It Mean When Check Engine Light On But Car Runs Fine?
It becomes shocking for any driver to experience the check engine light indicating on the car’s dashboard. It is a small, often amber-colored warning light that can be anxiety-provoking because it is usually accompanied by the feeling that something is not quite right with the car despite its normal performance.
Sometimes, the fact that the light is on may seem inconsistent with the overall behavior of your car. Is it safer to turn a blind eye knowing that the car feels fine or better rush to the mechanic? It may, therefore, be useful to get some insight on what it means when the check engine light on but car runs fine.
How Do You Interpret A Check Engine Light On But Car Runs Fine?
The check engine light is also a part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system, which is designed to monitor most of the systems on your car, including the engine. Thus, when something goes wrong, it causes the light and the user to get alerted. However, this may be as minor as a technical problem, or it can be quite serious, thereby warranting some action.
Common Reasons for the Check Engine Light to Be On
Despite the fact you may not observe any difficulty with your car, some factors could lead to the illumination of the check engine light. Here are some common reasons:
Loose or damaged Gas Cap
The most frequent and least severe reason that would necessitate the turning on of the check engine light can be traced to a problem with the gas cap; it may be loose or even missing. The gas cap closes the fuel system and if it is not tight or it has a crack, it allows fuel vapors to evaporate, thus emitting the light. But the good news is that this is a very simple situation where one needs to tighten the gas cap or replace it.
Oxygen Sensor Issues
The oxygen sensor determines the amount of unburned oxygen existing in the exhaust and assists in the regulation of the fuel mixture of the car. If a sensor is not working properly, the fuel economy, as well as emissions, will decrease, Nonetheless, a car may operate efficiently. In the long run, a problematic oxygen sensor will affect the catalytic converter, which costs more to fix.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter works by eliminating the emission of hazardous gasses since it changes carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. When the catalytic converter fails, there will not be any immediate driving problems but the efficiency of the car will be impaired. This is an essential part of your vehicle emission system and should be repaired immediately to avoid further development into worse mishaps.
Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction
The mass airflow sensor calculates the air that has entered the engine and how much fuel is required for combustion. This sensor, if not in good shape, will result in poor fuel consumption, and sometimes the car stalls or fails to start. However, there are chances that the car is still running well before such problems are noticed.
Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Issues
Spark plugs and ignition coils play a vital role in the combustion process of the air-fuel mixture in your car engine. If it becomes worn out or faulty, then it can cause the engine to misfire, which may not be directly noticeable in terms of the car’s performance. However, ignoring this can lead to more extensive engine damage after some time has elapsed.
Vacuum Leak
In your car, there is a vacuum system that works to control many functions in your car such as the brake booster and even the HVAC system of your car’s engine. A vacuum leak, as we have seen, may cause the check engine light to illuminate, but the car may not exhibit that it is off-beam. But the negative effects of this process can be seen after some time where it may cause the engine to become rough and also affect the fuel economy.
EGR – Exhaust gas recirculation system problems
Another device working to decrease emissions is the EGR valve, concerning which a part of exhaust gases is returned to the cylinders of the engine. If the valve is stuck in either position to open or closed, then this will cause the check engine light to on. Despite the fact that your car can appear to work normally, you may find a slight decline in gas mileage or power at some point.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your check engine light on but car runs fine, do not disregard this because it is a warning that should be heeded. The light is a signal that there is something wrong, and though it is not a direct indication of a critical situation, it is better to take care of it sooner rather than later. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to do:
Look for Easy Problems First
The best way is to begin with the gas cap. If it is loose, then try to give it a tighter twist and check the light after driving for some time. If the cap to the tank is cracked or broken then it must be replaced.
Be Alert to Any Alterations
Regardless of how perfect your car may be working, always look out for any funny noises, changes in fuel consumption, or any shift in performance. They can be the first signs of the fact that there is an issue.
Get a Diagnostic Check
If the light is still on, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a scanner for a check-up. It is usually a free service provided by most auto parts stores, or you can take your car to any mechanic. The codes that are stored in the computers of cars will be read out by the diagnostic scan and can be used to determine the cause of the light.
Consider the Severity of the Issue
There are some problems that cause the check engine light, which is not critical and will not harm your vehicle right away, while other problems could result in a major repair bill. For instance, a failed oxygen sensor is less critical than a faulty catalytic converter. The diagnostic scan can assist you in identifying which cars need the most repair.
Do Not Neglect It To The Extreme
It may seem that you should ignore the check engine light because your car drives just fine, but this is not the best thing to do. If the problem is associated with the emission system or fuel mixture, it would result in long-term damages such as damage to the engine or the catalytic converter hence incurring huge expenses in construction.
Conclusion
The check engine light is not a trivial signal, even if there aren’t any mechanical issues or if your car is running smoothly. People should take it seriously because if it is not, it will worsen, leading to more severe issues and costly repairs.
In this way, it is possible to prevent many possible problems and keep one’s car in good shape so as not to have any unpleasant life situations on the road.
