At Sierra Blanca Motors, we care about our customers. That’s why our service department works hard at educating drivers about their vehicles.
When the check engine light comes on, many people become confused about what to do next. While most people understand that this is a warning, what does the check engine light mean, exactly?
To take care of your vehicle, and help maintain its value, you want to know how to handle these common problems. Let’s take a closer look at why the check engine light is flashing or on and what to do next.
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3 Reasons the Check Engine Light is On
The check engine light, otherwise known as the malfunction indicator lamp, is a warning sign that something’s wrong. These lights come in multiple colors ranging from orange, amber or yellow, depending on the manufacturer of your car.
When the check engine light is blinking, you typically face a more severe issue than when it’s just lit up. Either way, any indication of a problem should be dealt with promptly, or you might face more significant issues down the road.
Let’s look at the three top reasons this warning might occur.
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Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors oxygen levels coming from the exhaust of your vehicle. It tells the computer how much fuel is burned. When the sensor doesn’t provide the right data, it causes a decrease in your fuel mileage.
Many modern cars have between two to four sensors. A qualified technician has the tools needed to tell which sensor is bad and can easily replace it.
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Faulty or Loose Gas Cap
The gas cap is a component that rarely gets thought about, but it has a purpose. When the cap becomes cracked or loose it causes fuel vapors to leak out. This minor malfunction throws off the fuel system. It also causes a reduction in fuel economy and increases vehicle emissions.
If the check engine light comes on and you don’t notice any major performance issues, go ahead and check the fuel cap. Examine it for cracks or other signs of wear. Replacing it doesn’t cost much and it could be the simple fix you require.
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Damaged Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor talks to the vehicle’s computer, so the right amount of fuel is added to the engine. The faulty sensor increases emissions while decreasing fuel economy. It also leads to stalling concerns.
Most of the time, this sensor fails because the air filter isn’t installed correctly. By maintaining the air filter regularly, you prolong the life of your airflow sensor.
While you could continue to drive with a faulty sensor, you don’t want to. For the low cost of replacement, it’s wise to ensure your car is running at optimal levels.
The Next Steps You Should Take
Anytime your check engine light is on, you should consult with a qualified technician - like the ones you’ll find inside the Sierra Blanca Motors Service Department. Ignoring the problem only leads to more expensive repairs down the road.
At Sierra Blanca Motors in Ruidoso, NM, we specialize in a variety of vehicles from top manufacturers including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, and Chevy. We are located in Ruidoso, NM and proudly serve the surrounding cities of Alamogordo, Roswell, Artesia, Carlsbad, and Hobbs, NM.
Customers continue to trust us because we are different. We take the time to make sure you understand what’s wrong with your vehicle. Our service department handles any job, large or small. We will resolve your check engine light, perform oil changes, rotate tires, repair transmissions, and more!
Don't know where to start? Contact us today. At Sierra Blanca Motors - we make it simple.
