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If you’ve ever been driving down the road and see the dreaded check engine light come on, you understand that sinking feeling. The check engine light, known as the malfunction indicator lamp, is on your car to let you know there’s a problem somewhere in one of the car’s systems. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, a faulty sensor, or something more serious involving the engine or transmission. While some things are easy to fix, it’s usually best to bring the car to the dealership so they can troubleshoot the issue and repair it.
Air or Fuel Delivery Issues
Your car relies on an exact mixture of air and fuel to run properly. If the mixture gets thrown off balance, including by something as simple as having a loose gas cap, the control module will sense the problem and will turn on the check engine light.
Ignition System Problems
The ignition system, which includes the spark plugs and coil packs, ignites the fuel and air mixture to create the combustion that powers the car. If the same control module that monitors the air and fuel mixture notices a problem with the ignition system, it will turn on the check engine light.
Sensor or Module Problems
Throughout your car’s powertrain is a vast network of sensors and control modules that work together to keep the engine and transmission running smoothly. If one of these sensors, modules, or wiring systems malfunctions, the network will turn on the engine light.
Transmission Issues
Your car’s transmission works with the engine to deliver the correct amount of power to the drive wheels. The powertrain, which includes the transmission, engine, and emissions system, works closely together. If there’s a problem with any part of this transmission of power, you’ll see the engine light come on.
Emissions Equipment Problems
Modern cars have a series of components designed to help reduce emissions caused by combustion. Key pieces of your car’s emissions equipment system include the catalytic converter, the evaporative emissions system, the gas recirculation system, and the general exhaust system. Each of these systems has its own sensors and modules that communicate with each other. If one of the systems fails or has an issue, the check engine light comes on.
Engine Problems
While this may seem like a broad category, if the thermostat, heating and cooling system, fuel pump, or any other important part that runs the engine system fails or malfunctions, the check engine light will come on. Because it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what the issue is, you’ll need to know what the problem specifically is in order to have it fixed.
While you can get a code reader and learn to decipher it, it’s safer to bring it into the dealership. The service technicians use their state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot the issue. They also have the knowledge, tools, and parts needed to make the repairs and get your car back on the road and running smoothly.
If your car’s check engine light does come on, be sure to stop by Service Chevrolet to have it looked at to prevent any damage to the car’s engine.
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