Why is my check engine light on? | Chrysler Dodge Ram FIAT of Denver

Whatever it looks like! Why is my Check Engine Light on? | LHM Chrysler Dodge Ram FIAT Havana

The check engine light will illuminate for a large number of reasons. Read our guides below to learn about check engine lights, or schedule an appointment for auto service at Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram FIAT Havana serving the Denver Metro area. Find us at 2727 S. Havana St in Denver, CO.

• The first step is to take the car to be scanned for codes, these diagnostic troubleshooting codes will indicate what has triggered the check engine light.
  
• With this information, you know if there is a problem that needs to be immediately addressed.
  
• It may be as simple as a oxygen sensor needing to be replaced, or may be something more serious.
  
• Pay attention to how the car is running. If the engine sounds different, the problem may be serious and should be diagnosed soon.
  
• If your car is running like normal, you may have more time to fix the problem.
  
• Until the diagnostic troubleshooting codes are read, there is no way of knowing for sure.
  

5 reasons your Check Engine Light may go on. 

1. Your Oxygen Sensor is failing and will need to be replaced.

2. Your Exhaust System needs to be checked.

What is a Catalytic Converter?
Basically it's your exhaust system converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, making less of an impact on our atmosphere.

What if I don't get my exhaust system repaired?
Your vehicle won't breeze through an emissions test. New vehicles are exempt for the first seven model years. Vehicles 8-11 years will be inspected using onboard diagnostics (OBD).

If the check engine light is turned on, these vehicles will fail the inspection and need repairs.

Learn more at EPA. Rapid Screen Roadside tests allow clean vehicles to skip emissions tests and this will be indicated on your registration renewal card. The current locations for Air Care Colorado Rapid Screen Roadside Trucks can be found by clicking here.

3. Spark Plugs or Plug Wires require repair. 

4. Mass Airflow Sensor may fail and need replacing. 

With a bad sensor, the engine will not know the right amount of fuel to add, causing problems including poor gas mileage, lack of power and more.

What if I don't replace my Mass Airflow Sensor? 

• All cars take outside air and pass it into the engine through the air filter. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. 
• For an engine to perform properly, it needs a specific amount of air-fuel mixture. 
• The car's computer reads the amount of air coming into the engine from the mass airflow sensor and then calculates the correct amount of fuel needed for proper engine performance.
• If the sensor goes bad, the engine will not know the right amount of fuel to add, causing problems including poor gas mileage, lack of power and more. 
• If the air filter is dirty it is common for the mass airflow sensor to get dirty and lose the ability to read the amount of air coming in the engine. 
• Routinely changing your air filter can improve the lifespan of your mass airflow sensor  

5. Check Your Gas Cap. 

• When it's loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off. 
• This causes a reduction in gas mileage and increases emissions.
• If your car isn't feeling jerky, or surging when the check engine light comes on, the first thing you need to check is the gas cap. 
• Pull your car over, unscrew the cap and take a look to see if it has any cracks in it, if no cracks retighten the cap. 
• Continue driving and see if the check engine light turns off. While not threatening to your engine, it's good to take care of this right away to improve gas mileage.