Many drivers in Virginia keep driving their car after the check engine light comes on. That is dangerous. The vehicle may feel fine at first. But the warning is there because the on-board diagnostic system has found abnormal readings. It could be from the:

• Engine
• Emissions system
• Ignition system
• Other critical parts.

Sometimes the problem will be minor. In some cases, ignoring the warning can cause major problems like:

• Engine damage
• Poor fuel economy
• Missed emissions tests
• Engine failure.

Here is why you should not ignore that light.

It is a warning system

The check engine light is an indicator that one or more systems are not working within normal limits.

Today’s vehicles are equipped with sensors in the engine and drivetrain. They track:

• Fuel
• Air
• Ignition control
• Pollution
• Temperature regulation.

If a sensor reading is not within the acceptable range, the engine control module will set a diagnostic trouble code. Then, illuminate the warning light.

It may be steady or flashing. This depends on how serious the case is. A steady light typically means there is a problem that will need to be addressed in the near future. A flashing light typically suggests that there is a more serious problem. For example, a severe engine misfire may lead to catalytic converter damage. In this case, you should seek immediate Auto Repair Virginia Beach VA.

Do not ignore the warning, even if the car appears to run normally. Most faults get worse over time.

Loose gas caps

The fuel system is pressurized. The emissions system is carefully monitoring the containment of vapors.

The warning light may be activated if the gas cap is not properly tightened. This happens when the vehicle senses a leak. The problem may be solved by tightening or replacing the cap after a few drive cycles.

But this assumption is not always safe without a proper diagnosis. Drivers often think that the warning is not a serious issue and keep driving. However, it could be a serious problem with the:

• Ignition
• Fuel delivery
• Emissions control.

The only reliable diagnostic is by scanning the stored fault codes and interpreting them properly.

Ignition problems

Common ignition problems include:

• Faulty spark plugs
• Poor ignition coils
• Wiring problems.

These elements are necessary for efficient combustion in the engine cylinders.

Otherwise, the engine may misfire. This indicates that one or more of the cylinders is not burning the fuel properly. Early symptoms may be:

• Rough idling
• Hesitation during acceleration
• Loss of power
• Higher fuel consumption.

Misfires are dangerous. Any unburned fuel can get into the exhaust system and overheat the catalytic converter. These are costly devices. Therefore, driving with active misfires can result in permanent damage.

It is always a priority problem if:

• The check engine light is flashing
• The engine is misfiring.

Oxygen sensor failures

These sensors measure the content of oxygen in exhaust gases. They assist in the regulation of the air-fuel mixture. These sensors continually adjust the way the engine runs for efficiency and emissions.

They can become less sensitive as they age. They can even give incorrect readings. This may lead to an over-rich or under-rich condition in the engine.

Symptoms include:

• Poor fuel economy
• Poor idle
• Slow acceleration
• High emissions.

Many times, you will experience poor fuel economy before you notice any serious drivability issues.

Sensor failures often develop gradually. Drivers sometimes adapt to reduced performance without realizing the vehicle is no longer operating efficiently.

Catalytic converter issues

The catalytic converter treats combustion products. It reduces the harmful exhaust emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.

There are a number of reasons why a converter might fail, such as:

• Age
• Overheating
• Contamination
• Extended ignition issues.

When efficiency falls below a desirable range, the system activates the check engine light.

This can cause:

• Diminished engine performance
• Foul sulfur odor from exhaust
• Overheating
• Sluggish acceleration.

If this occurs, the exhaust flow is too limiting to operate the engine efficiently.

If a catalytic converter is damaged, the repair can be expensive. So it’s important to diagnose ignition and fuel system problems when they first happen. Diagnostic checks at the London Bridge Auto and Transmission Repair Shop Virginia Beach can pinpoint the underlying cause.

Mass airflow sensor problems

The mass airflow sensor is used to determine the volume of air that enters the engine. This helps to determine proper fuel delivery by the control module.

The sensor may be dirty or malfunctioning. Consequently, fuel mixture calculations are incorrect. This may result in:

• Hesitation
• Unstable idle
• A lack of acceleration
• A stall.

When air filters are neglected, they can also become contaminated by dirt and debris more readily entering the intake system. Some aftermarket air filters contain too much oil. This can also impact sensor accuracy.

Airflow sensors affect several aspects of the engine.

The takeaway

The check engine light should not be ignored for an extended period of time. Some are relatively small issues. Others are growing issues that can impact the durability, emissions, gas mileage, and lifetime repair expenses of the engine. You must take action before a small problem turns into a big mechanical problem.