If your check engine light has come on, there are some common reasons that could be behind it. In most cases you should always head straight to your auto shop to have the issue checked out with a simple plug-in diagnostic tool. Most of the causes can be corrected with easy fixes. However, there are some reasons that can be quite serious and require engine repair. Let’s take a look at three of the most common causes that could be causing your check engine light to come on with a brief explanation of the required engine repair.

1.  Malfunctioning sensor

The O2 Sensor and Mass Air Flow Sensor are two of the most important sensors in today's modern engines. If either of these sensors are malfunctioning (and there are a wide variety of reasons why they might), then incorrect signals may be sent to your vehicle’s computer and a false “trouble” indicator may be causing the check engine light to come on. A quick visit to your auto shop can help you find out if your sensors are malfunctioning. A plug-in diagnostic test can tell the technician if the sensors are working correctly and if so, then what the actual cause of the trouble is so you can address it with the right engine repair.

2.  In Need of a Tune Up

Your vehicle's plugs and wires, distributor cap, and rotor button can be some of the most common causes of the check engine light coming on. These items are generally taken care of during a routine tune up, so if the engine light is on, it would be wise to schedule a tune up. This should not only fix your engine light issue, but it will also help you to get better gas mileage, and better overall performance out of your vehicle.

3.  Gas Cap Loose or Missing

The truth is that this issue is the most common cause of an engine light. If your gas cap is worn then it may not be fitting properly and creating a tight enough seal on your filler port. In this case the engine isn’t going to get the amount of pressure on the fuel line that it needs and will trigger the check engine light. The easiest fix is to check the gas cap for proper fit and seal. If needed, replace the cap. If this doesn’t fix the issue, then again, head to your auto shop and let the technician perform a diagnostic test on your engine.

While these three issues are among the most common, and for the most part the easiest to fix, there are some causes that can lead to serious engine trouble if left unaddressed. Stay on the safe side and head to your auto shop when you see your check engine light come on so you can have any needed engine repair concerns properly taken care of.

Don't drive with your check engine light on! Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.

If your vehicle's check engine light has come on, schedule an appointment right away with an engine repair technician at your preferred Engine Repair Shop

If your check engine light has come on, there are some common reasons that could be behind it. In most cases you should always head straight to your auto shop to have the issue checked out with a simple plug-in diagnostic tool. Most of the causes can be corrected with easy fixes. However, there are some reasons that can be quite serious and require engine repair. Let’s take a look at three of the most common causes that could be causing your check engine light to come on with a brief explanation of the required engine repair.

1.  Malfunctioning sensor

The O2 Sensor and Mass Air Flow Sensor are two of the most important sensors in today's modern engines. If either of these sensors are malfunctioning (and there are a wide variety of reasons why they might), then incorrect signals may be sent to your vehicle’s computer and a false “trouble” indicator may be causing the check engine light to come on. A quick visit to your auto shop can help you find out if your sensors are malfunctioning. A plug-in diagnostic test can tell the technician if the sensors are working correctly and if so, then what the actual cause of the trouble is so you can address it with the right engine repair.

2.  In Need of a Tune Up

Your vehicle's plugs and wires, distributor cap, and rotor button can be some of the most common causes of the check engine light coming on. These items are generally taken care of during a routine tune up, so if the engine light is on, it would be wise to schedule a tune up. This should not only fix your engine light issue, but it will also help you to get better gas mileage, and better overall performance out of your vehicle.

3.  Gas Cap Loose or Missing

The truth is that this issue is the most common cause of an engine light. If your gas cap is worn then it may not be fitting properly and creating a tight enough seal on your filler port. In this case the engine isn’t going to get the amount of pressure on the fuel line that it needs and will trigger the check engine light. The easiest fix is to check the gas cap for proper fit and seal. If needed, replace the cap. If this doesn’t fix the issue, then again, head to your auto shop and let the technician perform a diagnostic test on your engine.

While these three issues are among the most common, and for the most part the easiest to fix, there are some causes that can lead to serious engine trouble if left unaddressed. Stay on the safe side and head to your auto shop when you see your check engine light come on so you can have any needed engine repair concerns properly taken care of.

Don't drive with your check engine light on! Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN and the surrounding areas.

Ashlan Kaplan