When the “check engine light” comes on, the last thing you should do is ignore it. But before scheduling a service appointment, you can perform some quick checks to rule out an easy fix. First, check the gas cap. A loose or missing gas cap is the number one culprit. The next thing to do is to call your car dealership. The dealership technicians have the equipment and experience to isolate and repair the problem.
The oxygen sensor could also be a cause. This measures the unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system. A defective sensor can raise your gas consumption, lower your mileage, and even damage your spark plugs or your catalytic converter.
Speaking of that component, the catalytic converter could also cause the check engine light to illuminate. Its purpose is to convert the dangerous carbon monoxide into the safer carbon dioxide. A defect in the catalytic converter will reduce engine performance and raise engine temperatures.
If this all sounds complicated, we can take the stress off. Schedule an appointment with our service center at our Brookville, IN dealership for a proper run-down.