Eight Possible Reasons for A Check Engine Light Being Illuminated

Something none of us likes to see is the “Check Engine” light illuminating our dashboard. After the initial horror and disbelief, our thoughts turn to hoping it is not a major issue. And, the worst thing we can do is avoid seeing a mechanic right away – some issues just get worse if left unchecked. So, what is that little light telling you? Here are the top eight issues it could signaling you to address:

1. Oxygen sensor failing
Oxygen sensors keep engines performing at peak efficiency levels, and they manage emissions. O2 sensors monitor gasses leaving the engine. Engines need exact ratios of fuel and air for the most efficient operation. Malfunctions can drop your fuel economy by up to 40 percent. Engine performance is also negatively affected.

2. Ignition coil problems
Ignition coils take electric current from the battery and ignite the spark plugs. Without properly functioning coils and spark plugs, the electric current powering your car's engine are disrupted. All the parts in the car's electrical system take a lot of wear and tear from the electricity passing through them.

3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires
Along with the ignition coils, spark plugs and wires are critical components of the vehicle electrical system. Symptoms of problems with plugs and wires include rough engine idling, engine misses or pings, erratic engine power including power losses and power surges. When engines misfire, fuel economy drops. Ignoring spark plug and plug wire problems can permanently damage the car's catalytic converter, leading to very expensive repairs.

4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions
The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, measures the air coming into the engine and calculating how much fuel to add to the mix. This data goes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Without correct information from the MAF, the ECU cannot correctly balance or deliver the right amount of fuel to your engine. The result is very poor engine performance and 10 to 25 percent decreases in fuel efficiency. Replace this critical component immediately if it begins to fail.

5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system
The evaporative emission control system (EVAP) of a car keeps gasoline vapors from the fuel system and gas tank from release into the air. Leaking vacuum hoses and vents, defective valves and faulty gas caps all contribute to EVAP system problems.

6. Exhaust gas recirculation valve and ports are dirty
The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) controls your car's emissions and helps cars run more efficiently. Rough idling, engine hesitation and misfires can indicate an EGR problem. Worsening performance and fuel economy often result from EGR problems. Often the components of the EGR system are dirty or clogged.

7. Catalytic converter failures
Catalytic converters are often the most expensive mechanical repairs made to vehicles. As a part of the exhaust system, it converts dangerous chemicals in car exhaust into less harmful compounds to release into the air. Catalytic converters should last for the lifetime of the car. Most problems with catalytic converters come from underlying problems such as those that occur with bad spark plugs or ignition coil problems.

8. Dead battery and charging system problems
Most cars have computer systems that monitor voltage in the electrical and battery systems. The computers activate the check engine light when anything appears amiss in the charging system of the car. High temperatures in the engine compartment contribute to rapid aging of batteries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8211449

Winter Car Care – Your Car’s Battery

 Winter can be tough on vehicles, but especially the battery. The chemical reactions required to generate power in a car battery slow down in very cold temperatures, effectively reducing the battery’s ability to hold the charge. Furthermore, when temperatures drop, your engine requires more current from the battery to get started – turning over an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under more favorable conditions.

Combine less power output with more power requirements and what you get is a car that will have a difficult time getting started on very cold winter mornings...or worse yet, a car that won’t start at all.

Some tips to help your car battery through these cold months:

• Get your battery tested, particularly if it is over 3 years old. Older, weaker batteries will typically already have reduced performance, and cold temperatures will often drastically reduce this further – to the point where the battery will discharge or go flat very quickly.

• Have a mechanic inspect your electrical system. Even if you don’t need to replace your battery, he’ll still clean up any corrosion he finds on your posts and connections and make sure your cables are in good shape and are secured firmly to the battery. The mechanic might also fill your battery with distilled water if needed.

• Switch off all loads (lights, wipers, heater, phone chargers, etc.) before switching off your engine at the end of your journey. This prevents any unnecessary drain on the battery the next time you start up.

• Avoid using heaters, heated screens, and heated seats for longer than you have to, as they all put high demands on the vehicle’s battery. Some satnavs, in-car DVD players, and iPods can also drain the battery if left connected.

• Park your vehicle in a garage whenever possible. Every bit of warmth helps, and if all doors and windows are sealed correctly, your garage can be about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than outside (*If your garage is also insulated, you can expect an even greater difference in temperatures).

With more and more vehicle equipment demanding electricity, being aware of your car battery’s health will help keep your travels worry-free this winter season.