Why The Check Engine Light Is On?

"Causes of an illuminated engine check light."

There are numerous issues that can cause a check engine light to come on in a vehicle. The check engine light is part of the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system that monitors and controls various systems in the vehicle.

When the OBD system detects an issue, it triggers the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard.

The computer will monitor the modern engine and make sure everything is working ok.

It helps to understand how this process happens and this can help with the diagnosis methods we discuss later.

Watch our video that accompanies this article for troubleshooting and diagnosing check engine light problems.

Closed and Open Loop Engine Systems.

Older or simpler engines may not have a closed loop system at all, relying instead on fixed air-fuel ratios and simpler fuel delivery systems.

However, modern engines typically use closed loop systems to meet more stringent emissions standards and to improve fuel efficiency and performance.

Additionally, certain engine operating conditions may cause the closed loop system to be temporarily disabled. For example, during engine warm-up, the engine may operate in an open loop mode until the oxygen sensor reaches a certain temperature, after which the closed loop system will engage.

A closed loop system is a system in which a control mechanism is used to maintain a desired output or response, based on feedback from sensors that monitor the output or response.

In a closed loop system, the output is constantly measured and compared to a desired setpoint, and any deviations from the setpoint are corrected automatically.

How This Works?

In the context of automotive systems, a closed loop system is typically used to regulate the air-fuel mixture and emissions of the engine.

The engine control module (ECM) monitors various sensors, such as the oxygen sensor, to measure the exhaust gas composition and adjust the air-fuel ratio accordingly.

The ECM uses this feedback to constantly adjust the air-fuel mixture to maintain optimal performance and minimize emissions.

During normal engine operation, the system will usually operate in a closed loop mode.

The ECM will adjust the air-fuel ratio based on the feedback from the oxygen sensor, and the system will continue to adjust the air-fuel mixture until the oxygen sensor signals that the desired level of emissions has been achieved.

In contrast, during engine warm-up or heavy load conditions, the system may operate in an open loop mode, in which the air-fuel mixture is not adjusted based on feedback from the oxygen sensor.

The use of a closed loop system in automotive applications is important because it allows for precise control over the air-fuel mixture and emissions, leading to improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.

Some common reasons that cause a check engine light to come on are:

1. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system and helps to control the fuel-to-air ratio. A faulty oxygen sensor causes the engine to run inefficiently and triggers the check engine light.
2. The gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain the correct pressure in the fuel tank. A loose, damaged, or missing gas cap causes fuel vapors to escape and triggers the check engine light.
3. The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing emissions by converting harmful gases into less harmful ones. A faulty catalytic converter causes the engine to run inefficiently and triggers the check engine light.
4. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps to control the fuel-to-air ratio. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor causes the engine to run poorly and triggers the check engine light.
5. Ignition coils and spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. Failed ignition coils or spark plugs can cause misfires and trigger the check engine light.
6. Many sensors are used in modern vehicles to monitor various systems and components. A faulty or damaged sensor causes the check engine light to come on as can magnetic or electrical interference.
7. Besides ignition coils and spark plugs, other components of the ignition system, such as the ignition control module or distributor cap, can fail and cause the check engine light to come on.
8. Problems with the transmission, such as a faulty shift solenoid or a slipping transmission, can cause the check engine light to come on.
9. Issues with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel filter or a failing fuel pump, can cause the check engine light to come on.
10. The engine control module (ECM) is responsible for controlling many of the vehicle's systems and components. A faulty or damaged ECM causes the check engine light to come on.

Problems with the camshaft tensioner and belt can cause the engine check light to come on.

The camshaft belt, also known as the timing belt, is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the engine's valves and pistons, and the camshaft tensioner ensures that the belt is properly tensioned.

If the camshaft belt or tensioner is worn, damaged, or misaligned, it can cause the engine's timing to be off, which can lead to poor engine performance, misfires, or even engine damage.

This can trigger the engine check light to come on, as the engine control module (ECM) will detect that the engine is not running properly.

In addition, some vehicles are equipped with a system that uses sensors to monitor the position and movement of the camshaft and crankshaft.

So if the timing is off due to camshaft belt or tensioner problems, this can also trigger a fault code and cause the check engine light to come on.

Therefore, if you have a camshaft belt or tensioner problem, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired promptly.

This will avoid potential engine damage and to prevent further issues that may trigger the check engine light to come on.

How do you start diagnosing a check engine light problem?

When diagnosing a check engine light problem, it is important to follow a systematic approach to identify the root cause of the issue. Here are some general steps you can take to start diagnosing a check engine light problem:

1. Retrieve the diagnostic trouble code (DTC): The first step is to retrieve the DTC that triggered the check engine light.
   
   You can use an OBD-II scanner to read the codes, which will provide you with a starting point for diagnosing the problem.
   
   Interpret the DTC: Once you have retrieved the DTC, you will need to interpret the code to determine what system or component may be causing the problem.
   
   You can look up the code in a repair manual or online to get more information on what the code means.
2. Check for obvious problems: Before diving into more complex diagnosis, it's a good idea to check for any obvious issues that may be causing the problem.
   
   This can include checking the oil level, inspecting the air filter, and ensuring that all the fluid levels are correct.
3. Inspect the affected system or component: Once you have a general idea of what system or component may be causing the problem, you can begin inspecting the system or component for any obvious signs of damage or wear.
   
   This can include visually inspecting hoses, wiring, and other components, as well as using a multimeter or other diagnostic tools to test for electrical continuity or resistance.
4. Test the affected system or component: If you don't find any obvious problems during the inspection. You'll need to test the affected system or component to determine if it is functioning properly. This can involve using specialized diagnostic tools or performing specific tests, such as a compression test on the engine or a pressure test on the fuel system.
5. Repair or replace the faulty component: Once you have identified the root cause of the problem, you can take steps to repair or replace the faulty component. This may involve replacing a damaged sensor, repairing a damaged wire or hose, or replacing a worn or damaged component.

We hope this article has been useful to you and a good aid in diagnosing your engine check light problems.

Please feel free to comment below if you feel we've missed something or you are still having problems and hopefully we can get you the answers you need.

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This article is flagged for an update, so please pass on specific tips below that I can include. All articles, and content was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder. Some outlines are just too general so I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under Articles, Car care. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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