Why is my Check Engine Light on?
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| The "Check Engine" light is part of your car's onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. This system controls and monitors your vehicle’s performance, regulating such variables as engine speed (RPM), fuel mixture, and ignition timing.
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In 1996, new OBD II regulations required carmakers to install a much more sophisticated system that essentially acts like a built-in state emissions testing station. The computer monitors and adjusts dozens of components and processes in order to keep the engine running at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. The engine parameters need to be constantly and precisely adjusted according to various conditions such as speed, load, engine temperature, gasoline quality, ambient air temperature, road conditions, etc. To help achieve top efficiency, today’s cars have a large number of sensors and electronic devices that help the vehicle computer precisely control the engine and transmission operations and monitor emissions. When your vehicle’s computer senses that there is a problem with some of these components, it stores the correspondent trouble code(s) in its memory and lights up the "Check Engine" light to tell you that there is a problem.
Unfortunately, the “Check Engine” light does not tell you if the problem is a minor problem or a more serious one. Although your car may run fine with the light on, you should have the warning light looked at as soon as possible to avoid potential costly damage to your car.
It is also not safe to assume that the specific component related to the trouble code is actually the source of the malfunction. Sometimes an unrelated malfunctioning sensor, valve, or solenoid could cause the engine to be out of parameter and the specific component the trouble code is refering to simply cannot compensate and the light comes on. This is why it is important to have a qualified technician. Otherwise, you may be replacing parts that are working just fine.
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