Why is My Check Engine Light on

Uh-oh, your check engine light is on! The check engine light is never a good sign, as its purpose is to warn you of a problem with your vehicle. Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “Why is My Car’s Check Engine Light On?”

If your check engine light turns on, you should get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. If the light is flashing, you should immediately pull over– your car has a severe problem that could quickly cause damage. If fixing your car is more expensive than buying a used one, use You Call We Haul to sell your damaged car for cash!

Here are some common causes of your check engine light turning on:

  1. The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the car’s exhaust system. If you don’t replace it, your engine will burn more fuel than needed, you’ll get fewer miles per gallon, or your spark plugs and catalytic converter can be damaged. 
  2. Loose, damaged, or missing gas cap. A vehicle’s gas cap helps maintain pressure within the gas tank and prevents hydrocarbons from being released into the atmosphere. If you don’t replace it, you may lose fuel and will need to get gas more often.
  3. Bad catalytic converter. A catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If you don’t replace your converter, your car won’t pass an emissions test, you’ll experience reduced vehicle performance and fuel economy, and the car might run at a higher temperature.
  4. Replace your mass airflow sensor. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the car’s engine in order to figure out how much fuel is needed to run your engine. If it’s not replaced, damage can be caused to spark plugs, oxygen sensors or catalytic converter, as well as reduced vehicle performance and fuel economy.
  5. New spark plugs or spark wires needed. Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of a car. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If they’re not replaced, you’ll experience poor vehicle performance or the plugs can cause a clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and oxygen sensors.

Source: AutoZone

Remember: Get your vehicle checked by a mechanic if your check engine light comes on. If the damage to the vehicle is too costly, buying a used car may be a better option. 

You Call We Haul buys all types of damaged and non-functioning vehicles for cash! Our online platform connects you with our nationwide network of buyers who place live bids on your vehicle. Once you accept an offer, a partnered towing agent will reach out to schedule a pick-up time most convenient for you. Towing is free and you’ll be paid in cash at pick-up. It’s that easy!Are you ready to get cash for your damaged vehicle? Click here to get started or call us at (866) 771-5865!

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