The Most Common Reasons Why the Check Engine Light Comes On
The Role of the Catalytic Converter in Your Vehicle
What the Check Engine Light Means
If your catalytic converter is older than ten years, it may have gone wrong and may be the reason why your check engine light has come on. In addition to the check engine light, a problem with a catalytic converter can result in reduced fuel economy and engine performance lag. You may even be experiencing black smoke coming from the exhaust as a result of a faulty catalytic converter.
How a Faulty Catalytic Converter Can Affect Your Car’s Performance
If your check engine light has come on, your mechanic will need to Look at the catalytic converter and let you know if it needs to be replaced. It’s possible, however, that your catalytic converter is full of gunk instead of needing replacement. The catalytic converter converter is in line between the engine and the muffler in the exhaust system. It’s designed to reduce emissions from the exhaust, and each state’s pollution control determines the efficiency level. Your check engine light will come on whenever the pollution level falls below this threshold. If you have taken your car to an auto parts store and have the engine light checked, it could be as simple as the error telling them that your pollution efficiency is below the state threshold. If your mechanic sees the generic code, they may suggest a new catalytic converter altogether. However, this code only sometimes means that the catalytic converter is bad. Some mechanics will first try replacing the oxygen sensors to see if it solves the problem. Others will try to convince you that you must replace the catalytic converter to solve the problem. Suppose you get a generic code from the check engine light. In that case, you may want to have the catalytic converters cleaned of oil deposits or other contamination before you replace them. You can also consider filling your tank with high-octane gasoline. Usually, high-octane gasoline contains more additives and better detergents to clean out the buildup of contaminants in the catalytic converter. If your check engine light comes on and stays on steadily, you want to turn it off the vehicle and have the error codes checked with a diagnostic scanner. After you scan the vehicle, you will want to continue to drive the vehicle and see if the check engine light comes back on. As long as it continues to stay off, you know that you have contaminated the catalyst system and that the high-octane gas has cleaned it out.
The catalytic converter experts at Austin’s Pro Max
The check engine light is a common sign of a problem with your car’s onboard computer diagnostic system. You should bring your car to Austin’s Pro Max to have it checked out and determine what caused the check engine light to turn on. Although a check engine light is not always an immediate problem, you should not ignore it. The diagnostic services available at Austin’s Pro Max will determine the reason for your check engine light: a faulty catalytic converter or a failing oxygen sensor. The technicians at Austin’s Pro Max can diagnose your problem and determine whether or not repairs are needed. Having a diagnostic appointment means knowing what’s wrong with your car and helping you avoid headaches. Give us a call today at one of our Tacoma, Washington, area auto repair shops to make an appointment for your vehicle today.