Von Schledorn Auto Group Official Blog
Why is my check engine light flashing?
By Product Expert | Posted in Service and Repair, Tips and Info on Thursday, April 4th, 2019 at 8:06 pm
One of the most common annoyances drivers everywhere face is that little orange check engine light. It might say “SERVICE ENGINE SOON” or it might just be a little symbol loosely resembling an engine. Regardless, it can be very annoying because nothing else may seem obviously wrong. There are a few different explanations for why your light is on. Keep reading to explore those.
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3 possible reasons why your check engine light is on
Your exhaust system isn’t working right
Your catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. This is meant to lessen the impact your vehicle has on the environment. If your catalytic converter isn’t working right, you wouldn’t even notice unless your check engine light came on and that turned out to be the diagnosed problem. A car with a busted catalytic converter won’t pass an emissions test. While this is a common problem and it doesn’t come with direct safety concerns, you should still get it fixed.
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You have a failing O₂ sensor
Another common cause of the check engine light to come on is a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen gas in your vehicle. If this isn’t working right, your engine will burn more fuel than it needs to, which will harm your fuel economy. So, fixing this will help your emissions, turn off your check engine light, and save you cash at the gas pumps. 
You have damaged spark plugs or plug wires
Your spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. They are an integral part of your engine and should be checked at routine services. Some signs that you need to change your spark plugs, in addition to your check engine light being on, are your engine roughly idling, trouble starting your car, engine misfires, and a lack of acceleration.
If your check engine light is on, bring your car in and we will figure out what the problem is!
