Why Has My Engine Management Light Come On?

15th March 2018 | ifa_admin

If you are driving along and your car’s engine management light comes on, this means there is a problem with your car that needs to be seen to as soon as possible. There are a few possible reasons for this happening, below is a list of the more common reasons for this happening:

• Loose/broken fuel cap – It may not be an obvious cause, but the engine management light will come on if the fuel cap is not properly closed, or if there is damage allowing air into the fuel system of the car. You can easily check for any signs of damage to your fuel cap.
• Failing spark plugs – Your car will struggle to start if one or both of your spark plugs are damaged, as there are responsible for starting the combustion process within your car’s engine. This will cause the engine management light to come on, however a spark plug is easily replaced and fairly inexpensive.
• Fault with the oxygen sensor – This monitors how much fuel is burned in your car’s engine by looking at the level of oxygen in your car’s exhaust system. Oxygen sensors are prone to ash and oil coverage with prevent the sensors from working. This can be easily and quickly fixed by a mechanic. However, if this problem is ignored it may lead to a blocked oxygen sensor, which could result in your car needing extensive, and expensive, repairs.
• Damage to the catalytic convertor – This prevents dangerous fumes from entering the car, such as carbon monoxide, which are produced by the combustion process. It is part of your car’s exhaust system, and if left untreated could cause dangerous fumes to leak into your car, posing a risk to yourself and any passengers, so it is vital you get this problem seen to as quickly as possible.

If in any doubt as to why your engine management light has come on, give us a call on 01708 377377