If you’re like most vehicle owners, you probably dread the check engine light on your dashboard popping on. This is mostly because the light could mean many things, some which are easy to fix while others may involve costly repairs. The light essentially means that your Subaru’s onboard diagnostics system has detected a malfunction that you need to have checked out and fixed as soon as possible. To know exactly what your Subaru’s computer is trying to tell you when the check engine light comes “on”, you need to have a mechanic run diagnostics test using specialized software. Toole’s Garage Stockton provides comprehensive engine diagnostics and repairs, including full range of check engine light diagnostics.
If the check engine light is flashing, stop the cars in a safe spot, and turn off the engine. Tow the car to your local mechanic for repairs. Driving your Subaru while the check engine light is flashing can cause expensive damage.
Common reasons your Subaru check engine light comes “on”
When the check engine light illuminates, you want to get the bottom of the issue quickly. Here are the most common reasons the warning light comes on.
- Gas cap issues
As simple as it may sound, a problem with the gas cap can trigger the check engine light. This is because the gas helps to prevent fumes from escaping from your vehicle into the environment. A loose or damaged gas cap could lead to pollution and cause decreased fuel efficiency. Simply check the gas cap to see if it’s loose, missing or damaged. Fortunately, replacing a gas cap is an inexpensive fix.
- Oxygen sensor malfunction
The oxygen sensor in your Subaru performs the function of measuring the unburned oxygen in the exhaust and communicating this information to your vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) to determine the right air-fuel mixture. When this sensor starts failing, it is unable to correctly measure oxygen and this may cause the check engine light to come on.
- Faulty spark plugs
Spark plugs ignite fuel in the combustion chamber of the engine to get your vehicle running. When the plugs are worn or faulty, they may be unable to start your vehicle and or cause misfires. To prevent this from happening, the check engine light illuminates to notify you of the problem.
- Mass airflow sensor failure
Air is one of the elements your engine needs to function. However, it must be measured to allow for good air-to-fuel ratio. The mass airflow sensor performs this function. When it becomes worn or damaged, it’s unable to correctly determine how much air to allow into the engine. The check engine light will come on to alert you of the imbalance.
- Bad catalytic converter
When the catalytic converter is failing, it is unable to change hazardous gases like carbon monoxide into harmless compounds. This may lead to black smoke coming from the exhaust, causing pollution in the environment.
The above are some top messages a check engine light warning may be trying to communicate. Whenever the check engine light comes “on” we recommend a timely visit to our Stockton auto care facility – driving with the check engine light on can lead to expensive repairs. Don’t take any chances when you see the light glowing. Have a professional mechanic at Toole’s Garage Stockton diagnose and fix the issue as soon as possible. Call the shop to make an appointment.
