The check engine light can seem mysterious, as it doesn’t identify a specific problem. Despite this, it’s probably the most important warning light in your vehicle. As your Volkswagen dealer in Las Cruces, NM we’d like to tell you about this light and some reasons it might illuminate.
How Does It Work?
The engine light connects to your car’s computer. Your VW has a vast network of sensors, and each sensor connects to an essential component or system. The sensors receive instructions from your computer and relay information to the computer so it can make decisions. The sensors also monitor their connected component’s health and warn the computer if something goes wrong.
When your computer is advised that a component is in trouble, it logs the problem with an error code and illuminates the engine light. Sensors can identify minute changes in their component so they warn of issues when they first start. If the engine light comes on, we advise visiting our service department ASAP so we can identify and fix the issue.
Identifying the Problem
We connect your car’s computer to our diagnostic system. This system reads the error codes logged by the computer which points our technicians to the issue very quickly. Diagnostics saves time that would otherwise be spent on checking healthy systems, which dramatically reduces your repair costs.
Now we know how the system works, let’s look at some of the situations that will cause the light to illuminate.
Blocked Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter converts dangerous chemicals produced by combustion into harmless ones and water. The converter does this utilizing a combination of extreme pressure, chemical reactions, and great heat. The converted chemicals then pass out of the exhaust.
If the converter is blocked, engine gases are forced back into the engine. Their presence increases pressure in the engine, and the increased pressure can cause stalling or force your engine to shut down. We can fix the situation by clearing the blockage.
Loose Fuel Cap
A loose fuel cap can cause serious problems. Air can enter the fuel system and the pressure will drop. In addition, air bubbles can potentially form and cause blockages. If this happens, you’ll experience misfiring or stalling. In addition, fuel vapor will escape due to the loose cap, and fuel economy will drop.
Sensors connected to the fuel cap will recognize the cap isn’t secure and inform the computer immediately. This is an easy fix, as we’ll re-secure the cap. If the cap is secure but damaged or leaking, we can fit a new cap for you.
An illuminated light is always a sign something is wrong. Contact our service department right away at Sisbarro Autoworld Volkswagen in Las Cruces, NM.
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