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One of the most common—and frustrating—automotive problems that crops up as your vehicle starts to age and accumulate mileage is the tendency for the "Check Engine" light to illuminate. Often, when you check the manual, you'll find little information about what's caused the light to come on, and the information provided is patchy and inconclusive. To help you understand what's happening when this light illuminates, Priam’s Automotive Service & Repair, an experienced auto tuneup shop in Honolulu, HI, explains three of the most common reasons your light might come on.

Why Your Check Engine Light Might Be On

1. Your Gas Cap Is Loose

The check engine light normally reacts to emission problems, but the simplest cause is that you have a loose, missing, or cracked gas cap. Your car's sensors will detect a lack of pressure differential in the fuel tank and surmise that fuel can evaporate into the atmosphere. If this is the cause, simply replacing the fuel cap will cause the light to shut off. If the light is still on, an auto tuneup might be needed.

2. The Catalytic Converter Needs a Replacement

Auto tune up in Honolulu, HIThe catalytic converter changes toxic carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, the same gas that humans exhale. If the converter is shot, you'll experience reduced fuel efficiency and the car won't pass an emissions test. To address these issues and to turn off the light, have the converter replaced.

3. A Sensor Needs a Replacement

The cause could be a faulty oxygen sensor—which measures the level of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust—or a bad mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine the necessary fuel flow. If either of these has failed, you'll experience reduced performance and fuel efficiency. If you don’t fix the problem, it can damage the spark plugs or catalytic converter and require an additional auto tuneup.

To have a check engine light problem diagnosed, contact Priam’s Automotive Service & Repair in Honolulu, HI. They are an experienced auto tuneup shop known for their integrity, automotive expertise, and fair pricing. They also specialize in oil change and brake service. Visit their website for location information, or call (808) 537-1919 to speak with an expert auto maintenance technician.

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