Every time you get behind the wheel of an exotic car like the Maserati you should have an exhilarating and comfortable driving experience. The check engine light on your dashboard, on the other hand, undermines the thrill of driving. It is included in your car’s diagnostics system. A computer activates a yellow warning indicator that could be labeled “check engine” when it recognizes a fault in the electronic control that it cannot fix.
A few reasons why your check engine light may be on include:
- Engine problems: As expected, engine troubles might cause the check engine light to illuminate. A control module uses a variety of sensors to keep track of the engine’s performance. When it senses an issue, the check engine light illuminates.
- Emissions equipment problems: There are multitudes of emissions equipment on modern cars. The exhaust gas recirculation system, catalytic converter, and evaporative emissions system are just to name a few examples. Each piece is engineered to reduce exhaust emissions, conserve the environment and make the world a safer place. These parts and systems are too many to list and explain individually, but a failure of the emissions equipment can easily activate the check engine light.
- Transmission problems: The transmission of your car controls engine power and distributes it to the drive wheels. Because the two assemblies are so tightly linked, a transmission malfunction can result in increased tailpipe As a result, if the control module recognizes a transmission malfunction, the check engine light will illuminate.
- Problems with ignition system: The ignition system includes the spark plugs, coil packs, and other components required to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. The control module keeps an eye on the operation of the ignition system. If a fault is detected, it will illuminate the check engine light.
- Air/fuel delivery problems: To function effectively, your car’s engine needs the proper amount of both air and fuel. The control module will most likely detect if it receives too much or too little of one or the other. The check engine light is then illuminated by the device.
With so many possible reasons, from a loose gas cap to a misfiring engine, getting your check engine light diagnosed immediately and with the correct tools could be the difference between quick, low-cost repairs and larger problems that significantly cost more and create more stress.
Dealing with Check Engine Light Issues
If your engine light comes on, adjusting the gas cap can be a good idea. Remember that a loose gas cap might cause a check engine light to illuminate. Therefore, firmly tightening the cap could fix the situation. There is no need to get your car serviced if the light goes out. However, if the indicator remains illuminated, your car may be experiencing a more significant issue and should be checked out immediately by a professional.
Lessen your speed and try to reduce the demands on the engine if the check engine light is blinking, as this needs immediate repairs, or even a tow. Driving with a flashing engine light can do more harm to your engine. Assess this as quickly as possible to minimize costly damage.
Look for indicators of overheating or low oil pressure on your dashboard’s gauges and lights. If this happens, you should pull over as soon as possible, turn off the engine, and call for a tow truck.
Mark Douglas Motorworks at Your Service
It can be difficult to decipher what a check engine light signifies on your own, but our mobile mechanics here at Mark Douglas Motorworks are equipped to do so. 
When the check engine light illuminates, the computer in your car, also known as the control module, stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory. To extract this code, our professional mechanics can connect a scan tool or code reader to your car’s OBD port, which is normally found in the steering column. This means that if your check engine light comes on, you can trust our professionals to diagnose the problem swiftly and correctly the first time. There will be no costly follow-up visits or long-term headaches, simply a car you can rely on long after you have left our shop.
We are located in Mission Viejo, CA, and we cater to exotic cars from the Orange County area including Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Lake Forest, CA. Make sure to stop by or set up an appointment for any pertinent inspections and/or repairs.