A Ferrari comes with many complex systems that require additional maintenance and service, unlike your average car. An exceptional amount of technology is built in not just for performance but also to assist owners with managing the needs of such a complex machine. Fortunately, there are mechanisms in place that can notify you if your vehicle needs immediate attention. The check engine light is one of those valuable warning systems.

The Importance of the Check Engine Light

The check engine light is linked directly to several of the sensors which monitor and detect problems in a Ferrari’s systems. When a particular sensor detects a fault or there is a malfunction with the sensor itself, it can cause your check engine light to illuminate.

Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light

Here are some of the common issues that can trigger your check engine light:

Oxygen (O2) Sensor

This sensor detects the amount of oxygen in your exhaust after leaving the engine. Too much indicates that not enough combustion is occurring in the engine, and there may be an issue with the air/fuel mixture entering your engine. This can reduce performance and fuel economy.

Catalytic Converter

This is a component of your exhaust system that helps to filter exhaust fumes in order to pass emissions standards in certain states. Regular maintenance needs to be performed on it periodically to ensure that it has proper airflow and that it is preventing caustic fumes from entering the environment. If it is not maintained, it can cause your engine to run hotter than usual and fail an emissions test.

Spark Plug/Ignition Coil or Wires

These are critical to your engine’s ability to ignite the air/fuel mixture in each cylinder. If there is a serious issue, you will most likely notice a substantial decrease in performance or fuel economy. Making sure that these are in proper working order allows your car to run optimally.

Mass Airflow Sensor

On the opposite end of the O2 sensor is the mass airflow sensor. This detects the amount of air going into the engine. It allows your engine to create the proper combination of air and fuel in the engine to maximize efficiency. If this is faulty, it can actually cause damage to the rest of the components mentioned above, since they follow this component in the system.

Gas Cap

A common cause for a check engine light to illuminate is a loose fuel cap. Double check that your cap is properly secured and it could resolve the issue immediately. One some models, it may take a few cycles for the light to turn off, but this is the easiest fix.

Self-Diagnostics for Check Engine Light

If you are not planning to take your vehicle to a service center and are determined to try to resolve the issue yourself, you will need to obtain an OBDII scanner. These can be purchased online or found at any local auto parts store.

Scanners come in a wide variety of options and can cost anywhere from $30 for a very basic scanner to upwards of $200 devices used by a professional repair shop. The most typical course of action would be to take your vehicle to the service center of your choice and have them troubleshoot the issue and repair it all in one go with their expert tools and knowledge.

Unlike the oil in your engine or the tires that require periodic replacement, most of the sensors in your car are simply used until failure. This is where troubleshooting comes in to determine what is at fault. Making sure that you perform regularly-scheduled maintenance is the best way to achieve longevity of your Ferrari.

How Mark Douglas Motorworks Can Help

At Mark Douglas Motorworks, we provide comprehensive maintenance and customer support for clients in the Orange County area, including Ferrari Ignition Coil Check Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, and Laguna Niguel, CA.

At Mark Douglas Motorworks, we approach automotive care with a preventative agenda, keeping our clients safe and saving them money. We perform ongoing inspections as part of our routine maintenance plan for our clients.

If you’d like us to inspect your vehicle for an illuminated check engine light or would like to learn more about our qualifications working with Ferrari models, please contact us right away. We look forward to earning your trust and developing a relationship with you.

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