Check Engine Light: The Light That No One Likes
Having the check engine light turn on at any given moment is a situation that no driver looks forward too. It usually brings stress and means more time and money needed to be spent trying to figure out the cause of the problem and fixing it. Fortunately, diagnosing check engine light issues are one of the many extremely useful skills that you will gain from the Automotive Technology Training program at ATI.
There is some basic information that is good general knowledge to have when it comes to understanding check lights. For starters, it is part of the on-board diagnostic system. The computer in an automobile monitors and controls the vehicles performance. Things like RPM, ignition timing, and fuel mix are all things controlled by the computer and when an issue arises that the computer cannot solve itself it notifies the driver via the check engine light. The light comes on when there is an emissions related issue. Each specific issue has its own code that is saved into the system when the light comes on. This makes it easier for the problem to be discovered and resolved by an auto technician. However, the computer just makes generalized connection as to what is causing an issue. Therefore, there is a possibility that the code given is pretty broad and it is up to the technician to dive deeper and figure out the specifics. These specifics are some of the things that you can learn to identify and fix while going through the Automotive Technology Training program at ATI.
Though it is in your best interest to take your vehicle into a shop once the engine light comes on, here are the top 5 reasons why the light illuminates to give you an idea of the kinds of issues that can arise:
- Bad O2 sensor
- Loose gas cap, this is more common than you would think. It is a good idea to check if the gas cap is secured properly once the light comes on.
- Bad catalytic convertor.
- Bad mass air flow sensor
- Bad spark plugs/wires
Though there are some “DIYers” out there that would like to try and tackle the problem themselves, most drivers decide to take their car to a professional. If you’re looking for the skills needed to confidently diagnose the reason a check engine light is on, then take the necessary steps needed to repair it by training to become an automotive technician. For more information on how ATI’s Automotive Technology Training program can have you on your way to a rewarding new career call us our fill out the form on any page on the website.