What That Check Engine Light May Be Indicating – And What to Do About It
In recent years advances in automotive technology have led to vehicles that are more fuel-efficient, safer and better performing than ever before. These vehicles also contain an increasingly complex set of electronic controls and automated systems. In order to ensure all of your new Ford vehicle’s systems are operating correctly, a series of internal diagnostic checks is continually monitoring the function of every system within your vehicle. If there’s ever a problem with the engine or related components, your car’s onboard diagnostic system will notify you by illuminating the check engine light, or what Ford calls the “service engine soon” light.
If you see the check engine light on your instrument panel, the thing to remember is to take it seriously – but don’t panic. This is a notification message, and it means you should bring it in for a diagnostic check soon. Our highly trained technicians here at Athens Ford can quickly isolate the problem and have you and your vehicle back on the road safely.
Possible Causes of a Check Engine Light
The reasons for the check engine light being illuminated are many. Some of the most common causes are related to the exhaust or emission control systems, fuel delivery system, ignition system, or even an electronic sensor that has failed. On some older Ford vehicles, the check engine light might also be used to notify you of required periodic maintenance service. Here are a few of the most common problems that a check engine light can indicate:
- An evaporative emissions system leak
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- A loose, missing or damaged gas cap
- A catalytic converter failure
- An engine misfire or ignition problem
- A faulty mass airflow sensor
- A coolant system thermostat failure
- An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system failure
Whatever the reason for your check engine light being illuminated, our expert technicians can quickly diagnose and resolve the problem. Many times the fix is fairly minor and can be resolved easily.
How the Athens Ford Service Team Diagnoses Your Problem
Your Ford vehicle has an advanced onboard diagnostic (OBD II) system that can be accessed by our service technicians using a special computer. The output of the OBD II system data is information about the operation and functioning of your vehicle. The special computer reads the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information, which tells our technicians just where the problem is. Detailed tests might be required, but most times the technician can now quickly isolate and fix the problem. Using only Ford factory certified parts, we can replace any faulty component and reset the indicator light so that you can be safely back on the road.
Here at Athens Ford, we tell all of our customers that the best thing to do when they see a check engine light on their instrument panel is to take it seriously, but not to panic. The light is there to warn of a potential problem or condition, indicating that you should bring it in to our service department soon. By quickly responding to a check engine light, you can avoid costly repairs down the road, or even a catastrophic failure.
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