Listen to what your Car is Trying to Tell You through the CEL

by Matmore Motor Matmore Motor Parts

Since the early 80s, cars have been increasingly dependent on computers for monitoring and even controlling various variables such as air-fuel mixture, engine speed and ignition timing. The On-board diagnostics (OBD) is a set of sensors monitoring many crucial parameters of a car. Consider it a self-diagnosing and monitoring tool of your vehicle.

Volkswagen introduced the first OBD in 1968 on their Type 3 models. It was a basic system that monitored the air-fuel mixture in a car. The OBD has come a long way since then and now has advanced capabilities of monitoring several aspects of a vehicle and alerting its driver when something is behaving outside its pre-set parameters. It alerts the driver by illuminating an indicator light on the dashboard, commonly known as Check Engine Light (CEL).

Over and above that, it registers and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) within the system which technicians at reputable garages like Matmore Motors can ‘read’ using specific software. These garages also conduct all the necessary repairs such as suspension repair, wheel alignment, oil change and brake repair Spalding.

There is a massive misunderstanding on the part of most drivers regarding what the CEL indicator means. Depending on the make and model of a car, there are 11,000-18,000 DTCs, all of which indicate different problems.

Here’s a list of 4 common issues responsible for the lighting up of CEL.

Loose gas cap (Error code P1456)

The gas cap acts as a sealant to the fuel system, ensuring correct pressure of the fuel mixture. If it’s loose, gasoline fumes may escape to your car’s engine compartment and eventually into the atmosphere or even the cabin of your car, posing serious health hazards.

Why happens if you don’t fix it?

Your fuel economy will take a massive hit.
You’ll expose yourself to environmental and health hazards associated with the inhalation of gasoline fumes.

Malfunctioning O₂ sensor (Error code PO130- P0167)

The exhaust system of your car houses an oxygen sensor which monitors the amount of oxygen left in the fumes. If there’s enough oxygen left, it indicates incomplete fuel combustion. In such instances, the oxygen sensor sends it back to the engine for consumption.

What happens if you don’t fix it?

Fuel consumption increases.
It can damage other parts such as the catalytic converter.

Faulty spark plug ( Error code P0351)

The spark plug provides the spark required to ignite the air-fuel mixture. It draws power from the battery through an ignition coil to fire up a car’s engine.

What happens if you don’t fix it?

Cold cranks; you’ll need several attempts to start your car.
The battery has to provide additional power for each failed attempt, reducing its charge.
It may damage the ignition coil and plug wires.

Catalytic converter (Error code P0420)

It’s another component of the exhaust system responsible for filtering poisonous gases like nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide and converting them into water vapour and carbon dioxide.

What happens if you don’t fix it?

Your car won’t pass its MOT Spalding.
The emission level will increase drastically.
Fuel economy will suffer.

The CEL is your car’s way of telling you that something is wrong with it. Seek professional help as soon as that light turns on. You may be looking at a hefty repair bill if you leave it unattended for a long time.