An illuminated check engine light is one of the biggest scourges for Owings Mills car owners. It could be an indication of something as innocuous as a loose gas cap or something as serious as engine trouble.
Here in the Subaru service center at Heritage Subaru of Owings Mills, our technicians have all the specialized equipment necessary to diagnose whatever is causing your check engine light to turn on.
Causes of Check Engine Light Illuminating
There are countless reasons why the check engine light might become illuminated. The light is an important part of your car’s onboard diagnostic system, and the car’s computer will illuminate the warning whenever it detects a problem with the powertrain that could increase tailpipe emissions.
Here are some of the most common reasons the light turns on.
- Engine problems: Obviously, engine issues could trigger the check engine light. A control module in your Subaru car monitors engine operation via a collection of sensors. When it detects a problem, the check engine light turns on.
- Transmission problems: Your car’s transmission manipulates engine power and transfers it to the drive wheels. A problem with the transmission can also increase tailpipe emissions.
- Emissions equipment problems: Modern Subaru vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek have a wide variety of emissions equipment. For instance, any problems with the catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation, and evaporative emissions system could cause the check engine light to turn on.
- Air/fuel delivery problems: Your car’s engine needs the correct amount of air and fuel to run properly. When it gets either too much or too little of one or the other, the control module will likely notice.
Schedule Professional Diagnostics Today
If your check engine light is on, schedule a service appointment with our Subaru mechanics for a diagnosis.
