Probably every driver has experienced that gnawing anxiety when you notice that your dashboard Check Engine light is on. There are a number of reasons why your Check Engine light comes on. Since your car can’t verbally tell you why, Cardinale Mazda Salinas suggests you bring your vehicle to our Service department. Our highly trained Service technicians can then run diagnostics and check for a code that provides the root cause of the Check Engine warning message.  Typically, the following are the Top 5 reasons why your Check Engine Light may be on:

 

Loose-Fitting Gas Cap

Each time you fill up your vehicle with gas, make sure you tighten the gas cap.  Otherwise, if it is loose and fails to create a seal, vapors from the fuel may leak out. This can cause the Check Engine light to come on.  Even if you suspect that the gas cap is the culprit, re-tightening the gas cap might not be enough to make the Check Engine light go off. However, our Service department can reset your vehicle’s computer codes.

 

Oxygen Sensor

If an oxygen sensor is faulty, it may trigger the Check Engine light to go on.  It is important that you replace a faulty oxygen sensor immediately or it can possibly damage your vehicle’s catalytic converter.  Avoid the possibility of a costly repair by bringing your vehicle to our Service department to run diagnostics.  If it is a faulty oxygen sensor, our Service technician can replace it and reset your codes.

 

Spark Plugs

If your vehicle’s spark plugs aren’t sparking properly, your Check Engine light may come on.  Generally, spark plugs should be replaced every 25,000 miles to prevent their eventual failure.  Running diagnostics can tell if the spark plugs are the cause of the Check Engine warning light.  Our Service technician will be glad to replace your spark plugs and reset your vehicle’s computer.

 

Mass Airflow Sensor

If your mass airflow sensor fails, the Check Engine light will come on.  This can happen if you have not regularly replaced your vehicle’s air filter.  Continuing to run your vehicle with a Check Engine light on when the mass airflow sensor needs replacing can create more problems for you.  You’ll notice lower gas mileage, more emissions and your vehicle may even stall.  Be proactive and bring your vehicle to our Service department for a check-up.  If it is a faulty mass airflow sensor, our Service technicians can replace the mass airflow sensor.

 

Catalytic Converter

Worst case scenario, the cause of the Check Engine light is the impending failure of your catalytic converter.  This would be indicated by a code while running diagnostics.  If the catalytic converter needs replacing, the best place to have it done is at #CardinaleMazda Salinas.  We’ll have your vehicle up and running in no time.

 

When your Check Engine light comes on, it doesn’t do any good to second-guess or procrastinate.  Make an appointment right away with our Service department at the Salinas Auto Mall. Our Service technicians will be glad to run diagnostics and tell you why your vehicle’s Check Engine light is on.  If your vehicle needs to be serviced, we would be honored to take care of it for you.

 

The next time you’re in the market for a new set of wheels, we hope you’ll visit Cardinale Mazda Salinas first and browse our large selection of new and Certified Preowned vehicles.  From the Mazda3 sport car to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, we’ve got the perfect vehicle for you.  For all your automotive needs, visit our website at www.CardinaleMazda.com.

 

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Cardinale Mazda

500 Auto Center Circle

Salinas, California 93907

Phone: 877.989.9252

Website: www.cardinalemazda.com