Why is my Vauxhall's Engine Light on?

The check engine light. These words strike fear into the hearts of many car owners. After all, a check engine light means something is wrong with car. But what?

Unfortunately, your car isn't exactly specific about those details when this light comes on. It could indicate anything from a major repair to a loose fuel cap. It would be nice if your car would send you a tweet or a text telling you exactly what the problem was so you could fix it quickly, wouldn't it?

Until someone figures out how to get your Vauxhall to do this, however, you're stuck guessing and relying on a professional for diagnostics. To help, we've created a list of some of the common reasons your check engine light may be on and what car parts may be to blame.

 

Minor Causes of a Check Engine Light Being on

While the first thought in your head may be that your check engine light being on is going to cost you an arm and a leg, this isn't always the case. Some problems are minor and can easily be fixed without spending much or any money.

• Fuel Cap is Loose- Some vehicles actually measure how much pressure your fuel tank has. This involves mathematical algorithms that are able to track the pressure in the tank and your driving style. (And yet, the car still can't text) If you failed to tighten the fuel cap the last time you visited the petrol station, the pressure will be off, and your Vauxhall will tell you by turning on the check engine light.

 

• Water Under the Bonnet- Does the check engine light come on every time it rains or gets washed? Water may be leaking under the bonnet, dripping on your spark plug wires, and then running onto the engine. This can result in an occasional short that can cause the warning light to come on.

 

• Bad Spark Plug Wires- As spark plug wires get older, they are prone to developing small cracks. These cracks prevent electricity from going into the spark plug and can cause the engine to misfire. If your check engine light comes on, take a look at the wires and look for small holes or cracks. Replacing these inexpensive Vauxhall parts should fix the problem.

 

• Poor Fuel- You should always check the owner's manual for your car before taking it to the petrol station for the first time. If the car requires a certain type of petrol, choosing a lower octane can result in misfires, poor efficiency, and a check engine light. To fix this problem, read up on what your Vauxhall need when it comes to fuel and stick to what the manufacturer recommends.

 

Major Problems That Cause Check Engine Lights

While some of the problems that result in a your engine light illuminating your dashboard may be minor, others are more serious.

Oxygen Sensor- This sensor measures the amount of oxygen that hasn't been burned in your car's exhaust system. If you don't replace it when it is faulty:

• The engine will end up burning more petrol than it actually needs to run.

 

• You can experience up to a 40% decrease in fuel economy.

 

• Other car parts, like your catalytic converter and spark plugs can become damaged, resulting in a much higher bill.

 

Catalytic Converter- This car part is responsible for protecting the environment. It turns dangerous carbon monoxide in your car into carbon dioxide. Any damage to this particular Vauxhall part is often caused by neglect to regular maintenance. If the engine light comes on because of this part and you don't replace it, the result can be:

• Your Vauxhall won't pass its MOT because of high emissions.

 

• Your fuel economy and the performance of your car will decrease.

 

• You may notice that your car operates a much higher temperature than it should.

 

Dead Battery- This problem is an easy one to figure out. After all, a dead battery means you can't start your car or go anywhere. While you can jump the car with the help of another car, the check engine light will still come on if the battery isn't charged very well. If you don't fix this problem by either recharging the battery fully or replacing it, problems can occur, like:

• You'll use more fuel. Your alternator will attempt to charge the battery as much as it can. This creates an added load on your engine, which will mean it requires more fuel to operate.

 

• Both your alternator and starter will have the added stress of starting and keeping your car running without much help from your batter. These parts become damaged if the battery continues to work on a low charge or none at all.

 

Intake Manifold Gasket- This Vauxhall part is responsible for directing the fuel and air mixture the engine uses for power into the correct cylinder. Coolant also flows through this part to the cylinder to reduce the temperature of the engine. This part can fail over time due to head, contraction, and expansion from the engine. If a problem with the gasket occurs, the check engine light will come on. Not fixing this problem can result in:

• Coolant can leak into the engine, resulting in contamination of the oil. As well as replacing the car part, you'll have the change the oil.

 

• The engine can overheat and run roughly.

 

Wheel Speed Sensors- These sensors monitor the speed of a rotating wheel and send data to the anti-lock brake system. When the check engine light comes on because of these sensors, it can be because they have become corroded, been damaged during repairs that require the tyres to removed, or because of worn bearings. If you don't replace these car parts, several problems can occur.

• The speedometer may stop functioning.

 

• Your anti-lock brake system may not work properly.

 

• If stability control and traction control systems are equipped on the car, these may become disabled.

 

While check engine lights can be frustrating, they should never be ignored. Whether the light indicates a minor issue or is trying to tell you major Vauxhall parts are broken, knowing the meaning behind the light is important.