Cherry Hill Check Engine Light

If you're driving and notice the check engine light (CEL) comes on, don't panic. This safety feature is there to alert you to a problem, but it's not usually serious. We'll go over some problems that can trigger the check engine light and let you know the appropriate actions to take. Fortunately for drivers in Cherry Hill, check engine light service is available at the Burns Hyundai Service Center in Marlton.

Is the Check Engine Light Serious?

Most likely, the check engine light isn't an emergency. There are several reasons for the light to appear, including a broken or missing gas cap. But the check engine light may alert you to an emergency. The experts at the Burns Hyundai Service Center are here to help when you need check engine light testing in Cherry Hill.

Steady vs. Flashing Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it will either be steady or flashing. 

• Flashing Check Engine Light: A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem that must be addressed immediately. It usually means the engine's ignition system is misfiring. When this happens, unburned fuel is dumped into the vehicle's exhaust system. If this isn't repaired right away, it can damage the car's catalytic converter. If your vehicle's check engine light comes on and it's flashing, pull the car over to a safe place, turn it off, and call for roadside assistance.
• Steady Check Engine Light: If the check engine light is steady, there's a problem that needs your attention, but it's not an emergency. This means you can continue driving the vehicle until you're able to bring it in for check engine light service.

Causes of a Steady Check Engine Light

• Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Your car's oxygen (O2) sensor gauges the quantity of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. If the O2 sensor fails, the engine will burn more gasoline than it should, and fuel economy will suffer. If the O2 sensor isn't replaced, it can damage the spark plugs and the catalytic converter.
• Damaged Mass Airflow Sensor: Your vehicle's mass airflow sensor measures the engine's air inflow and regulates the amount of fuel needed to keep the engine functioning properly. When this part goes bad, it can damage the O2 sensor, the catalytic converter and the spark plugs. Performance and fuel economy will both take a hit.
• Defective Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter converts harmful compounds such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons from the exhaust into harmless compounds. This keeps the vehicle's occupants from exposure to deadly gases and protects the environment. A broken catalytic converter will cause sluggish engine performance, dark exhaust smoke and a rotten egg smell from the exhaust. If the catalytic converter isn't replaced, the vehicle will likely fail an emissions test.
• Bad Spark Plugs: If your vehicle needs new spark plugs, it can damage the coils, the O2 sensor and the catalytic converter. Performance and fuel economy will decrease.
• Loose, Broken or Missing Gas Cap: The gas cap keeps gasoline fumes from being released into the air. If the gas is evaporating, you'll see lower fuel economy. A broken or missing gas cap can be easily replaced. If the cap is loose, tighten it.

If your car's check engine light comes on, contact the Burns Hyundai Service Center to schedule an appointment. Our expert service technicians will correct the problem and get your car back on the road quickly.