What Can an Illuminated Check Engine Light in your Mazda mean?

The check engine light can seem very mysterious. Unlike most dash lights, it doesn’t appear to represent an easily identifiable warning. The engine light illuminates in response to any issue that affects your engine, and here are a few examples of what an illuminated engine light could represent.

Blocked Catalytic Converter

Combustion produces a range of dangerous and toxic gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. These gases are dumped into the exhaust system and pass into the catalytic converter. The converter uses a combination of extreme pressure, great heat, and chemical reactions to convert dangerous gases into harmless ones.

Carbon is a byproduct of the conversion process, and it can build up in your engine over time. This carbon deposit can block the exit from the converter, which forces the gases back into the engine. The gases increase pressure in the engine and can cause it to shut down. Sensors in the converter will identify the problem with the converter, and the engine light will come on. We can fix this issue by clearing the blockage and the converter will work normally again.

Damaged Oxygen Sensor

All essential systems in your Mazda have sensors. These sensors receive instructions from your computer and relay information back to the computer. This information allows the computer to make numerous decisions that enable your Mazda to work effectively. Oxygen sensors monitor the level of air in your engine. Your engine requires vast amounts of air, as it is essential for combustion.

If an oxygen sensor is damaged, it won’t report the correct percentage of air in your engine. Without this information, your computer has to guess. If the computer guesses wrongly, the lack of air will turn your engine fuel-rich. The lack of air will cause misfiring, stalling, and damage to the spark plugs. The engine light will illuminate to warn this is happening. We can easily replace a damaged sensor and your engine will work efficiently again.

Damaged Spark Plugs

A spark plug is connected to each engine cylinder. When a cylinder closes, the piston rises at speed, compressing the fuel-air mixture and forcing it to the top of the cylinder. Once the mixture is sufficiently compressed, it is ignited by the spark plug to create combustion in the cylinder.

Spark plugs wear out over time, and a damaged plug won’t ignite the fuel-air mixture correctly. This causes a misfire, and you’ll experience a temporary drop in engine power if it happens. Sensors will identify the misfire, and the engine light will turn on. Our technicians will replace damaged plugs to solve this problem.

If you have an illuminated engine light, contact us ASAP at Mazda City of Orange Park in Jacksonville, FL, and our Mazda-trained technicians will repair the problem.

Tags: Check Engine Light, Warning Lights
Posted in Mazda City of Orange Park, Mazda City of Orange Park Service | No Comments »