Reasons Honda Check Engine Light is On
Seeing that check engine light turn on your dashboard is always concerning, but a check engine light doesn’t always mean a serious or expensive problem. We highly recommend that you take your car to a trusted auto technician near you.
A big myth that individuals may be misinformed about is automotive shops having the ability to simply plug in a scanner or diagnostic tool and they will have the exact answer as to why the check engine light is on or why the engine or transmission is not performing as designed. A DTC or “Trouble Code” indicates there is a problem in the system or circuit which may consist of many different parts, sensors, actuators, solenoids, wiring harnesses, Engine Control Module, Transmission Control Module and many other modules for all types of systems on a modern day vehicle. Even mechanical failure of major drivetrain components can cause many different codes.
It is up to a highly skilled, trained and qualified technician to properly troubleshoot the system in its entirety to accurately locate the cause of a symptom to diagnose the issue and provide a solution to get you safely back on the road. If you’re looking for Automotive Diagnostic AKA troubleshooting inspection Colorado Springs, Legend Motor Works has highly trained technicians who specialize in a large variety of makes and models of vehicles. We would love to take care of you and your car and provide professional, quality vehicle maintenance and repair services to you. In this blog, we will be discussing some reasons why your Honda check engine light may be on.
What Your Honda Check Engine Light (CEL) is Telling You
When your Honda vehicle’s check engine light is on, it is a warning indicator that something is faulty within the engine or emissions system. There could be issues regarding the fuel system, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, spark plugs, mechanical failure and more. Trained technicians can use diagnostic tools to determine exactly why your CEL is on in your Honda. We do not recommend that you continue driving your Honda while the CEL is on. Driving your vehicle with present warning codes can lead to further damages to your vehicle’s engine and other elements within your vehicle. To avoid further damage to your Honda, bring your car into a trusted auto shop near you!
A Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
The simplest reason and easiest fix for a check engine light being on is that your gas cap may be loose or damaged. When your gas cap is not tightly sealed, fuel vapors escape the gas tank which then triggers the Evaporative Emissions Control System to detect a leak. Each time you finish pumping your gas, ensure your gas cap is tightly sealed.
Solution: Tighten your gas cap until it no longer turns or clicks. Drive your Honda for a few days, and if your check engine light turns off, the issue is resolved. In the event your CEL does not turn off after a few days of driving, we recommend that you take your vehicle in to be inspected by a trusted mechanic.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
It is common in Hondas for a failing O2 sensor to trigger the CEL. The O2 sensor within a vehicle is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. This system helps the engine maintain a proper air to fuel ratio. Symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor include: rough idling, poor fuel economy, a failed emissions test, and overall reduced engine performance.
Solution: Take your Honda to a trusted auto technician near you.
Worn Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils
Your spark plugs and ignition coils in your Honda are responsible for igniting the air and fuel mixture. When these are worn, engine misfires can occur causing your CEL to be triggered. Symptoms of worn spark plugs or ignition coils include: rough idling, engine shaking, a loss of power and / or acceleration, and increased fuel consumption.
Solution: It is recommended that you have your Honda serviced at the intervals listed in your owners manual. Noticing any of the symptoms we mentioned above is also cause for having your Honda inspected and issues diagnosed.
Catalytic Converter Issues
Your catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful exhaust emissions. When your converter becomes clogged or damaged, the engine is unable to expel exhaust gases properly. Symptoms of catalytic converter issues include: poor acceleration, a sulfur or rotten egg smell, reduced fuel economy, or a loss of engine power.
Solution: Have your Honda inspected and diagnosed by a trusted auto technician.
Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
Your Mass Air Flow sensor is responsible for measuring incoming air entering the engine. Symptoms of MAF sensor failure include: hard starting, poor fuel economy, hesitation during acceleration, and rough idling.
Solution: Bring your Honda to an auto technician near you for inspection and troubleshooting to provide a thorough and complete breakdown of a “Diagnostic Report”
EVAP System Leak
Your EVAP system (evaporative emission control) prevents gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by sealing the fuel system. This system traps vapors in a canister and ensures they aren’t released into the atmosphere. Causes of EVAP system leaks include: cracked hoses, damaged charcoal canister, faulty purge value, and a loose gas cap.
Solution: We recommend that you bring in your Honda for inspection and diagnosing.
Failing Fuel Injectors
Your Honda’s fuel injectors are the “heart” of your engine. This piece within your engine system regulates the fuel injection process and provides the maximum amount of power while minimizing fuel consumption and reducing any pollution. Symptoms of failing fuel injectors include: engine hesitation, rough driving, misfire codes, and poor fuel economy.
Solution: Having your fuel injectors professionally cleaned may solve the issue. We recommend you have a trained mechanic diagnose the best solution for your Honda’s fuel injectors.
Why Legend Motor Works?
Here at Legend Motor Works, we are a client-first auto shop with a crew of technicians who are highly skilled in handling any and all problems that occur in vehicle models.
What does client-first mean? It means we truthfully communicate every step of the way, we never move forward on repairs without your consent, and we run a loyalty rewards program where you earn a percentage of your invoiced amount added to your Rewards Card to use towards future services at Legend Motor Works. Other rewards benefits include:
- Charitable Giving: You may donate your Reward Dollars to local and national charities. Watch your email and text messages for donation opportunities.
- Earn Discounted Oil Services: Earn discounted oil services.
- Referral Program: Earn Reward Dollars for every new customer you refer.
- Nationwide Warranty: All services come with a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty.
- Exclusive Loyalty Offers: Receive special offers from Legend Motor Works and exclusive deals to local businesses in our community.
We would love to get your vehicle operating at its highest capacity of performance! Click here to be taken to our home page where you can schedule an appointment today.
Contact us at: (719) 332-7475
Find us at: 21 Commerce ST, Colorado Springs, CO