It’s important to determine right away why your Mazda’s check engine light is on. A study in 2019 showed that the check engine light is one of the best warning systems your vehicle has. This light turns on to alert drivers of unseen problems that they would otherwise not be aware of. Mazcare lists below the common reasons why your Mazda’s check engine light has turned on.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
After miles and miles of processing exhaust, your Mazda’s catalytic converter will eventually clog. When this happens, it will be unable to do its job and your check engine light will turn on. Other signs that the catalytic converter is having problems include a rotten egg smell and an overheating engine.
Faulty Engine Control Module
The engine control module is your Mazda’s main computer. It controls all of the sensors and many of your vehicle’s systems. If any of the system sensors go bad, the engine control module will turn on the check engine light. If the engine control module itself goes bad, the check engine light will come on.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor is found in your Mazda’s engine behind the air filter. This sensor keeps track of the air that flows into your Mazda’s engine. When it goes bad, you will end up with a check engine light warning and engine performance issues such as sputtering and stalling.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Located in your Mazda’s tailpipe, the same is true with a faulty oxygen sensor. Not only will you get a check engine warning, but you will also experience engine performance troubles. This can include the problems listed above as well as black exhaust smoke and poor fuel economy.
Fuel Cap Too Loose
Speaking of fuel economy, if you just filled up your Mazda and the check engine light came on when you were leaving the gas station, you probably didn’t screw on your fuel cap tightly. A loose fuel cap will trigger a check engine warning because gas is evaporating from your Mazda’s fuel tank.
Transmission Problems
Transmission problems can also cause the check engine light to turn on. Aside from this dashboard warning, you may have difficulty shifting gears if your Mazda is a manual, or your Mazda’s automatic transmission may have problems shifting gears.
Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak can also cause your Mazda’s engine control module to turn on the check engine light because there is too much air in the combustion chamber. Aside from the check engine warning, your acceleration and engine performance will stutter and you may hear suction sounds.
Worn Spark Plugs
Finally, if your Mazda’s spark plugs are worn, you will end up with the check engine light warning and a misfiring engine. You may find it difficult to get your Mazda started or to keep it running. It may stall frequently as a result of the worn spark plugs.
Mazcare in Marietta, GA, is here to help. Call us today if your Mazda’s check engine light is on.