Nowadays vehicles have so many warning lights that it can be difficult to understand what each one means. Although there are many dashboard warning lights, some indicators, like the check engine light, can still be confusing for drivers.
The “check engine” dashboard warning light is dreaded by drivers of all sorts of vehicle makes and models. The ambiguous warning can be frustrating for you to identify on your own, and it’s not just a sign that your car might be experiencing a problem.
Discover more about the Mazda check engine light with us today, and get ready to recognize additional engine-related warning signs.
Causes Of The Mazda Check Engine Light Turning On
It’s A Catalytic Converter Issue
Your check engine light will turn on if your catalytic converter is failing to do its job of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Both you and the environment are at risk from excessive carbon monoxide. Additionally, a bad catalytic converter typically smells like rotten eggs, and you don’t want to catch a whiff of that.
The Gas Cap Isn’t Sealed
To stop evaporation and fuel vapors from escaping, the gas cap seals off the tank with a vacuum. Your check engine light will warn you of a broken seal if you believed you had the gas cap tightly screwed on after your most recent fill-up, but in fact, you had not. Additionally, over time, the gas cap’s seal may deteriorate.
The Mass Airflow Sensor Is Malfunctioning
In order for your Mazda’s engine to start and function properly, it is essential to measure the air in it. Your engine may run with too much or not enough air in the mixture if the mass airflow sensor isn’t working properly. Performance issues with the car might also be apparent.
The Oxygen Sensor Is Dying
The oxygen sensor ensures that the amount of oxygen released in your vehicle’s exhaust falls within a specific low-to-high range. You will get a check engine warning if the sensor is dead or dying because the oxygen levels will be out of whack. Additionally, your car will fail an emissions test.
You Need A Tune-up
Last but not least, the spark plugs in your Mazda are made to last a lot longer than they did in earlier models. You may be able to drive 100,000 miles before they need to be changed, depending on what your owner’s manual says. Plugs may be to blame if it has been a while since the CE light was activated.
How Do I Respond If My Engine Light Turns On?
Check your dashboard lights and gauges first for any immediately obvious issues. Are there any indications that the engine is overheating or has low oil pressure?
As soon as you find a secure place to stop, pull over and turn off your engine if you see anything. Particularly if your light flashes or turns red, this is true.
Get your vehicle towed to the Crain Mazda Service Center so we can address the underlying problems that are causing the problem.
Try removing and replacing your gas cap if you don’t notice any serious issues. Occasionally, this will solve the problem, but your light might not turn off until you’ve driven a few more miles.
Check the code for your specific model online to see if you can find a description of the problem if your car displays an engine light code. Then, follow the instructions to fix the issue, which may include bringing your car to a reliable Little Rock auto repair shop so they can do it for you.
Whatever you do, avoid taking an emissions test while your check engine light is on. The majority of the time, a check engine light indicates that your car won’t pass the emissions test in your state. Additionally, we can assist with that.
Check Engine Light Reset: How Do I Do It?
Many of our Fairview drivers have asked us about a Mazda6 or Mazda3 check engine light reset, to just turn the light off, but that’s not really a question we can answer for two reasons:
- The issue won’t be resolved by resetting a check engine light, and it will eventually come back on.
- A driver won’t have to worry as much about resolving a potentially serious issue by simply turning off the light.
Even if you take action to turn off your check engine light, you should still bring your car in for an inspection. There could be enough time between a check engine light reset and the light turns back on for whatever issue your car is experiencing to cause serious harm.
Can I Solve The Problem With My Check Engine Light?
The first thing you should look for is a loose gas cap, as that is one of the most frequent causes of the check engine light illuminating. The on-off technique is an alternative. With this technique, the computer must update its previously saved state every time it reboots. To do this method:
- Place your key in the ignition
- Turn it on for one to two seconds
- Turn it off for one to two seconds
- Three or four times through this step, repeat.
If you’re a competent do-it-yourself handyperson, you might be able to handle some of the other fixes (ideally with genuine parts), but if not, it’s a good idea to bring it to a professional in the Edwardsville area who can read the specific system code and look into what the issue might be.
How To Read Your Check Engine Light?
So use our fix finder service to perform the diagnostic test yourself and save yourself the hassle of dealing with a middleman. Get more information about what’s happening by borrowing an OBD (Onboard Diagnostics) reader. Only a few minutes are needed, and it’s simple and free. Here’s how.
Stop in to Borrow the OBD Reader
Ask a Mazda Professional to lend you an OBD reader when you arrive. Any inquiries you may have regarding the reader can also be addressed by us. Safeguarding people should come first. Before starting the diagnostic read, the vehicle needs to be parked and turned off.
Locate the OBD port
A 16-pin connector known as the OBD reader is typically found somewhere close to the steering wheel. Refer to your car’s user manual for more information as few vehicles will have the port in the middle or on the passenger side.
Turn on the Car but Don’t Start the Engine
Check that the car is turned on but not running before plugging in the reader. To do this in a keyless vehicle, press the start button twice without depressing the brake.
Connect the Reader
Connecting the OBD reader to the connector requires that the car be running for five seconds. To allow the reader to connect with the car’s computer, make sure it fits snugly.
The Reader will Scan Automatically
The reader should automatically connect with the vehicle’s computer, and the screen on the reader will say, “read.” The scan will take about 5 seconds, and the screen will read “done” when complete. After the scan is finished, unplug the reader and turn off the engine.
Take Note of Vehicle Details
The year, make, model and mileage of the vehicle are crucial pieces of data for the scan. For the diagnostic report, you will require this data.
Return the Reader and Claim Free Diagnostic Report
Provide the vehicle information and return the OBD reader to your Mazda Professional in Fresno. The Mazda mechanic will print off the diagnostic report for you and suggest potential fixes for the check engine light codes.
