Why is my check engine light on Kia Sportage?

The check engine light essentially means that your vehicle’s onboard computer system has self-diagnosed some kind of problem. This problem can be anything from a momentary hiccup, something like a loose gas cap or a change in humidity, to the failure of a major component like a bad catalytic converter.

What happens if you have a check engine light on?

Mileage deficiencies: If your check engine light was triggered by your oxygen sensor, or your mass airflow sensor (MAF), you can experience decreased gas mileage over time. This is similar to driving your car with too-low tire pressure. Emissions: That oxygen sensor and mass airflow sensor (MAF) can also increase your car’s emissions.

Can a catalytic converter cause a check engine light?

Catalytic converter: Fingers crossed this didn’t trigger your check engine light, but it can absolutely be on the receiving end of a domino effect if items go unchecked. Issues with your catalytic converter can be costly and even cause irreversible damage to your car.

What do the warning lights on a car mean?

Modern cars have a dashboard full of warning lights. Some are informative; some means you are experiencing normal faults while others show extreme failures, and the driver needs to stop immediately. Drivers should always pay attention to the dashboard lamps since they give vital information about the car’s drive and status.

Why is my Check Engine light on in my Bugatti Chiron?

The monstrous Bugatti Chiron has 16. No matter how many you have though, a malfunctioning coil will almost certainly trigger the check engine light, but remember, if your car burns diesel, you have neither ignition coils nor spark plugs.

What should you do if your check engine light comes on?

If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, it can be unnerving. Don’t panic, though. Take a moment to see if the car is driving any differently than normal. Is it bucking? Surging? Are there any unusual sounds? If nothing seems out of the ordinary, you can continue driving the car.

What does a malfunction indicator light on a car mean?

In many cases, it means that you’ll be visiting the car dealer to repair the issue and get the light turned off. The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong.

What does the service required light on your car mean?

These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine care. It is not an indicator of trouble like the check engine light is.

Can a code reader fix a check engine light?

Most code readers will allow you to turn off or reset the check engine light. But this action alone does not actually repair the underlying problem. In many cases, the light will simply come back on later.