Tag: Audi Illuminated Check Engine Light Reasons

Where to Go in Los Angeles to Fix Check Engine Light Issues in Your Audi

Posted on January 3, 2022 by - Audi Repair

Audi Check Engine Light

There are many reasons why the check engine light in your vehicle could come on, some more serious than others, but no matter what the reason is, an experienced Audi specialist will be able to help you diagnose and fix the problems that are causing the light to turn on. Today, we’ll be talking about some of the most common reasons why the check engine light comes on in a car and where you can go to get the issue resolved.

Why Your Audi’s Check Engine Light Is Turning On

When your Audi’s check engine light comes on, a mechanic will be able to use specialized technology to read the codes behind the light and figure out what’s wrong. There are some frequently experienced reasons why it might happen that you should know about:

  • A loose or missing gas cap. This is one of the most common reasons for a check engine light, and luckily, it’s also usually a pretty simple solution. A lot of people might forget to replace the gas cap when filling up their cars, which in many cases, can cause the check engine light to come on. You may not realize it, but a loose or missing gas cap can lower fuel efficiency significantly since it allows fuel fumes to escape. Just make sure you always replace the gas cap.
  • Catalytic converter problems. Your Audi’s catalytic converter is the component that turns the harmful gases that your car produces into benign ones. It’s there to cut down on your vehicle’s environmental impact a little bit, and without it, your car cannot pass emissions tests. If this is the issue, you’ll need to take your car in to get it fixed.
  • Oxygen sensor issues. Your Audi’s engine needs to maintain a careful balance of fuel and oxygen inside it to function at its best. The oxygen sensor, as its name suggests, detects the amount of oxygen inside the engine and lets the engine know if it needs more or less fuel to keep the ratios balanced. If the sensors don’t work, your car’s fuel efficiency will go down, and if left unfixed for too long, you can run into even more serious issues later on.
  • Bad spark plugs. The spark plugs are what allows your car to start. They provide the spark that ignites the engine and starts the combustion Symptoms of malfunctioning spark plugs include difficulty in starting the car, engine misfiring, and rough idling, so if your check engine light comes on and you’re also experiencing one of those symptoms, there’s a chance it’s the spark plugs.
  • Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction. The Mass Airflow Sensor, or the MAF Sensor, is there to determine how much air is entering the engine. This helps with the regulation of airflow and the balancing of air and fuel in the engine. Naturally, if the MAF sensor stops working, your Audi will begin to have lower fuel efficiency. It could eventually lead to more serious engine problems as well.
  • Faulty ignition coil. The ignition coil is another essential part of your Audi’s engine that helps start the car. If it’s broken or not working for some reason, you might experience some similar symptoms to the ones you see from bad spark plugs.

How to Fix Your Check Engine Light

As we’ve discussed, there are many reasons why Audi Spark Plug Check your check engine light might come on. The reasons I listed earlier are only some of them. The best way to figure out exactly what is causing the light to come on is to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic, especially one who is experienced with and knowledgeable about Audi vehicles.

Whether your Audi has engine problems, some other issue, or it just needs routine maintenance, the best place to go is Carotech Automotive and Tires in Los Angeles, California. Our highly skilled mechanics have a well-rounded understanding of many different automobile brands, including domestic, Asian, and European brands like Audi. If you’d like to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, feel free to give us a call. We’d love to get to know you!

3 Main Reasons for an Illuminated Check Engine Light In Your Audi

Posted on October 10, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi Illuminated Check Engine Light

You may have bought your Audi because you love high quality, luxury, and performance, but sometimes cars have issues. The way you often find out is when the dreaded check engine light illuminates on the dashboard. The Check Engine Light (CEL) is never something that should be ignored. This light means the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD-II) detects a problem in the ignition, fuel, emissions, and/or exhaust system.

In the United States, OBD-II was made mandatory for all cars starting in 1996, so if your car is from the year 1996 or later (up to present day), that is the system you have. The CEL’s code can be extracted with an OBD-II scanner, which automotive service centers will have. The codes inform you of the general problem but often cannot pinpoint the exact issue(s), meaning diagnostic work is usually still required.

The CEL is often a source of distress and fear of massive repair bills. To minimize the chances of an expensive cost to you, it is best to get your Audi inspected as soon as possible. Driving with the CEL on and ignoring it might lead to further damage, depending on what is wrong. Let’s look at the 3 primary reasons you might get a check-engine light in your Audi.

Three Causes of Check Engine Light Illumination

1. Spark plugs

Worn or damaged spark plugs can cause illumination of your engine light. Spark plugs are part of the ignition system, their job is to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. There is one spark plug for every cylinder in your Audi. Problems with spark plugs can also lead to the engine running rough, losing power, as it will not accelerate as easily or as well as it used to, or it could even misfire. This is due to incomplete/absent combustion in one or cylinders.

2. Catalytic converter

This is part of your Audi’s emissions system and helps reduce the amount of harmful pollutants produced while you drive your car. A catalyst within the catalytic converter serves to convert certain harmful gases into ones that are less harmful to the environment. If the catalytic converter is not working right or fails, your Audi will let more harmful gases into the environment than normal.

If you have to have an emissions test, you will most likely fail it. States have different requirements and regulations concerning emissions testing, so it is best to research your state’s rules to learn more. However, it is important to remember that while your Audi will still run without catalytic converters, is it illegal to remove them due to the hazards imposed on others and the environment by doing so. In other words, if the catalytic converter fails, repair and/or replacement is advised over removal of them entirely.

3. Oxygen sensor

These sensors are another part of the emissions system, and while the number of sensors varies by make and model, there is usually at least one in front of the catalytic converter and another in the exhaust manifold. The purpose is to monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases. This is done so too little or too much oxygen can be detected and the vehicle can correct for this. There is an optimal oxygen-to-gasoline ratio, and thus, the level of oxygen tells the car’s computer whether the engine is running lean, with too little fuel, or rich, with too much fuel.

If these fail, the vehicle cannot accurately monitor whether the air to fuel ratio is optimal, leading to poor engine performance as well as a likely increase in harmful emissions.

Carotech Automotive for Your Audi’s Service Needs

In business for over 50 years, and AAA approved, Audi Oxygen Sensor Check Carotech Automotive in Los Angeles, California is a premier destination for your car’s service, inspection, and maintenance needs. Our work comes with a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. You can be confident we will provide you with a professional diagnostic inspection of your Audi thoroughly so we can get you back on the road quickly and affordably.

We are located at 8687 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90035. Call (424) 283-4303 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online form. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:30PM. We look forward to earning your repeat business.