Why Does the Check Engine Light Illuminate in Your Audi

Your Audi is an exceptionally intuitive vehicle; in fact, you might be surprised to learn that most vehicles since the 1990s have been designed and engineered to detect their own malfunctions and performance issues and alert the driver of such issues. Your Audi’s check-engine light is one of many dashboard warning symbols that illuminates when there is a related system issue occurring, causing your car’s performance to suffer. In this article, we’ll go over some basic information about your check-engine light, including what the check-engine light means, how to diagnose problems, the common issues associated with an illuminated check-engine light, and what you can do to keep your Audi in proper working condition – hopefully to avoid this type of driver alert from occurring in the first place.

What your check-engine light is telling you

Your Audi’s check-engine light serves as a warning system to the driver that something isn’t quite right with its functionality – whether mild or severe. When the check-engine light illuminates it simultaneously emits a code that indicates the specific part or area of the vehicle encountering a malfunction. As we mentioned, these issues range in severity, from a loose gas cap to a serious engine malfunction like spark plug failure. Many drivers equip themselves with their own diagnostic scanners that tell them where the issue is so that they don’t need to wait for an automotive specialist to tell them what the problem is. However, it’s important to remember that any time the check-engine light comes on it’s best to have a Audi specialist check out your vehicle to ensure your safety.

Most common reasons for the check-engine light to come on

Even though there is a wide range of issues the check-engine light can indicate, it’s helpful to know what some of the most common causes of check-engine light illumination are. These are the top 5 related issues that usually cause the check-engine light to come on:

Spark plug failure or wear
It is essential that your Audi’s spark plugs remain in constant function, otherwise you could encounter engine misfiring or other issues that can not only cause damage to your vehicle, but pose a danger to you and your passengers while driving.

Catalytic converter issues
If your catalytic converter fails, your Audi will be unable to convert the harmful gases created by your engine into milder compounds that are less damaging to the atmosphere – this often leads to failed emissions testing.

Oxygen sensor failure or malfunction
Along with working spark plugs, your engine also requires the proper amount of oxygen. As part of the emission system, the oxygen sensor determines if your engine is receiving the proper amount of oxygen for combustion.

MAF (mass airflow) sensor
Without a working MAF sensor, your engine doesn’t know how to adequately adjust fuel and oxygen ratios for optimal performance.

Basic fuel system error
The most common fuel system error that causes the check-engine light to come on is a loose or ill-fitting gas cap – quite a simple issue with a simple solution.

Why it’s important to follow up on the check-engine light

Your Audi’s check-engine light commonly indicates that there is a problem with a primary area of your car’s functioning, which is why it is essential to follow up on any concerning symptoms – especially when the check-engine light comes on. Diagnosing the issue and treating it effectively as quickly as possible can help ensure your safety and secure the value and reliability of your vehicle.

What you can do to prevent performance issues from occurring

Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we have specialized in treating Audi vehicles in the areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles County, CA, for over 30 years. Our expert mechanics attend to check-engine light cases with total accuracy because we care for our clients’ safety and security. Furthermore, we offer special financing to our clients so that appropriately caring for their Audi doesn’t have to break the bank every time it requires a diagnosis, repair, or other maintenance service. If your check-engine light has recently come on, please don’t wait to have the problem assessed by one of our professionals – your safety is of the utmost importance to us.

* Audi Q5 S-Line image credit goes to: NikWaller.