CarMD’s list of top 10 causes of the check engine light for 2024 provides an interesting glimpse at the auto maintenance and repairs in 2024. At Oceanworks in Berkeley we full range of auto care, including check engine light diagnostics and repairs. Check engine light (CEL) can come “on” for hundreds of reasons, but here are the top 10 according to CarMD (which analyzes millions of reports every year):
1) Catalytic converter replacement – no, catalytic converters do not fail at a higher rate than before, but they still get stolen at a high rate, that’s why catalytic converter replacement is still first on the list.
2) Oxygen sensor replacement – oxygen sensors live in a difficult environment, and can fail, in addition, they are often damaged when thieves steal catalytic converters.
3) Ignition coil and spark plugs replacement – these are regular maintenance items, as we tend to keep our cars for longer ( or so the statistics say) we will see more need for spark plug replacement, and ignition coil replacement.
4) Mass air flow sensor replacement – mass airflow (MAF) sensor can fail as its operation includes high temperatures.
5) Ignition coil replacement - ignition coils were a combo with spark plugs as #3 check engine light repair, but they also hold the 5th spot all by themselves. Overheating, incorrect spark gap, or failing alternator can cause ignition coil failure and necessitate replacement.
6) EVAP canister purge control valve replacement – the valve is an electro-mechanical devices, so as your vehicle ages, it’s more likely to fail.
7) Tighten or replace fuel cap – we love this one – it’s easy to diagnose, easy to repair, and it is inexpensive to repair!
8) ABS wheel speed sensor replacement – these sensors let the ABS computer know the rotational speed of the wheels, which is needed for the ABS system to compute the right time to activate the anti-lock function.
9) Fuel injector replacement – fuel injectors can crack, they can leak, and can even be clogged by low quality fuel.
10) Reprogramming powertrain control module – powertrain control module software can develop glitches, in that case reprogramming may save the day. Manufacturer software updates can necessitate reprogramming as well. Naturally, if the module fails, replacement involves reprogramming.
As we mentioned before, there are hundreds of conditions that may cause the check engine light to be illuminated. If this occurs in your vehicle, bring it to our Berkeley auto repair shop for diagnostics. We will use cutting-edge digital diagnostic tools not only to read the codes stored in the onboard computer, but to follow the diagnostic path indicated by these codes to get to the root cause of the problem – it may involve multiple subsystem of your vehicle, but our technicians are highly skilled and certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), so we will get your car diagnosed and fixed correctly – the first time.
Call Oceanworks for your automotive needs – our friendly advisors will answer your questions and concerns, and can schedule an appointment at the same time. We also offer appointments on our website, if you prefer the convenience of making an appointment at any time of day or night.