You’re driving home from work one day when the check engine light pops on. It comes on without warning and offers no explanation. What do you do?
As Jalopnik has pointed out, the check engine light is one of the most frustrating and confusing warnings. It’s just a light, with no information telling you what the problem is. It’s a cry from a baby with no explanation. But you can take some steps towards figuring it out yourself, before you head to a mechanic for costly repairs.
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Do this first
First of all, is the light blinking or steady? According to Consumer Reports, blinking could indicate an emergency. If the light is blinking, pull over, turn the car off, and call for assistance.
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A steady light means there’s no immediate cause for alarm, but you should still get it checked out. Head to an auto parts store and have them run a diagnostic to find the cause of the check engine light. Call ahead and make sure they can handle your make and model, since some cars have special computers. Once you’re at the store, they’ll plug a small computer underneath your dashboard and read back a code stating what happened to the car. (You can also purchase your own code reader, known as an OBD II reader.)
In general, five common malfunctions can cause the check engine light to come on, and some of them are simple to fix yourself. Let’s take a look at the most common issues.
Does A Bad Gas Cap Cause Stallings
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Oxygen sensor needs replacing
An oxygen sensor is a part that monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust. It helps monitor how much fuel is burned. A faulty sensor means it’s not providing the right data to the computer and causes a decrease in gas mileage. Most cars have between two and four oxygen sensors; the code you get from the scanner will tell you which one needs replacing.
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What causes it
Over time, the sensor gets covered in oil ash and it reduces the sensor’s ability to change the oxygen and fuel mixture. A faulty sensor not only reduces gas mileage, it also increase emissions.
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What you should do
Not replacing a broken oxygen sensor can eventually lead to a busted catalytic convertor which can cost upwards of $2,000. Taking your car into a shop will cost you around $200, depending on the car. However, an oxygen sensor is easy to replace on many cars and is usually detailed in the owner’s manual. If you know where the sensor is, you only have to unclip the old sensor and replace it with a new one. Regardless of how you approach it, get this fixed right away.
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You have a loose or faulty gas cap
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You wouldn’t think a gas cap would be that important, but it is. When it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off. This causes a reduction in gas mileage and increases emissions.
What causes it
If you get an error pointing to the gas cap it means fuel vapors are leaking out of your cap. This means the cap is either cracked or just wasn’t tightened well enough.
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What you should do
If your car isn’t feeling jerky or strange when the check engine light comes on the first thing you should check is the gas cap. Pull over, tighten it, and take a look at the cap to see if it has any cracks in it. Continue driving and see if the check engine light turns off. Alternately, you can purchase a gas cap for a few dollars online or at an auto parts store. All you need to do is take the old one off and screw on the new one. If you’ve already made it to the store, you might as well replace it. While not car-threatening, it’s good to take care of this right away to improve gas mileage.
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You need to replace the catalytic convertor
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The catalytic convertor works to reduce exhaust gases. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If your catalytic convertor is failing, you’ll notice a decrease in gas mileage or your car won’t go any faster when you push the gas.
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What causes it
Catalytic convertors shouldn’t fail if you’re keeping up on regular maintenance. The main cause of failure is related to other items on this list, including a broken oxygen sensor or deteriorated spark plugs (we’ll get to those in a second). When it fails, it stops converting carbon monoxide into less harmful emissions.
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What you should do
If your catalytic convertor fails completely, you eventually won’t be able to keep the car running. Your gas mileage will also be terrible, so you should try and fix it as soon as you can. Unfortunately, a new catalytic converter can cost you a couple thousand dollars and you can’t do it yourself unless you’re an experienced mechanic.
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You need a new mass airflow sensor
The mass airflow sensor tells the car’s computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. A faulty one can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease gas mileage.
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What causes it
Most mass airflow sensors fail because of a improperly installed (or never replaced) air filter. You should replace the air filter at least once a year to help prevent the airflow sensor from failing.
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![]() What you should do
Theoretically you can drive for a few weeks or even months with a broken MAF sensor. You will notice a decrease in gas mileage and over time the car will eventually start stalling a lot. At a shop, the replacement cost is between $200-$300 depending on the car, but that’s usually the cost of parts because the labor is relatively simple. It’s not terribly difficult to do on your own, but the process is quick enough you may want to let a mechanic handle the project in case the sensor doesn’t end up being the issue.
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You need new spark plugs and wires
The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiate combustion in your engine. When the plugs are failing, the spark plugs misfire. You’ll feel a little jolt in your car’s acceleration when this happens.
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What causes it
Most spark plugs in cars from before 1996 should be replaced every 25,000-30,000 miles. Newer ones can last up to 100,000 miles. Still, plugs fail over time and there’s not much you can do about it.
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What you should do
Get them replaced right away. It’s easy and cheap and your car will run better for it. If your spark plugs fail and you’ve made your way to the auto parts store, you can replace them easily following the video above. Since this is part of your vehicles regular maintenance, the spark plugs are usually easily accessible from the hood of the car. It’s simple enough that I’ve seen people doing this in the auto parts parking lot on several occasions.
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Plenty of other possibilities for a check engine light are out there, but the above five are the most common. How long do you usually let the check engine light stay on before you do something about it?
Written by Robert Korpella; Updated December 09, 2018
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Once started, a lawnmower typically keeps running until you power it off. The engine depends on just the right mixture of fuel, air and spark to maintain operation. If any of these ingredients is missing, or present in the wrong quantity, the mower coughs, sputters and dies out. Sometimes it will restart only to fail again. Other times, restarting it proves a difficult task. You can troubleshoot and fix many of the causes, but a few are best left to professionals.
Moisture in the Tank
Water in the fuel tank or fuel line can cause engine headaches. When water enters the cylinder, it will not ignite, and it impedes the gasoline from igniting properly. Water in the tank comes from condensation or a loose gas cap, or it may have been in the gas containers before it got to your mower. Empty the tank, and try a fresh batch of gasoline. Properly dispose of any gas or oil you remove from your mower.
Spark Plug
A poor spark is another issue that can cause the mower to run irregularly. A worn or damaged plug typically results in an engine that's difficult to start, runs poorly and dies. Remove the spark plug and examine the firing tip -- where a bend of metal creates a gap between it and the electrode. If this tip is fouled with carbon, clean it with a wire brush and reset the gap to the mower manufacturer’s specifications. If the porcelain housing is cracked or chipped, if the electrode’s tip is rounded over or if the metal bend has deteriorated, replace the plug.
A Mower Has to Breathe
Your mower pulls in air from outside and mixes it with gasoline for the proper explosion inside the engine. A dirty air filter inhibits the flow of air into the carburetor. Clean or replace the air filter to stop the mower from sputtering to a halt. Too much air can also cause problems for the engine. A bad cap on the gas tank is the first place to look. The cap typically has a small hole that acts as a vent. It pulls in the right amount of air, allowing the fuel to flow into the carburetor. If the hole is restricted, the cap bent or the seal under the cap damaged, the engine may be getting too much or too little fuel. Replace the cap to solve sputtering and dying.
Carburetion Issues
The carburetor is responsible for mixing the correct amounts of fuel and air from the volumes supplied by other components. If this mix is incorrect, the mower runs roughly, then dies. The carburetor can be complex and difficult to clean or adjust without prior experience. Inside the unit are jets, springs, needle valves and floats, which may require cleaning or replacement. A couple of screws on the outside of the device adjust the idle and mix, both of which impact how well the mower runs. Repair, cleaning and replacement is the realm of service professionals for lawnmower owners who don't feel comfortable working on carburetors.
References (4)About the Author
Robert Korpella has been writing professionally since 2000. He is a certified Master Naturalist, regularly monitors stream water quality and is the editor of freshare.net, a site exploring the Ozarks outdoors. Korpella's work has appeared in a variety of publications. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas.
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Korpella, Robert. 'What Causes a Riding Mower to Sputter & Die?' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/causes-riding-mower-sputter-die-90874.html. 09 December 2018.
Korpella, Robert. (2018, December 09). What Causes a Riding Mower to Sputter & Die? Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/causes-riding-mower-sputter-die-90874.html
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The gas cap, also known as the fuel filler cap, is a simple but important component that is found on the vast majority of road going cars and trucks. Their purpose is simple; to prevent dirt, debris, and dust from entering the gas tank, as well as providing a reliable seal. The cap also plays an important role in the operation of the vehicle’s evaporative emissions system, which is designed to capture and reuse fuel vapors from the gas tank that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Because the cap is frequently removed, every time fuel is added to the vehicle, it can wear out over time and will need to be replaced. Usually a bad or failing gas cap will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential issue.
1. Cap does not tighten properly
Vw group turn off start stop. One of the most common symptoms of an issue with the gas cap is a cap that does not tighten properly. Most gas caps are designed to click once they are tightened sufficiently. If the cap does not click, or clicks and then pops loose again then that may be a sign that it may need to be replaced.
2. Fuel smell from the vehicle
Another symptom of a possible issue with the fuel cap is a fuel smell from the vehicle. If the gas cap seal becomes damaged or worn it may cause fuel vapors from the gas tank to leak from the filler neck. This may result in a gasoline odor from the vehicle as a result of the escaping vapors.
3. Check Engine Light comes on
An illuminated Check Engine Light is another symptom of a potential issue with the vehicle’s gas cap. The gas cap is a part of the vehicle’s evaporative emissions system and can cause problems with the system if it has an issue. An improperly sealing fuel cap may cause an evap system leak, which will set off the Check Engine Light when the the computer detects the leak. The Check Engine Light can also be set off by a wide variety of other issue so having the computer scanned for trouble codes is highly recommended.
A bad or failing fuel cap will not necessarily cause major performance issues, but it can set off the Check Engine Light, which will prevent the vehicle from passing an emissions test. If you suspect that your gas cap may be having an issue, have the vehicle inspected by a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine if the cap should be replaced.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see ourterms of servicefor more details
Diagnose your car
CARS.COM -- Are you experiencing sputtering and other uncontrollable noises, perhaps a bit of sluggishness when driving your car? You may have bad gas, and you’re not alone. Contaminated gasoline isn’t common, but it winds up in the tanks of unsuspecting motorists’ vehicles more often than you might think and its effects are damaging.
Related: How to Protect Your Car Against Theft
Signs Your Car Has Bad Gas
According to NACS, the Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing — an international trade coalition representing thousands of stores and suppliers — the nickname “bad gas” applies to fuel that doesn’t properly combust. Symptoms of bad gas include:
“Vehicles get their power from a complex combustion process in which ignition depends upon high-quality fuel vapors being delivered to a combustion chamber,” Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives, said in a statement. “If this process is disrupted, the vapors do not combust properly and the ignition is interrupted, leading to hesitation and suboptimal performance. In extreme cases, it can lead to damage to the vehicle.”
Causes of gas contamination can occur at the refinery, during delivery or at the gas station. High water content caused by delivery or storage issues such as a corroded underground tank or an insufficiently sealed vehicle gas cap are among the culprits. Sediment or other particles not captured by the fuel nozzle at the pump that build up over time on engine parts and clog fuel injectors is another. Lastly, filling up with a lower octane than your vehicle requires or using old gas that has broken down over time also cause problems.
In August 2012, BP recalled 2.1 million gallons of gas with a “higher than normal level of polymeric residue” from its refinery in Whiting, Ind., following hundreds of reports from motorists who experienced car trouble in northwest Indiana, according to a Chicago Tribune story. Dealerships and service shops at the time reported repair bills of as much as $1,200, the Tribune reported. Those who just topped off their tanks were advised to add fuel cleaner and fresh gas, while those who filled up at the pump needed to take their car for fuel flushing. When a small amount of water in the gas is the problem, adding dry gas may be the only repair necessary.
How to Avoid Contaminated Gas
To avoid bad gas where possible, NACS advises using the correct octane for your car, avoiding the use of old gas and always buying from a reputable station.
“While rare, some thieves have used modified trucks to steal fuel from an underground storage tank and resell the fuel at a steep discount,” Lenard said. “However, the fuel has not been stored properly and is much more likely to have significant amounts of water or sediment in it.”
Another racket is when a disreputable gas seller changes the mixture ratios of mid-range gas to create a more profitable blend that’s heavier on the regular and lighter on the premium, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, a subsidiary of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association that represents more than 1,000 automotive-parts producers.
“But the more common scam is to simply fill the underground ‘premium’ tank with regular, or to dilute it with a few hundred gallons of lower octane fuel,” according to AASA’s website. “It’s a scam that’s hard to detect. Even if the gasoline retailers are being honest, they can be ripped off by distributors delivering lower octane fuel.”
The kind of contaminated gas you likely needn’t worry about, however, is the old sugar-in-the-gas-tank revenge scenario. Aside from the fact that the act itself is basically an “urban legend,” according to Lenard, the notion that sugar caramelizes in your car and acts as cement in the engine to cause irreparable harm is a myth. While it’s certainly not good for your engine and you’ll want to have it cleaned out by a licensed mechanic, sugar does not dissolve in gasoline and fuel filters should prevent it from reaching the engine.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
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