Top Reasons for Illumination of Check Engine Light in an Audi From Expert Mechanics in Birmingham

As a proud Audi driver, you’ve come to depend on your car’s reliability. While Audis are known for quality, they aren’t exempt from the occasional problem or two that all vehicles face at one point or another. At some point, you’re likely to experience the stress and annoyance that comes when your vehicle’s dreaded check engine light illuminates on your dashboard.

Let’s discuss what to do when your check engine light comes on, what causes your check engine light to illuminate, and where to go for help when it happens.

What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Your Audi’s check engine light gives off various signals to alert you to a problem. These issues including the following:

The check engine light comes on and stays on

You should get your car serviced as soon as possible. It could be that there is something wrong with the emission control system. Whether you notice a change in your car’s driving performance or not, a solid check engine light should be taken in for inspection right away. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap or as problematic as possible catastrophic engine damage.

The check engine light flickers or only comes on at certain times

If this happens, pay attention to how your car runs when the light is on versus when it is off. It’s likely safe to drive it while you’re preparing for a visit to a service center, but you’ll want to get your vehicle looked at as soon as possible so the issue can be diagnosed.

The check engine light blinks in a steady pattern

There is a difference between when your check engine light is flickering versus when it is blinking. If your check engine light blinks when you accelerate, this signifies a serious problem. There is likely failure of the emission control system, causing your engine to misfire. The catalytic converter may be damaged with each blink of the check engine light. If this is the case, your catalytic converter can overheat and even start a fire under your car. If you have a blinking check engine light, pull over immediately and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.

Common Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Illuminates

There are several reasons why your check engine light may come on, varying in degrees of severity and urgency:

• Your Gas Cap is Loose: Quite often, a check engine light turns out to be a false alarm, just a loose gas cap. This should be the first thing you check if your check engine light comes on. Just twist the cap off and put it back on tight. The check engine light should turn off if this is the case.
• Failing Catalytic Converter: A failing catalytic converter is usually the result of ignoring other issues, which is why it is important to always get your vehicle checked out when the check engine light comes on or if you detect any problems with the way your car is running.
• Oxygen Sensor Failure: If you’re burning through gas quicker than normal and your check engine light comes on, you very well might have an oxygen sensor needing replaced.
• Mass Airflow Sensor Failure: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air flowing to your engine. It is a minor component of your vehicle’s engine, but it can cause other parts to fail if not properly maintained.
• Damaged Spark Plugs or Wires: Your vehicle will not start with damaged spark plugs.

Franklin Automotive for Repair of Your Check Engine Light

The next time your check engine light comes on in your Audi, it’s important to act quickly and get your vehicle examined as soon as possible by your trusted Audi service and repair center.

At Franklin Automotive, we’ve been servicing Audis since 1992, and we will diagnose your vehicle’s issue quickly. Our accurate check engine light diagnostics will confirm the issue with your Audi, and we will discuss a plan of action with you so you can make an informed decision.

We proudly service the communities of Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Inverness, Cahaba Heights, Greystone, and Birmingham, Alabama. Give us a call and schedule your appointment today. We look forward to earning your patronage.