What Causes The Check Engine Light To Come On?

If you see a check engine light on your Hyundai console, it's time to start considering maintenance with a team like Potamkin Hyundai. While the indicator itself may not immediately mean the issue is urgent, knowing "What does the check engine light mean?" can save you time, money, and headache in the long run. By reviewing a handful of causes, you can prevent further damage to your engine and have it handled by our professional team of technicians in Miami Lakes, FL.

Many of the reasons why a car check engine light is on are universal across brands, so our tips and symptoms apply to most models. Let's take a look at the symptoms so you can fix simple problems early and bring complicated issues into our shop.

Reasons Why My Check Engine Light Is On

Depending on the model and year of your vehicle, you may see a yellow or orange colored engine shape on the display called the Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Naturally, you'll ask yourself, "Why is my check engine light on?" This icon is a general warning, and could mean a few things could be wrong with your engine:

A Loose Gas Cap

A common reason that your check engine light might come on is that your engine detects an improperly capped fuel tank, causing emission issues. That could mean your gas cap wasn't screwed in all the way, or it could require a replacement gas cap if it's damaged.

The Oxygen Sensor Acts Incorrectly

Your engine is constantly checking the amount of unburned oxygen in your exhaust tank. If the sensor detects too much or too little oxygen, your engine compensates by burning more or less fuel. That means that if your sensor stops working, your engine will burn the wrong amount of gas, affecting performance and fuel efficiency.

A Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor

Similar to the oxygen sensor, the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor keeps track of how much air is entering your engine, monitoring the temperature of the air going into your powertrain and adjusting how much gas your engine has to use accordingly. If your MAF is bad, it could cause the engine to stall or burn too much or too little fuel.

Spark Plug, Ignition Coil, or Wire Wear and Tear

Spark plugs have a shelf life, and ignition coils and wires can wear down with typical combustion engine use. If your spark plugs, ignition coil, or wires require some changing, you'll certainly see the check engine light on.

A Catalytic Converter Issue

One of the more environmentally damaging check engine light reasons is a failing catalytic converter. This engine part is typically located at the bottom of your vehicle and converts toxic gases into less deadly pollutants; this makes it illegal to drive without a converter or with one that doesn't properly purify your exhaust.

Your EVAP Canister Purge Control Valve Is Damaged or Malfunctioning

Another critical part of your engine – the EVAP canister purge control valve – cycles fuel vapors from the charcoal canister to the intake. This part can theoretically last forever, but it often suffers from built-up debris, extreme temperatures, and wear over time.

Fuel Injectors Aren't Working

Fuel Injectors are essential for modern powertrains, maximizing efficiency by carefully spraying the right amount of atomized fuel into your system. A faulty fuel injector can significantly reduce performance, leading to lower MPG, poor acceleration, and an engine warning light turning on.

The Thermostat Isn't Cooling or Heating Properly

A thermostat helps regulate the temperature of your engine by handling the engine's coolant by either opening or closing, depending on your powertrain's heat. If the coolant is faulty or the thermostat isn't opening properly, it will turn your engine light on.

Malfunctioning Engine Control Module (ECM)

If your engine light is on and your components look good, then your Engine Control Module (ECM) might be the culprit. This computer is the boss of everything to do with your engine, regulating fuel injection, ignition, air, and more. If it goes haywire, your engine won't work at all. This is a problem to be fixed as soon as possible at an official dealership, like ours in Miami Lakes, FL.

The Battery Is Not Properly Powering the Engine

In some cases, your car might turn the check engine light on if the battery's connection is loose or it doesn't have enough power to turn on the engine. While most Hyundai models have a dedicated battery light, rare connection issues may instead cause the engine warning signal to show instead.

What To Do If Your Hyundai Engine Light Is On

When your car turns your Hyundai engine light on, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to pull over and come to our shop near Miami immediately. Your Elantra or Palisade might just need a tightened gas cap, or you may be able to drive home and schedule an appointment through phone or our website. Here are some tips so you know what you should do:

• If Your "Check Engine" Light Shows During Ignition: Everything's working as intended. The signal should remain on for around three seconds during engine startup. If it isn't showing during that time, it could indicate that your digital display is malfunctioning.
• If You Notice the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is Staying On: You should begin looking for an appointment. The lamp icon is a sign that your engine is experiencing one of the above symptoms. After tightening your gas cap to make sure it's not an easy fix, we recommend that you schedule service with an official Hyundai dealership. Additional time with this light on could be an issue.
• If Your Check Engine Light Is Flashing: Please pull over immediately. If your lamp is flashing, please find a safe place to pull over and turn on your hazards. There is a non-zero chance that your engine may be dangerously malfunctioning (beyond performance or MPG alterations). Please keep yourself safe and have your model towed to an official service center.

In all of these cases, check your gas cap to see if it was removed or improperly screwed in before calling us. Oftentimes, it may have come loose or broken, which causes the engine light to come on. However, if that isn't the case, you can rely on our service center here at Potamkin Hyundai to find a proper solution.

What Are Hyundai OBD-II Trouble Codes?

Occasionally, your driver display may showcase a letter followed by numbers. This is an OBD-II error code, and represents a specific problem your vehicle may be having. Regarding engine failure, here are a few you may see, depending on the model:

• P0300:Multiple cylinder misfires detected
• P0420 or P0430: Catalytic converter issue
• P0440: An issue with the evaporative emission system
• P0101, P0102, P0103: Signals a problem with air sensors, like a defective Mass Air Flow sensor
• P0128, P2181: The thermostat or coolant modules are not working properly
• P0200, P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204: Significant problems with the fuel injector system
• P2237, P2238, P2251: Oxygen sensor failure
• P2401, P2402, P2422: EVAP leak/valve failure

While these are the more common codes associated with your engine, there are hundreds of possible combinations that you could encounter. If you see an error code on your dashboard, don't hesitate to contact us. Our technicians are well-versed with all possible Hyundai OBD-II error codes and can resolve them as soon as possible.

Learn What Causes Check Engine Light to Come on at Potamkin Hyundai

When you see any icon on your dashboard, be it a check engine light or an oil change warning, our service center in Miami Lakes, FL, is ready to assist you. Your Hyundai car or SUV has many moving parts, and we want to make sure they are in proper condition.

Did you know that, if you bought a new Hyundai, you are almost certainly benefiting from our 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty?¹ If your car turns your check engine light on, many components are covered by this expansive package (in the event of a factory defect or work issue).¹ By coming to Potamkin Hyundai, you can rest in the fact that your vehicle will be well taken care of by our certified technicians who are here to keep your car running at peak performance.

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¹Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.

¹Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.