Why Is My Kia Check Engine Light On?

Kia of South Austin welcomes you to discover why your Kia check engine light is on.

The check engine light warns owners of future engine problems or total failure. There are several reasons your check engine warning light may turn on. It could be anything from a simple sensor failure, an alert to schedule preventive maintenance (such as an oil change), or even warning drivers of major issues that could contribute to engine failure. So, just because the check engine light is triggered, it may not be a complete catastrophe. However, if and when your check engine warning light does come on, you ought to bring it to us for a thorough inspection. Even if nothing feels broken, having it diagnosed can be the difference between needing to replace the engine and a cheap repair.

Old Gas Cap

Something as basic as not replacing the gas cap or not replacing it correctly can cause a check engine warning light. The vehicle’s gas cap will probably need to be replaced during your vehicle ownership. After 50k miles, you may want to replace a gas cap. We recommend genuine OEM replacement parts if it is time to replace your gas cap. Parts from Do-It-Yourself stores will work in an emergency, but nothing beats OEM parts.

Oxygen Sensors in The Vehicle are Failing

There are several sensors that feed info to your engine to help it work efficiently. However, missing readings from components like the mass airflow sensor or the O2 sensors can trigger a check engine light to come on. If your car is running like normal, an old O2 sensor is the likely culprit. This could mean that your car is probably fine, but because the engine isn’t getting the information, it triggers a warning light. Even if the car feels unaffected, you should probably get your car diagnosed immediately to rule out larger problems.

Spark Plugs in The Car are Failing

Spark plugs are vital to the efficiency of your engine. As the name suggests, they give off a tiny spark of electricity that ignites the fuel and causes an engine to run. Spark plugs have precise tolerances for peak performance, and if the spark plug setup is incorrect, it could possibly cause a check engine warning light. Symptoms of bad spark plugs include diminished MPG rates, slower acceleration, and your engine just doesn’t run smoothly.

Schedule Kia Service In Austin

Kia of South Austin is one of the most trusted places for engine repair in the Austin area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your vehicle for any necessary repairs and suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Kia service in person or online today.