When your Audi has detected a problem within its onboard diagnostics system, it will illuminate the check engine light in your dash. Every Audi was designed to include a high-tech performance monitoring system with a computer and a series of sensors throughout the vehicle. If the control unit detects that the data is out of factory specifications in any way, the check engine light will flash to draw your attention to the problem.

This may be alarming, but it doesn’t have to indicate a severe issue. These problems can range from something as simple as a loose gas cap to something serious that can eventually lead to damage to your engine.

When you first notice that the check engine light is on, it’s important to have your Audi looked at by a professional to avoid long-term damage as well as a sizable repair bill. Do not attempt to repair it yourself at home; a technician will be able to quickly identify the problem without making the situation worse.

What is a check engine light?

Also known as a malfunction indicator lamp, a check engine light is a warning light used to signal some kind of problem within the car’s onboard diagnostics system. The light is generally an amber or red color when illuminated, and there are generally three stages: off, steady, and flashing. When the light is lit and steady, there is a problem, but if that light is flashing, it indicates that there is a more immediate situation to address with your engine.

Why is my Check Engine Light On?

There are many problems that can illuminate the check engine light including:

• A loose gas cap: When the gas cap is loose, vapors from the fuel leak out and cause health and emissions problems as well as reduce gas mileage.
• Failing catalytic converter: The catalytic converter turns the carbon monoxide that your vehicle produces into carbon dioxide, and this can be easily damaged just due to maintenance neglect.
• Faulty oxygen sensors: Oxygen sensors monitor the unburned oxygen, and if this is damaged, inaccurate data will be provided and gas mileage will decrease. Without a quick repair, this will lead to irreparable damage to your vehicle.
• Faulty mass air flow sensor: The mass air flow sensor works with the oxygen sensor to measure the barometric pressure. When this is off, the car will have difficulty adjusting to changes in altitude and other outside road conditions as well as reduce the gas mileage.
• Worn out spark plugs and wiring: if there are bad spark plug wires, it can cause a massive drop in gas mileage and engine performance or even random jolts of acceleration.
• Other causes include a faulty ignition system, faulty fuel injector, a low or dead car battery, blown gasket heads, and issues with transmission.

What should I do when my check engine light is on?

Whenever possible, promptly make an appointment with a qualified and certified Audi specialist as your vehicle needs Audi-specific diagnostic equipment. While the problem might not require immediate attention, procrastination can turn it from minor to major right away. Something that would have been a quick fix can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle.

When a mechanic is Audi-certified, they can connect your Audi to a diagnostic scan tool capable of reading the codes stored in your car’s electronic control system.

Rowlett Motorwerks Can Help

At Rowlett Motorwerks in Rowlett, TX, our technicians can identify and solve any problem that could trigger your check engine light. It’s important to take proper care of your Audi to maintain its first-class performance, and our mechanics are Audi-approved to assist you in that maintenance. Don’t risk worsening your vehicle’s condition by trying to find the problem yourself once you see the check engine light is on; our shops offer free diagnostic services with a repair.

When the issue is fixed, you’ll see immediately that the light is no longer illuminated. We are experienced with the make and model of your vehicle and have decades of experience to handle everything your car needs. Our shop is convenient to Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, Wylie, and Rowlett, TX to be as accessible as you could possibly need. If your Audi is due for service, then please call or visit our shop today.