Check Engine Light Came On and Car Lost Power

What Does It Mean?

When the check engine light comes on, it means that the car’s computer has detected a problem. The problem could be anything from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to a major problem, such as a blown engine. If the car also loses power, it could be a sign of a serious problem.

What to Do

If the check engine light comes on and the car loses power, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe place. Once you are stopped, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for it to cool down. Then, check the following:

Gas cap: Make sure the gas cap is tightened securely. A loose gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on and the car to lose power.
Air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, which can cause the check engine light to come on and the car to lose power.
Spark plugs: Worn-out spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Battery: A weak battery can cause the car to lose power and the check engine light to come on.

If you cannot find any obvious problems, you should take the car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic tool to identify the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.

Possible Causes

There are many possible causes of a check engine light and loss of power. Some of the most common causes include:

Oxygen sensor: A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Mass airflow sensor: A faulty mass airflow sensor can cause the engine to receive too much or too little air, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Throttle position sensor: A faulty throttle position sensor can cause the engine to idle too high or too low, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Catalytic converter: A clogged catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Engine control module: The engine control module (ECM) is the computer that controls the engine. A faulty ECM can cause a variety of problems, including the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent the check engine light from coming on and the car from losing power:

Get regular maintenance: Regular maintenance can help to identify and fix problems before they become major issues. This includes things like changing the oil, replacing the air filter, and inspecting the spark plugs.
Use high-quality fuel: Using high-quality fuel can help to keep the engine clean and running smoothly. This can help to prevent problems that could lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.
Avoid driving in extreme conditions: Driving in extreme conditions, such as extreme heat or cold, can put stress on the engine. This can lead to problems that could cause the check engine light to come on and the car to lose power.

Conclusion

If the check engine light comes on and the car loses power, it is important to take the car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. The mechanic will be able to identify the problem and recommend the necessary repairs. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent problems that could lead to the check engine light coming on and the car losing power.