Reasons Why Mazda Check Engine Light Is On
When drivers are confronted with the Mazda check engine light, it scares them to the heart. Even as the light may not mean something too dangerous at first, it can also result in one when ignored.
The problem most drivers face I show to diagnose the problem to identify what triggers it. The latest cars are equipped with this technology to monitor the vehicle’s components.
We will be looking into why the Mazda check engine light is on the dash and what triggered it. Be informed that illuminating the Mazda check engine light doesn’t mean something serious with the engine. While a flashing Mazda check engine is something crucial and you shouldn’t drive your vehicle.
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Below are reasons why the Mazda check engine light can pop up in your dash.
Common Causes of the Mazda Check Engine Light Turning On
Loose fuel cap: If you have a loose or missing fuel cap, your car will trigger the Mazda check engine light. So, inspect your fuel cap and cock it properly to fix the check engine light.
Low fuel: Low fuel level in your vehicle tank can trigger the Mazda check engine light. Suppose you saw the check engine light while you’re running on low fuel, top up to see if the light goes off.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: When the spark plug wires can’t deliver current from the ignition coil to the plugs, it will trigger the Mazda check engine light. When you see this light, inspect your vehicle ignition coils, spark plugs or spark plug wires.
Emissions: Mazda check engine light will come up when there’s an issue with the emissions system. this might be due to a leak in the system or a defect in the catalytic converter.
Thermostat: If you uninstalled your vehicle’s thermostat that regulates the engine pressure. You will be confronted with the Mazda check engine light. The nonexistence of a thermostat will result in no coolant in the vehicle.
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Mass airflow sensor: Lastly, the problem with the mass airflow sensor can trigger the Mazda check engine light. MAF monitors the air and fuel that flow into the engine.
What To Do If Mazda Check Engine Light Comes On
You should inspect your vehicle‘s dashboard lights and gauges to identify any problems. Inspect your vehicle if there’s low oil pressure or if the engine is overheating.
When you notice any of such, pull over by the roadside and turn off the engine. Also, pull over and turn off the engine if the Mazda check engine light is flashing or turns red.
Contact a towing agent to tow your vehicle to any Mazda service center near you for diagnosis and fixing. But where you didn’t see any problem with the vehicle, tighten your fuel cap and the problem should be fixed. But don’t expect the light to go out until you have driven a few more times.
Mazda check engine light also sends codes to the OBD (onboard diagnostics model.) These codes are also called trouble codes and can be checked online or scanned with a scanner. The code when scanned will indicate the cause of the Mazda check engine light. It is needed before the check engine light can be properly addressed.
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Also, when the Mazda check engine light is ON, your car can fail the emissions test. Don’t take your vehicle for an emissions test when the check engine light is ON.
Cost Of Fixing Mazda Check Engine Light?
We can’t categorically state how much it will cost to fix the Mazda check engine light. It is because several factors can trigger the check engine light.
For instance, to diagnose a Mazda check engine light cost about $100. Depending on what triggered the light, fixing them might be costlier. Also, it might cost lesser to fix a Mazda check engine light if the problem is minimal.
HOW TO RESET A MAZDA CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
Mazda check engine light should automatically reset after the problem has been fixed. Also, note that after diagnosis and fixes, the light will go out after driving a few miles. But for failure to go off, you have to manually reset the check engine light.
And if the problem hasn’t been fixed but you want to reset the light. Note that this won’t resolve the problem, it will turn ON again.
Why Is My Mazda Check Engine Light Flashing?
A flashing Mazda check engine light means a couple of things. Basically, it is only serious problems with the vehicle that can trigger a flashing check engine light.
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However, if your Mazda check engine light blinks only when you turn the vehicle ON, then it is normal. But after that and the light keeps flashing without going out, that’s a sign of a huge problem waiting. You should pull over and get a towing agent to tow your vehicle.
Can I Troubleshoot My Mazda Check Engine Light?
As we know, the Mazda check engine light can be triggered by a mere loose fuel cap or damaged fuel cap. You should first inspect this and tighten or replace the fuel cap. Another method to use to diagnose a Mazda check engine light is as follows.
- Insert your key in the ignition position.
- Turn the key to the ON position for one to two seconds
- Turn the key to the OFF position for one to two seconds
- Repeat this step three or four times.
- This method will have your vehicle‘s computer refreshed during reboot.
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Final Thoughts
So far, these are what Mazda check engine lights can mean in a vehicle. A flashing Mazda check engine light means a severe problem while an illuminating check engine light is not a huge factor. The major cause of check engine light is a loose or damaged fuel cap. Inspect this before going for further diagnosis.
Also, some errors can only be scanned with an electric scanner to know their cause. You can look up these codes on google and follow the instructions to fix your vehicle.