Vehicles emit a variety of gases and particles, some of which have negative effects on human health. To prevent this, many vehicles are equipped with emission control systems. These systems use various methods to reduce noxious emissions before they leave the vehicle’s exhaust pipe.
In this post, we’ll go over what the emissions system is, why it’s important as well as common problems with the system and how to fix them.
What Does Check Emission System Mean?
Check emissions system is a term used to describe the emission control system of a vehicle. The emissions control system is responsible for reducing the amount of air pollution from an engine. This system consists of various components, including catalytic converters and other sensors that monitor exhaust gas levels. If any one of these components fails or malfunctions, it can result in increased levels of pollution in your vehicle’s fuel mixture.
NOTE: Sometimes, the check emissions Light and the Check Engine Light may be used interchangeably
What Causes Check Emission System Warning Light to Come On?
1. Bad oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor is an important part of your vehicle’s emission system. If it senses that the oxygen levels are too high, it will trigger the check emission system warning light.
Also, the oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, which tells the computer how much fuel should be added to the engine. If it’s bad, your car will run poorly, and you’ll get false codes from your check engine light or check emission system light.
How to fix it:
First, you’ll need to find out where the sensor is located in your car. Once you’ve found where it is, disconnect any wires leading into or out of the sensor (especially if they’re connected to anything else). Then remove the bolts holding it in place with an appropriately sized socket wrench (usually 10mm). Finally, remove the old sensor by pulling it gently until it comes out of its mounting bracket. Now just reverse these steps when installing your new sensor.
2. Worn catalytic converter
If you’re seeing a check emission system warning light, it could be that your catalytic converter needs to be replaced. A catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful gases into harmless ones. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the check emission system warning light to come on.
How to fix it:
If you have a worn catalytic converter, luckily there are several ways you can repair it. Here are some of the most common fixes:
- Replace the converter: If your catalytic converter is badly damaged, it may be time to replace it. This can be expensive and time-consuming, but if you don’t want to deal with the risks of driving around with a faulty system on your car, this is probably your best option.
- Have it repaired: Some people choose to have their catalytic converters repaired rather than replaced. This will cost less than replacing them completely, but it won’t necessarily last as long as new ones do.
3. ERG Valve Leak
The ERG valve is a device that controls the flow of exhaust gas to the catalytic converter. It regulates pressure inside each cylinder and keeps it at a constant level, which allows for proper combustion. If this device fails, your engine will run poorly and you may notice a decrease in power.
A damaged exhaust pipe or slack clamps are some of the possible causes of exhaust leaks; however, if your vehicle has been leaking since before an emissions check was performed on it then there’s a good chance that something else is going on with your car’s emissions system.
How to fix it:
First, locate the ERG valve leak. You’ll know it’s there because you’ll hear a hissing noise and see moisture on the ground near your engine. If you’re not sure where it is, use your hands to feel around for a slight dip in the hose. That’s where the leak is likely to be.
Next, turn off your engine and let it cool before proceeding with this step. Use a wrench to remove the nut that holds the clamp in place around the hose. Remove the clamp, replace it with a new one, and tighten it up with your wrench again. This should keep any more moisture from getting into your engine.
Finally, start up your engine again and check for leaks again by looking for moisture on the ground or other signs of an issue.
4. Exhaust manifold leak
A leaky exhaust manifold is also a common problem that can cause your check emission system light to come on. If you have an exhaust leak, the engine may run rough and stall when accelerating.
The exhaust manifold is connected to the cylinder head of your car’s engine and conducts heat away from it. If this part becomes worn or damaged, it will allow hot gases to escape into the engine compartment and create a fire hazard. A cracked exhaust manifold also makes it difficult for internal combustion engines to breathe properly because it restricts airflow through the cylinders.
How to fix it:
If you’re experiencing a leak in your exhaust manifold, the first thing you should do is check the gaskets. If the gaskets are cracked or damaged, they will need to be replaced before you can get the leak fixed. If your exhaust manifold is leaking because of a crack in the manifold itself, then there’s not much that can be done except to replace it.
5. Dirty air filter
The warning light for the check emission system might also turn on due to a filthy air filter. As air enters the engine, the air filter is in charge of keeping it clean. If it’s dusty, it may limit airflow and turn on the warning light for the check emission system.
How to fix it:
- Turn off the unit and allow it to cool down before attempting any cleaning or maintenance work.
- Remove the cover over the motor compartment and inspect the filter for dust accumulation and debris. If there is dust accumulation on top of the filter, remove it by wiping it clean with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment without damaging any components underneath the filter.
- If there is dust accumulation on all sides of the filter, clean both sides with a vacuum brush or compressed air nozzle.
- Do not use any chemicals or cleaners as they may damage parts inside your unit or cause them to become unsafe for use with other items in your home; simply wipe them off with a damp cloth or rinse them in warm water if necessary so you don’t damage them during the cleaning process.
- Replace damaged parts if necessary. If any parts are cracked or broken off from their mounts due to excessive wear or misuse then replace those parts before continuing with the rest
FAQs
Is It Safe to Drive With a Check Emission System?
You may continue to drive with the check emission system light on, but it’s best to get your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as you can. It’s also important that you always keep up with your vehicle maintenance schedule.
Is Emission Service Necessary?
Yes, emission service is necessary. Vehicle emission systems are designed to meet the EPA’s standards for cleaner air. These systems help rid your vehicle of pollutants by cleaning up its engine and filtering out harmful toxins before they get released into the environment. Without regular maintenance, these systems can become damaged and ineffective at their job, leaving you with higher fuel costs than necessary and reducing your vehicle’s performance.
Read: Problems After Using Cataclean? Here’s A Solution
Conclusion
The emission system is an essential part of your vehicle’s engine. It helps remove harmful emissions from the air and prevents them from traveling into the atmosphere. The check engine light may come on because of a faulty oxygen sensor or a faulty catalytic converter.
The oxygen sensor detects how much unburned fuel is in your exhaust and sends this information to the computer. The computer uses this data to calculate how much fuel to add for optimal combustion efficiency. Other causes may include; dirty air filters, Exhaust manifold leaks, and ERG Valve Leak.