Why is My Hyundai Check Engine Light On?

If you are out and about in The Shoals, an illuminated Hyundai check engine light could cause you to panic. While this can be frustrating, in most cases when your Hyundai dashboard lights turn on, it’s rarely an emergency. But it’s important for a technician to check out your vehicle as soon as possible, because there is something wrong. For most Florence drivers, the check engine light pops on to indicate when the vehicle is in need of maintenance or a minor repair is required. However, there are some cases where the Hyundai check engine light could signal a more complex issue. 

Greenway Hyundai of the Shoals explains some of the common reasons why your Hyundai Sonata or Elantra check engine light can come on, as well as what the next steps should be. These guidelines apply to all vehicles in the Hyundai lineup. 

How Can I Fix the Hyundai Check Engine Light?

Some of the minor maintenance issues can be fixed quickly and easily, and when those repairs are made, the check engine light should reset automatically. There may be times where it will have to be reset manually after a technician has repaired or adjusted your vehicle’s settings. Keep in mind that the Hyundai check engine light could be a sign of a more serious problem with your vehicle. When you notice your check engine light, follow the steps below:

• Being familiar with all of the Hyundai dashboard lights can be very beneficial, and that information can be found in yourvehicle’s owner’s manual. This guide can help you learn all about the Hyundai Elantra check engine light, the Hyundai Sonata check engine light, and the other icons you may encounter.
• Hyundai dashboard lights are color-coded. Yellow lights indicate that there’s a problem that will need to be looked at in the near future, whereas a red check engine indicates an issue that needs to be addressed right away.
• If your Hyundai check engine light is lit up, take note of anything that seems unusual about your vehicle. Most drivers can’t fix these issues at home, but if you let us know what you’ve heard/seen/smelled, it can help us figure out what’s up with your vehicle.

In the case that you can’t discover what the problem is yourself, you can always bring your vehicle into our service center in Tuscumbia. The expert technicians at Greenway Hyundai of the Shoals will be able to read your engine’s code, diagnose the problem, and fix it in no time.

What Causes the Check Engine Light to Illuminate?

The check engine light serves as a “catch-all” light for vehicle maintenance problems. It signals anything from serious mechanical failure to very minor issues like a loose gas cap. If your Hyundai check engine light pops on, listed below are some of the most common causes:

• Mass Airflow Sensor: The Mass Airflow Sensor (or MAF), measures the amount of air flowing through the engine so the correct amount of fuel can be added to the mixture. If this feature is not functioning properly, the check engine light pops on. If there is a problem with the MAF, you may notice that your car starts to stall, increased emissions, and decreased fuel economy. A new air filter should fix this issue.
• Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor detects the amount of oxygen in the exhaust to measure how much fuel is being used. If not taken care of, it could cause the catalytic converter to malfunction in addition to decreased fuel economy. 
• Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into safer compounds in order to create less pollution. When the catalytic converter does not work as it should, your gas mileage may be affected and your vehicle may not accelerate normally.
• Loose Gas Cap: This should be the first thing that you check when your Hyundai check engine light comes on, as it is the easiest issue to fix. 

Keep Your Vehicle in Pristine Condition with Greenway Hyundai of the Shoals

If you notice your Hyundai Elantra check engine light or Hyundai Sonata check engine light is on, bring your vehicle to our service center to have it evaluated by our highly-skilled technicians. Whether you drive a Sonata or a Santa Fe, a Tucson or a Palisade, Greenway Hyundai of the Shoals is your source for Hyundai car care in The Shoals. 

We want to help you get back on the roads of Muscle Shoals as soon as possible. Contact us today if you have any questions.