When your check engine light comes on, you will want to head to the auto repair shop and have them run the codes that will explain why the check engine light is on. The check engine light can be tripped by some mundane things, such as a missing gas cap, but it can also be triggered by some major issues as well. There are four serious reasons your check engine light could be triggered.

#1: Gas Mass Sensor

The gas mass sensor helps make sure your vehicle gets the right mixture of fuel and air when you press down on the gas. The gas mass sensor ensures your vehicle runs smoothly when it is idling and allows you to accelerate smoothly when you press on the gas. Replacing the gas mass sensor can be an expensive repair that can cost thousands of dollars to fix.

#2: Transmission Issues

Your transmission is a very large system, with lots of moving parts. Some transmission issues, like low fluid, are easy to fix. However, other transmission issues may require that your transmission be completely rebuilt and replaced. Replacing and rebuilding your transmission is another repair that can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the exact vehicle and transmission parts that need to be replaced. Some auto repair shops handle transmission repair, and others will require you to head over to a transmission specialty shop for this type of repair.

#3: Supercharger

Some vehicles have superchargers in them. A supercharger is a special air compressor that is designed to allow your vehicle to get better fuel efficiency by adding additional pressure to the fuel-air mixture your engine depends upon. Not all vehicles have a supercharged engine; this is a feature that tends to be found in higher-end vehicles. If the supercharger breaks down, it can be expensive but necessary to replace. Although all engines don't have superchargers, you will have to address and fix the issue if your engine does have one.

#4: Hybrid Issue

With a hybrid vehicle, two different serious issues can trigger the check engine light. As your battery dies, it can trigger the check engine light. Replacing the entire battery is extremely expensive; however, usually a couple of cells can be replaced instead, saving you thousands of dollars.

Another issue with a hybrid vehicle that can trigger the check engine light is the hybrid inverter assembly. This is another part that can be expensive to replace.

If your check engine light comes on, it may be something minor or something major that triggered the check engine light. That is why you should get to your mechanic as soon as possible to figure out the cause of your check engine light.

To learn more, contact a local auto repair service.