A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.
Engine airflow performance
An air filter that isn't changed on a regular basis will become contaminated with dirt and debris. This prevents the proper amount of air from entering the engine. In extreme cases, a contaminated air filter can turn on the check engine light.
Oxygen Sensor Malfunction
One of the most common reasons your check engine light may come on is that your oxygen sensor is failing. Your local auto repair shop in Western Washington can replace it for you quickly, which will restore your vehicle's ability to measure unburned oxygen in its exhaust system.
Check Engine Light Comes On
The CEL warning light will turn on when the engine is not getting an adequate supply of air. If you have noticed other symptoms like lackluster acceleration or reduced fuel economy, then that light could very well be telling you the air filter might be clogged and needs to be changed.
A dirty engine air filter will block the amount of oxygen coming into your vehicle's engine. That will reduce engine efficiency and rob you of the max power that you can get from your vehicle.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
When your car is idling or stationary, you should feel and hear the smooth vibrations of an efficient engine. If you notice unusual noises, in particular a coughing, popping or spitting noise, it suggests that the engine isn't getting enough airflow, which means your air filter needs to be replaced.
Check engine lights can turn on for a number of reasons. Some can be minor problems such as tightening the gas cap, and others can be serious problems like engine issues. If your vehicle is running fine, the check engine light may signal a minor issue, but it is best to visit a mechanic to make sure.
However, sometimes the check engine light will come on for no apparent reason. This is known as a false alarm. There are a number of reasons why false alarms can occur. One possibility is that the sensor that detects problems in the engine is faulty.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
The Check Engine Light is On
If you see a Check Engine Light on and the diagnostic trouble code is P0524, “Engine Oil Pressure Too Low” or something similar, that indicates poor oil flow. It's usually related to low oil levels or a bad oil pump, but it can also be due to a clogged oil filter.
In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”. A cycle, in this instance, refers to the process of turning the vehicle on, running it for some time, and turning it off again.
How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.
A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.
You may notice a significant decline in HVAC performance, increased energy bills, and decreased comfort in your home. Additionally, delaying filter changes can lead to more extensive damage to your HVAC system, requiring costly repairs or replacement.
These effects can result in impurities entering the combustion chamber which can damage piston rings, bushes and cylinders. Repairing these damages repeatedly exceeds the cost of a new air filter, so it is certainly not worth taking the risk by cleaning the filter. Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance.
It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in.
The other problem with a bad air filter is when it does not restrict air flow to the combustion chamber as intended. While you need air flow to get the best power, unfiltered air flowing in with no restrictions will cause the engine to run lean with too much oxygen in the combustion chamber.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model. When you realise that, it makes sense to regularly replace your air filters.