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The check engine light in your Porsche is one of your car’s most important warning systems. This light automatically switches on with other lights when your engine starts. If this light stays on, it signals a problem somewhere in your car. As your Porsche dealer, we’d like to tell you about some of the reasons your warning light stays on.
Advice From Your Porsche Dealer: 3 Reasons Your Engine Warning Light Is On
Damaged Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is part of your exhaust system, and its purpose is to reduce pollution. Dangerous chemicals from the combustion process like carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide enter the converter. Once inside, a combination of extreme heat, pressure, and chemical reactions converts these substances. The resulting carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water are then expelled from your exhaust.
A blocked or damaged converter will trigger the light as sensors in the converter detect dangerous gases. If your converter is damaged, you see additional evidence as the exhaust will produce black smoke. If your converter is blocked, your engine might suddenly die within minutes of starting. Our technicians will examine the converter and unblock or replace it.
Failing Alternator
The alternator is a generator that creates electricity for your car’s systems. The generator is powered by the movement of the crankshaft, and it spins to produce electrical power. An alternator has a useful life of approximately eight years, but it will eventually show signs of wearing out. When this happens, you’ll experience electrical glitches.
A worn alternator will trigger the check engine light if its voltage drops too low. A healthy alternator provides 14.5 volts. As the alternator wears out, this output will gradually drop. If sensors attached to the alternator detect a voltage output of 12 volts or less, the light will come on. We can test the alternator to confirm the diagnosis and replace it with a new one.
Worn Spark Plugs
Worn or damaged plugs can cause the light to come on. The spark plugs are essential as they provide the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture that produces combustion. Plugs will wear out over time, and they can fail due to other electrical problems, like a worn ignition coil or a damaged alternator. Spark plug issues can cause misfiring, which can lead to engine damage.
If the spark plugs are misfiring, the light will come on in response. The light doesn’t identify the plugs as the problem, but it shows something is wrong. Our technicians will investigate and fix the problem.
If you see the check engine light illuminate, call our service department at Porsche West Broward. Our Porsche-trained technicians will connect your computer to our diagnostic system to determine the cause of the problem. Once we know what’s wrong, we’ll repair it ASAP.
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