The best part of owning a high-end luxury vehicle like an Audi is that you’ll get noticed. Your status in society will be elevated to such a point that people in your neighborhood will respect and admire you. But, there is a catch… as with any other vehicle, your Audi is susceptible to different problems- the most notable being the flashing of the check engine light.
So, what can prompt your Audi’s check engine light to start flashing and what could you do to diagnose the issue before it turns into an expensive repair??? Let’s discuss…
Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On
Being a part of your Audi’s onboard diagnostic system, the check engine light essentially comes on when a glitch is detected by the onboard computer in one of the crucial parts of the powertrain system or in the emissions control system. What kind of glitch, you asked? Well, let’s find out…
#1- Oxygen sensor failure
Mounted on the exhaust pipe, the oxygen sensor measures the concentration of oxygen gas in the exhaust emission. This real-time measurement of oxygen concentration, in turn, helps the engine control unit or ECU in keeping the air-to-fuel ratio inside the cylinder balanced. Should a sensor of such significance fail, the engine will perform poorly. This can lead to the illumination of check engine light.
#2- Catalytic converter issue
The catalytic converter is entrusted with a very simple task- which is to treat the exhaust emission before releasing it to the environment. This after-treatment device is the reason why your Audi meet emission regulations. If it fails, you will have to deal with all sorts of drivability issues. And, yes… you may even end up with a flashing check engine light.
#3- Defective MAF sensor
Just like there are sensors in place to monitor exhaust emissions, there is a set up to track and regulate air flow into the engine. Placed between the throttle body and air filter, the Mass Air Flow sensor is an important part of that arrangement. The data provided by this sensor helps the ECU in keeping the air-to-fuel proportion inside the combustion chamber close to ideal. A glitch in a sensor of such significance may set off your Audi’s check engine light.
#4- Loose gas cap
Another notable explanation as to why your Audi’s check engine light may start flashing is a loose gas cap. For those who don’t know, the gas cap is an important part of a vehicle’s evaporative emissions control system. And, the onboard diagnostic system of your Audi is programmed to warn you by setting off the check engine light- should something unusual happen to the gas cap.
Illuminated Check Engine Light: Resetting Tips
You may end up with expensive repairs if you decide to ignore such a warning indicator. So, you better try to figure out what went wrong with your Audi that set off the check engine light and have it fixed ASAP. Listed below are a few steps that you can follow to reset your Audi’s check engine light.
#1- Retrieve trouble codes
Use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the trouble code stored in the fault memory of your Audi. The code will reveal a lot about the nature of the issue you are dealing with and may even help you reset the light. In addition to the use of OBD-II scanner, there are many different methods that you can make use of to reset the light.
#2- Contact a professional
If you are not handy with tools, you should take your Audi to a reliable service center in your locality to get the issue diagnosed. Professionals working in the service center are well equipped to deal with such issues. After thorough inspection, they will able to tell you the exact reason that prompted the onboard diagnostic system to activate the check engine light.
Our Audi Mechanics At JCL Automotive Can Help
More often than not, a blinking check engine light suggests a minor glitch such as a loose gas cap, a bad oxygen sensor, etc… But on occasion, the appearance of such a light signifies a serious engine issue that requires the attention of a professional.
JCL Automotive is your go to service center in Hellertown, PA– when it comes to addressing Audi check engine light issues. Professionals working in our facility have years of experience in automotive sector and specialized in dealing with complex issues in European cars especially Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Feel free to contact us and let us reset your Audi’s check engine light.