Can a bad air filter cause a Check Engine light?

A dirty air filter is one of the things that can cause your Check Engine light to come on, caused by an inadequate supply of air to the engine that results in a buildup of carbon deposits. Have your mechanic scan your vehicle to track down the source of the problem, as it could be as simple as replacing the air filter.

What sensors can cause Check Engine light?

Oxygen sensors are a common cause of “check engine” lights. This sensor is located in the emission control system of your car, and is standard on all vehicles manufactured after 1980. The oxygen sensors are used to ensure that your engine is burning the correct amount of fuel, and running at peak performance.

Can a check engine light be an oxygen sensor?

It seems as though the check engine light and O2 Sensor codes have always gone hand in hand. I can’t even begin to tell you how many perfectly good sensors I’ve seen replaced for a rich/lean code, or as a cure to a service engine light that comes and goes. Fact is, when oxygen sensors were first being used, they did tend to fail.

Can a check engine light code be troublesome?

Oxygen Sensors, otherwise referred to as O2 Sensors, and their related check engine light codes, can be troublesome at the very best! Today we discuss the design and function of these sensors, and some of the pitfalls encountered during the diagnosis of their related fault codes.

What to do if your oxygen sensor is bad?

The Check Engine Light will illuminate if you have a bad or failing oxygen sensor. As soon as this light comes on, contact a professional automotive technician for a Check Engine Light inspection. This light can come on for many different reasons, so it is important to have it looked at by a professional who can correctly diagnose the exact cause.

What causes bad engine lights and O2 sensor codes?

There are other possibilities besides bad sensors that will set these kinds of trouble codes. Major and minor problems with the engine or vehicle could be at the root cause of the malfunction.

Can a bad air filter cause a check engine light?

Can a dirty air filter affect emissions?

A dirty air filter cannot do its job properly and it, too, can return a high count of hydrocarbons in your emissions test. Change your air filter every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, to avoid any problem with your emissions.

Can a dirty air filter cause MAF code?

The air filter may be the MAF sensor’s first line of defense via the engine’s air intake system, but a clogged, low quality or dirty air filter can actually become the source of MAF sensor damage if any contamination bypasses it.

What happens if I don’t change my car air filter?

When the air filter gets too dirty, it will get clogged and the engine won’t be able to suck up enough air to the combustion chamber. While this rarely results in permanent damage, neglecting the air filter for long enough may cause the engine to stop running completely.

Is no air filter better than a dirty one?

Running your air conditioner without a filter is worse than running it with a dirty one. Without a filter, your air conditioner is at risk for severe and expensive problems. Take our advice and never run your system without one.

Can you clear codes to pass emissions?

To pass an OBD-II emissions test, a vehicle must: If you clear the ‘Check Engine’ light, or reset the OBD-II monitors right before your emissions test, your vehicle typically will not pass because the catalyst and EVAP monitors need time to run. If it’s not in a “ready” state, your vehicle will automatically fail.

Can I wash a cabin air filter?

Cabin air filters come in cloth, carbon and paper. Some cloth and carbon filters are reusable and can stand up to a wash. Using a hose on low pressure, direct water from clean side to dirty, sweeping top to bottom.

How often should you replace a car air filter?

every 12,000 to 15,000 miles
Replacement Time Check your owner’s manual; it should tell you when your air filter should be replaced. This is generally every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. If you have driven more than that since the last time you replaced the air filter, it’s probably time to get it changed.

What does rich mean on a Subaru Impreza?

A rich condition indicates that the air fuel mixture has too much fuel or not enough air. This would be the opposite of a lean condition, which’ll throw P0171. The P0172 code on a Subaru Impreza will often be thrown if the fuel injection system is not operating properly. Typically the code will be triggered by a rich condition in the engine.

What kind of air filter does a Subaru WRX use?

This filter sounds fantastic, fits in the stock airbox with the cover on or off, and isn’t terribly expensive. I really enjoy hearing the turbo spool and blowoff through the new filter.

What is the trouble code on a Subaru Impreza?

A common trouble code with the Subaru Impreza is P0172. This code number references a number that is given to you when you plug your car into a OBDII scanner. It’s not the most complicated OBDII trouble code to diagnose.

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