Ferrari wrote the book when it comes to high-performance vehicles. This is why it’s devastating when the check engine light comes on. If the check engine light comes on and blinks, it’s important that you stop driving your Ferrari right away. RSW European Auto Repair advises that a blinking check engine light indicates a serious engine problem. If the check engine light comes on and remains steady, it could be due to one of the following problems.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter has a series of honeycombs inside of it that converts toxic emissions into safe ones. Eventually, these combs get clogged with carbon deposits. When this happens, you will smell rotten eggs in your Ferrari’s exhaust and the check engine light will turn on.
Malfunctioning EVAP System
The EVAP system is designed to make sure that you don’t have any fuel evaporation coming out of your Ferrari. If the system malfunctions, the check engine light will turn on and you will experience engine performance problems. In fact, even a loose gas cap can turn on the check engine light.
Malfunctioning Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit or ECU is your Ferrari’s main computer chip. If it malfunctions, it will cut your Ferrari’s engine and you won’t be able to get it started again. A malfunctioning ECU will also turn on the check engine light to alert you of trouble.
Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor measures the air that comes into your Ferrari’s engine from the outside. The main reason why a mass airflow sensor will malfunction is that it has gotten too dirty. When this happens, cleaning the sensor usually turns off the check engine light.
Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
Your Ferrari’s oxygen sensor measures the levels of oxygen found in the vehicle’s exhaust. On average, the oxygen sensor will last anywhere from 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles. When it malfunctions, you will have engine performance problems and a check engine warning.
Worn or Misfiring Spark Plugs
Finally, if your spark plugs are worn, the Ferrari’s engine will misfire. When this happens, the engine will stutter and stall in severe cases. Even if the spark plugs aren’t worn, they can misfire if the engine control unit is malfunctioning. The unit is what determines the spark plugs’ firing order. Aside from the engine performance problems, your check engine light will also come on.
Call RSW European Auto Repair in Green Brook Township, NJ, today if your Ferrari’s check engine light is on and won’t turn off.