why is your check engine light on?

Every gas-powered vehicle is going to have an intake manifold gasket, which has the job of creating a seal between the cylinder head and intake manifold under the hood. It prevents air and dirt from entering the intake manifold, which keeps your engine running smoothly. In some engines, the intake manifold gasket even helps prevent oil and coolants from entering the system. That's why it's so important to know the signs that the intake manifold gasket is failing so that you can fix the problem as soon as possible.

The Vehicle Makes A Hissing Noise

Your vehicle may make an odd hissing sound when the engine is running. This noise is caused by a torn intake manifold gasket that causes air to get sucked into the intake manifold. A small tear can easily cause a loud hissing sound as the air is being pushed through, which is why this is one of the first signs that you may notice. 

The Service Engine Light Turns On

It's possible for an engine light to turn on to indicate that there is a problem with this part. If the engine is not getting the proper air-to-fuel ratio because air is getting inside the intake manifold, it is going to cause the engine control module to sense that something is wrong. However, there are several error codes that can come up, which is why it helps to have a mechanic troubleshoot the problem

For example, error code P0171 indicates that there is a problem with the air-to-fuel ratio. It doesn't pinpoint the intake manifold gasket as the cause, but it can be a potential part that causes the error code to go off. There are also various error codes that can be triggered by engine cylinders misfiring. 

The Vehicle Has A Rough Idle

You can also experience a problem with the vehicle idling roughly when it is stationary. This is caused by the extra air throwing off the air-to-fuel ratio, which causes those engine cylinders to misfire. In some situations, this broken manifold gasket can cause the engine to turn off. 

The Vehicle Has A Hard Start

A hard start is when the vehicle takes longer to turn on, often resulting in a long rank as you turn the key. This is caused by too much air getting into the engine, but the various sensors of the vehicle are not able to tell what is happening. That's why you should look out for other warning signs when you have a hard start, which can narrow the problem down to the intake manifold gasket.

For more information on auto repair, contact a professional near you.