Audis are stylish vehicles known for their top-notch technology. Yet even the best vehicles can experience engine problems, and when this happens, you’ll expect your Audi’s check engine light to warn you about it.

A malfunctioning check engine light can have serious consequences; if you don’t receive proper warning about your vehicle’s engine problems, your Audi may end up seriously damaged or even destroyed. To help prevent a situation like this, below is some important information about check engine light malfunctions and how to solve them.

Causes of Check Engine Light Issues

Because the check engine light is usually the first indicator of vehicle trouble, it may seem like an infallible part. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Just like every other Audi component, the check engine light system is susceptible to wear, tear, and eventual failure.

One possible cause of a check engine light malfunction is bulb burnout. No light bulb is designed to last forever, and if your Audi’s check engine light has ever been on for a significant amount of time, there’s a chance that the bulb may reach the end of its lifespan. If this is the case, then the check engine light will be incapable of turning on again until the bulb is replaced.

Another potential cause of check engine light failure is a malfunction in the connector between your vehicle’s check engine light and its computer. Typically, the check engine light turns on when the computer sends a relevant signal along the connector that links the two parts. However, if this connector is damaged or shorted out, the signal won’t go through. This will prevent the check engine light from operating correctly and may leave it stuck in either an “on” or “off” state.

A third and final cause of check engine light problems is vehicle computer failure. Your Audi’s computer is responsible for continually assessing its engine and illuminating the check engine light if it senses any problems. If it fails due to corrosion, poor wiring, or battery issues, it may be unable to turn the check engine light on.

Because your vehicle’s computer almost single-handedly regulates its engine, a malfunction of this component can have serious and even deadly consequences for both you and your vehicle. Therefore, if you ever suspect that your Audi’s computer may be malfunctioning, you should take it to a professional mechanic right away.

Detecting a Failed Check Engine Light

One way to tell if your Audi’s check engine light is working is by simply turning your vehicle on and watching the dashboard. When your vehicle first starts, the check engine light should briefly light up before going out. This is intended to be a signal that all of your vehicle’s systems, including the check engine light’s wiring, are working properly. If you turn your vehicle on and the check engine light fails to illuminate, there may be something wrong with it.

There are two more symptoms that can be used to identify if your Audi’s check engine light is working improperly: either the light stays on after the problem that initially illuminated it has been fixed, or the light stays off while the vehicle is clearly malfunctioning.

Of the two scenarios, the first is the least worrisome, as it will not cause further damage to your vehicle. If your check engine light stays on for several days after a mechanic has addressed the problem that made it turn on, the light may need to be fixed or reset.

Accordingly, if your vehicle’s check engine light refuses to turn off, you should take your vehicle back to your mechanic to solve this new problem.

The second potential scenario is much more concerning, where your vehicle is clearly malfunctioning but the check engine light will not illuminate. If this happens, you should bring your vehicle to a professional mechanic immediately because if the issue is large enough to be noticeable, it may have already caused considerable damage. The mechanic should address both the check engine light problem and the larger malfunction.

Das European Autohaus Will Help

The check engine light system is difficult if not impossible for a novice to fix on their own. Fortunately, at Das European Autohaus, our professional mechanics have years of experience working with Audis and other German vehicles. We provide premier service to customers in Spring and Houston Texas, and we would love to help you keep your vehicle in excellent shape, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you in the future.