Faulty Spark Plugs/Wires: Your spark plugs create the fire that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder, which is what allows your engine to start and run. Over time, the spark plugs/wires/boots will detoriate, and will need to be replaced. Faulty spark plugs/wires/boots can cause for your engine to misfire, reduce performance and fuel economy, and even prevent your car from running altogether.

Failing Oxygen (02) Sensor: Your oxygen sensor is constantly exposed to hot exhaust gases, and moisture. This will eventually cause it to fail. This sensor provides crucial information about the air/fuel mixture to your vehicles ECU (main computer). When your oxygen sensor fails, it can cause your ECU to provide your vehicle with too little or too much fuel. When your engine is receiving too little fuel, you risk total engine failure, while an engine receiving too much fuel will create excessive smoke and odor.

Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor: Your mass air flow sensor (called MAF for short) serves a similar function to your oxygen sensor. It measures the amount of air entering your engine and ensures it is receiving the proper air/fuel ratio. Over time, the MAF sensor can become exposed to particle-rich air and inevitably fail. When this sensor fails, your vehicle is prone to engine misfires. The misfiring will ultimately lead to poor fuel economy and performance. If left untreated, this can also lead to further engine damage.

Failing Catalytic Converter: Your vehicles catalytic converter (called Cat for short) is a vital component of the emissions system, as it removes toxic carbon monoxide gasses. Over time, the catalytic converter will become clogged with material, especially on a higher mileage vehicle. When your catalytic converter fails, it can cause for a severe drop in performance and fuel economy. Your vehicle will also no longer pass state inspection.

Misfires: When your engine is not running properly, chances are that it is misfiring. What this means is the air/fuel mixture of your vehicle is running lean. There are two common types of misfires: p0300 and p030x.

P0300 means that it is a random misfire. Simply put, this is when the misfire is not specific to one cylinder, instead it jumps around to all cylinders in the engine.

P030x is a cylinder specific code. For example, if your vehicle gives the code ‘P0303’, this means that there is a misfire in cylinder 3. Some common causes for misfires include a dirty MAF sensor (see above section), dirty fuel injectors, failed ignition coils, or a pesky vacuum leak. If you have your car scanned and either of the afore-mentioned codes pops up, we recommend you bring your vehicle in ASAP to find the root of the problem before the issue gets worse.