What To Do When Your Chevy Duramax Check Engine Light Comes On

Bryan Warman • March 15, 2021

Car owners should not ignore the warning system on their vehicle. The engine light is often triggered by several issues. Some are not a big deal, while others will need your immediate attention to keep the vehicle running smoothly.

Whenever you see the check engine light turn on in your Chevy Duramax , it is important to get it checked out by a qualified mechanic to ensure the issue does not ruin the engine or cause the car to fail.

Some of the most common issues in the vehicle that may turn the check engine light on include the below problems.

Oxygen Sensors

The check engine light may turn on when an oxygen sensor is failing. A bad sensor struggles to properly measure the level of oxygen in the exhaust . This makes it difficult to add the right levels of fuel to the engine. If this does not get solved, it could cause the engine to work too hard and limits the miles per gallon the vehicle gets.

A Loose Gas Cap

Yes, it is possible that a loose gas cap can cause your check engine light to turn on. This cap helps to keep the gas and the vapors inside the vehicle. When it is off, you may have a vapor leak that causes problems. Check to see if the gas cap is on the next time you see the check engine light.

The Catalytic Converter

When the catalytic converter stops working, it can also trigger the check engine light to turn on. Once this part begins to fail, you will need a new catalytic converter installed right away to protect the engine.

Bad Spark Plugs

It is possible for the spark plugs to go bad right before the check engine light turns on. Spark plugs that do not work mean the truck is not firing on all cylinders . If you only have one spark plug in the truck, it may mean that the truck will not start at all.

A Leaky Vacuum Hose

When the check engine light turns on, you should take a look at the vacuum hoses. If they have a hole or a leak in them, they may cause the fuel to evaporate before it can reach the proper destination in the car. When this happens, you will need to replace the hose.

A Bad Ignition Coil

The ignition coil may be failing if you see the check engine light turn on. The ignition coils are critical to turning the truck on and giving the necessary spark . Over time, when the ignition coil completely fails, then the truck will not start at all. This can happen through normal wear and tear on the vehicle and when the coils are exposed to high temperatures .

Expert Help for Your Check Engine Light

When you notice that the check engine light turns on in your Duramax, it is important to take care of the issue right away. It is common for car owners to see this warning sign turn on and then ignore the problem. They may assume that the issue is small and the car will be just fine.

Sometimes the issue connected to the check engine light is a small thing. A gas cap being left off is not the end of the world and your truck will still run. However, there are many major problems with the truck that can cause the check engine light to come on.

Driving while the engine light is on without having a professional mechanic look at it can cause your truck major problems and leave you stranded on the side of the road. As soon as you see that light, take your Duramax truck into a qualified mechanic for a diagnostic check. This will help you catch any potential problems as soon as they can be discovered, which can save the engine and other parts of the truck before they get ruined.

At Diesel Pickup Pros , our professional mechanics are here to help you figure out what the problem is in your Chevy Duramax when the check engine light comes on. Our professionals are here to help the residents of Floyds Knobs , Georgetown , Jeffersonville , and New Albany in Indiana , as well as Louisville, KY .

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