Can Bad Spark Plugs Cause My Check Engine Light To Turn On?

July 20, 2020

Gloved hands hold a new and used spark plug in front of a car's open hood in a garage. | Dave's Automotive LLC

The spark plugs have a super important job when it comes to your vehicle. They are the components that cause the spark to start-up combustion which is necessary to start your car. They put your engine's pistons in motion which is also important for proper air-fuel mixture and smooth operation. 

If you get into your car and find that your vehicle won't start, you may believe that the issue is with the battery. However, oftentimes, it could be failing spark plugs. So, how do you know if your spark plugs are bad, and do they cause your vehicle's check engine light to turn on?

The answer is - yes! Worn spark plugs can cause your vehicle's check engine light to illuminate, indicating an issue. It may even be a flashing check engine light. This is because bad spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, which will trigger the check engine light to turn on. Some other symptoms of bad spark plugs include the following: 

  • Rough idling
  • Problems accelerating
  • Increased exhaust emissions
  • Trouble starting your vehicle
  • Bad fuel efficiency
  • Overall bad vehicle performance

If you're experiencing any of the issues listed above, we invite you to our shop for an inspection. We will determine if your vehicle needs new spark plugs or a different repair. Any engine trouble is vital to have repaired quickly. 

The best way to know when to replace your vehicle's spark plugs is to change them before they fail. You can understand when spark plugs need to be replaced by referring to your car's owner's manual. It is a part of preventative maintenance that we can take care of right here at Dave's Automotive. 

If you suspect that you need spark plug replacement, don't hesitate to give us a call or stop by our shop today! 

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