ENGINE PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
Today, most cars’ ignition systems have far fewer parts than their predecessors.
They don’t have distributors, and the points, condenser, distributor caps, and
rotors are gone. What’s left are a few sensors, ECM, ignition module, ignition
coil(s), sparkplug wires, and sparkplugs. These systems are highly efficient and
tend to run a long time without much maintenance; however, it’s a good idea to
keep a watchful eye on key parts such as sparkplugs and wires. Have regular
maintenance checks done on the ignition system (every 15,000 to 20,000 miles).
This process includes removing, cleaning, and re-gapping the sparkplugs. It also
includes scanning the system for any trouble codes. This maintenance practice
pays high dividends in terms of performance and fuel economy (and that
translates into money).
Of course, always respond to a check engine light that is lit. It’s the engine
telling you, “Hey, there’s a problem down here!” If you let this warning go
unattended, you could face costly repairs down the road. On a side note, if the
light is on, there is one simple remedy that you can try: Remove the gas cap and
then put it back on securely. A poorly secured gas cap is a common cause of a lit
“check engine” light. The reason the check engine light stays on when the gas
cap is loose is because fuel delivery systems today are sealed to keep from
polluting the atmosphere, when the self-check of the emissions system takes
place and it “sees” a leak caused by the loose gas cap, it trips the check engine
light to tell you there’s a problem with the system. If after you secure the gas cap
the light is still illuminated, get it diagnosed ASAP. There’s a problem with the
emissions system that must be dealt with.