The check engine light of your car can come on for many reasons. Faulty oxygen sensors, loose gas caps, and misfiring engines are all possible causes.
Now, can brakes cause the check engine light to come on? Yes, brake issues can indirectly trigger the check engine light. Problems like vacuum leaks, contaminated brake fluid, faulty wheel speed sensors, or electrical interference can disrupt engine performance. In such cases, it can turn on the check engine light.
Regular maintenance and timely brake system repairs can help prevent these occurrences. Find out more about the fixes and preventions!
Can Brakes Cause Check Engine Light to Come On: A Quick Overview
Yes, brakes can cause the check engine light to come on. If your check engine light is on, it can be because of both engine issues and brake-related issues. Ignoring the check engine light or brake problems can lead to more significant and costly problems down the road.
Here’s an overview of the brake-related issues and their impact on the check engine light illumination.
Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak messes with air and fuel your engine needs, making it act up. Your engine might feel shaky, lose power, or use more fuel. When the check engine light comes on because of this, it’s like your car’s signal that something’s off.
Brake Fluid Contamination
Contaminated brake fluid can impact engine components, causing the check engine light to come on.
Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensor failures can lead to inaccurate readings, potentially triggering the check engine light, especially if your vehicle has ABS.
Faulty Brake Components
Sticking calipers or worn brake pads can cause increased resistance, negatively affecting engine performance and fuel efficiency. This can prompt the check engine light to turn on.
Electrical Interference
Electrical issues related to the brake system can cause disruptions in other vehicle systems, including the engine management system. This may lead to the check engine light activation.
Special Note: The specific impact of brake-related issues on the check engine light can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Potential Fixes to the Brake-Related Check Engine Light Issues
Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated engine control units (ECUs) that can detect various irregularities and potential problems. Therefore, even minor issues with your brakes can sometimes be detected by the ECU and trigger the check engine light.
Often, people ask – can I remap my ECU myself? My advice is to consult with a professional.
Here’s how I recommend fixing the brake-related issues –
Vacuum Leaks
To fix the vacuum leaks in the brake booster system, you need to first identify the source of the leak. You can use a smoke machine and visual inspections to pinpoint the exact location of the problem.
Once the leak is identified, you should repair or replace the damaged or deteriorated components. This may include vacuum hoses, gaskets, or the brake booster itself.
Brake Fluid Contamination
If you want to fix contaminated brake fluid issues, you must flush the old, contaminated brake fluid from the system.
To do so, you need to bleed the brake lines to ensure all old fluid is replaced with new, clean brake fluid. For that, I recommend using Lucas Oil!
When replacing brake fluid, use the manufacturer-recommended brake fluid for your vehicle.
Wheel Speed Sensors
- Firstly, use diagnostic equipment to identify the malfunctioning sensor accurately.
- After identifying the faulty sensor, replace it with a new, compatible unit.
- You should also ensure proper calibration of the new sensor for accurate operation of the ABS.
Faulty Brake Components
- Thoroughly inspect the braking system to identify the specific issue, whether it’s a sticking caliper, worn brake pads, or another problem.
- Lubricate or replace sticking calipers, depending on their condition.
- I recommend replacing the worn brake pads with new ones to restore proper braking performance.
- Inspect the entire brake system for any related issues that the faulty component may have caused.
Electrical Interference
- Begin by diagnosing the electrical issue within the brake system. This typically involves checking wiring, connections, and sensors to identify the problem’s source.
- Once the issue is pinpointed, make the necessary repairs or replacements.
- You may need to fix damaged wires, ensure proper connections, or replace faulty sensors.
If you’re not comfortable with any of the procedures, seek the help of a professional!
How to Prevent Brake-Related Check Engine Light Issues
To prevent brake-related issues from triggering the check engine light, here are some maintenance tips you should follow.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure you follow the recommended maintenance schedule for both your brake system and engine components. I’d say maintaining them every 6 months to a year, or every 6,000 to 12,000 miles, is a good practice.
- Brake Fluid Inspection: Periodically check your brake fluid level and quality every 2 to 3 months. Brake fluid should be clear and free from contaminants. If you suspect any contamination, consult a mechanic.
- Check for Vacuum Leaks: Pay attention to any signs of brake booster vacuum leaks, such as a soft brake pedal or poor braking performance. Address these issues promptly to avoid engine-related problems.
- Wheel Speed Sensor Maintenance: If your vehicle has an ABS, ensure the wheel speed sensors are in good condition and free from damage. Regular inspections can help avoid erroneous readings that might trigger the check engine light.
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On?
When the check engine light comes on, it’s essential to take action promptly to diagnose and address the underlying issue. Ignoring the warning light can lead to more severe and costly problems down the road.
Check for Warning Signs
Pay attention to any unusual noises, smells, or changes in your vehicle’s performance. These can provide valuable clues about the problem.
Check Gas Cap
If the check engine light comes on suddenly, start with a simple check of your gas cap. Ensure it is properly tightened, and if it’s damaged, consider replacing it.
Now, can overfilling gas tank cause check engine light? Yes, overfilling can saturate the system with fuel vapor and trigger the check engine light.
Use an OBD-II Scanner
An OBD-II scanner is a valuable tool that allows you to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored by your vehicle’s ECU. When the OBD-II system detects a problem, it illuminates the check engine light on your dashboard.
These codes provide specific information about the issue triggering the check engine light.
Consult a Professional
If you’re not comfortable diagnosing or fixing the problem yourself, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic or technician.
They can use the DTCs to identify the issue accurately and recommend the necessary repairs.
Final Words
To sum up, can brakes cause check engine light to come on? Well, yes. While your vehicle’s braking system and engine system are separate, they can indirectly influence each other, leading to the activation of the check engine light.
Issues like vacuum leaks, brake fluid contamination, and electrical interference are some of the most common causes. If you can’t perform the potential fixes yourself, I suggest consulting an experienced technician.
