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Why does the engine light come on and car lose power after fifteen minutes of driving?

Several reasons could cause your engine light to come on and your car to lose power after fifteen minutes of driving. Here are a few possible issues:

1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and helps regulate the air-fuel mixture. A faulty oxygen sensor can provide incorrect readings, leading to engine performance issues.

2. Catalytic Converter Issues: The catalytic converter helps convert harmful pollutants in the exhaust gas into less harmful substances. If the catalytic converter is clogged or damaged, it can cause the engine to run poorly and lose power.

3. Ignition Coil Problems: The ignition coils deliver electrical energy to the spark plugs, which ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. Faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, rough idling, and loss of power.

4. Fuel Injector Issues: Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the engine's cylinders. Clogged or faulty fuel injectors can disrupt the fuel flow, causing a lean or rich air-fuel mixture and resulting in engine performance problems.

5. Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor Malfunction: The MAF sensor measures the airflow into the engine. Incorrect readings from a faulty MAF sensor can affect the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues.

6. Vacuum Leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause unmetered air to enter the engine, disrupting the air-fuel mixture and leading to engine performance problems.

7. Throttle Body Issues: The throttle body controls the airflow into the engine. Problems with the throttle body, such as carbon buildup or a faulty position sensor, can cause the engine to run poorly and lose power.

8. Fuel Pump Problems: A failing or faulty fuel pump can restrict fuel flow to the engine, leading to fuel starvation, engine performance issues, and potential power loss.

When the engine light comes on and your car starts losing power, it's important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Ignoring these issues can cause further damage to the engine and other components. A professional mechanic can properly identify the underlying issue and perform the necessary repairs to restore your vehicle's performance.