1. Oxygen Sensor: A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run rich or lean, leading to rough idling and triggering the check engine light.
2. Spark Plugs and Ignition System: Worn-out spark plugs or issues with the ignition coils or wires can cause misfires, resulting in rough engine performance and illuminating the check engine light.
3. Fuel Injector Issues: Clogged or faulty fuel injectors can affect the fuel mixture and cause the engine to run rough. This can also trigger the check engine light.
4. Vacuum Leak: A vacuum leak in the engine bay can disrupt the air-fuel ratio, causing rough idling and check engine light activation.
5. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor: A faulty MAF sensor can provide incorrect air intake measurements, leading to an improper fuel-to-air mixture and rough engine operation.
6. Throttle Body: A dirty or faulty throttle body can cause difficulty in maintaining a consistent idle and may trigger the check engine light.
7. Catalytic Converter: A clogged or damaged catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow, leading to rough engine behavior and illuminating the check engine light.
8. Knock Sensor: A faulty knock sensor can cause the engine to run rough and illuminate the check engine light.
9. Transmission Problems: Issues with the transmission, such as low transmission fluid or a faulty transmission solenoid, can also cause the engine to run rough.
It's important to note that the check engine light can be triggered by various issues beyond these mentioned. To accurately identify the problem, you should have the vehicle diagnosed using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes will provide more specific information about the source of the problem.
