WHAT DOES THE MAZDA3 ENGINE LIGHT MEAN?

No driver wants to see their check engine light on, but there’s no reason to panic. The next time your Mazda3 check engine light lights up or starts to flash, find out what it’s really trying to tell you with a little help from the team at Mazda of Escondido. Ready to get your issue fixed? Schedule service with our trusted Escondido service center today!

WHY IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

Although most Mazda vehicles come equipped with unique Skyactiv®-G technology, your Mazda3 check engine light will most commonly indicate problems which could occur in any vehicle. There include:

• An issue with your engine’s electrical components or other parts
• An issue with your emission control system
• An empty or extremely low fuel tank
• A damaged or improperly attached gas cap

Still not sure of what your Mazda check engine light is trying to tell you? The process of elimination could help you get to the bottom of things. However, in most cases, it’s best to leave this task to the experts. Don’t push your vehicle’s limits, and drive carefully if you can’t make an appointment right away. If you’ve already fixed any possible issues, and your Mazda3 check engine light stays on, disconnecting and reconnecting the battery should cause it to go off. If there’s still an underlying problem, it’ll be back on again before long.

SKYACTIV®-G ENGINE TIPS

Your Mazda3 may be equipped with a specially-designed Skyactiv®-G engine. These unique Mazda engines are designed to maximize fuel efficiency without compromising on power or performance, but they can experience several issues which are not common in other vehicles. Here’s how to prevent most common Skyactiv®-G engine problems:

• If you’ve been pushing your vehicle’s limits, driving uphill, or traveling at highway speeds, let the engine idle for at least 30 seconds before you turn it off completely.
• Avoid over-revving the engine, especially when it’s cold out. Let it idle for 30 seconds or so before you take off.
• Change the oil, oil filter, and spark plugs according to the instructions laid out in your owner’s manual. Don’t trust generic guidelines or references.

• Only use approved motor oil in your Skyactiv®-G engine! Extra additives could get in the way of its unique features.

If you don’t see your check engine light, but you keep hearing a strange Mazda3 Skyactiv®-G engine noise, it’s possible that one of these behaviors is to blame! Let us take a look as soon as possible, and remember to keep up with your recommended Mazda maintenance schedule.

RELY ON Mazda of Escondido FOR YOUR SERVICE NEEDS

When you bring your vehicle to Mazda of Escondido, we’ll find out what’s causing your Mazda check engine light to come on, and fix the problem right away! We’ve made it easy to schedule service, and we’re proud to offer a wide range of useful Mazda service specials.

Hoping to learn more about the latest models? Explore the 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback configurations today.