What is the most common reason the check engine light comes on in Aston Martin?

Hey, Aston Martin fans! Your luxury piece is well-known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and high-tech features. But despite being such a brilliant invention, its auto parts may wear out over time and start acting up by triggering various warning lights. Well, one of the most common warning lights often seen by Aston Martin drivers is the check engine light, which can illuminate or flicker on the dashboard for various reasons. But the good news is the factors triggering this warning light are not always something serious—sometimes minor issues can also activate the light to inform you about the issue. Don’t worry! In this article, you will learn the most typical causes behind the glowing check engine light on your Aston Martin dashboard so that you can take the necessary actions and get rid of the issue as early as possible.

1. Loose, missing or damaged fuel cap

Believe it or not, a missing, loosened, or cracked gas cap is one of the most common yet ignored causes behind the turned-on check engine light. Though it might seem insignificant, this little component is truly crucial for your fuel system. Since it’s responsible for preventing the fuel fumes from escaping and ensuring consistent pressure within the tank when the gas cap isn't tightened properly, is lost, or its rubber seal is degraded, it can activate the check engine light to trigger a leak alert. Like most modern car models, your Aston Martins have precise diagnostics that quickly identify such issues. Thus, when you notice the light pops up, your first move should be to inspect the gas cap whether it's present, tightened with the correct torque, and in good condition. If not, you can easily replace it with a new one on your own.

2. Poor oxygen sensor

The primary role of the oxygen sensor is to monitor leftover oxygen in the exhaust to balance the air-fuel mix—and a malfunctioning oxygen sensor is another frequent cause behind this dreaded warning light. Moreover, you may also experience poor engine efficiency, high fuel usage, and rough vehicle performance, along with the check engine light. In a high-performance car like your Aston Martin that requires fine-tuned adjustments, even small issues might alter how the engine behaves on the road. You might notice a delay in acceleration or rough starts. If you neglect it for too long, it could cause permanent wear to the catalytic converter, which is a much more expensive fix. So, if you are experiencing poor fuel economy as well as the check engine light flashing, this sensor needs attention right away. However, since the oxygen sensor is a complex vehicle component, it’s not recommended to deal with it at home. Thus, you must visit the nearest Aston Martin and seek professional assistance to inspect and swap out the faulty sensor with a new one to get everything back on track.

3. Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils

The spark plugs and ignition coils are what trigger the combustion process in your vehicle engine. So, if one of these starts to break down, you can start noticing warning signs along with this warning light. In addition, you might experience engine misfires, a rough idle, or stalling. Also, in Aston Martins models, particularly the V8s or V12s, a single misfiring cylinder can affect overall engine efficiency and performance. In most cases, the check engine light comes on immediately, but spotting the specific plug or coil requires diagnostics. Well, the repairs are typically straightforward but need experts' attention and specialized tools. So, you must consult with a certified technician to swap out the faulty plug or coil with a new piece suitable for your Aston Martin, as mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual, for better efficiency and durability. Always running the engine with faulty spark plugs can be hazardous, so it’s best to address it promptly.

The bottom line

So, yeah, it’s annoying, but the check engine light is there for a cause—don’t avoid it, especially if you drive something like an Aston Martin. It’s your vehicle’s way of saying, "Something’s not right—I need attention." It could be as simple as a loose gas cap or as serious as a faulty oxygen sensor. Regardless of what’s wrong, a quick check-up can save you from major headaches down the line.

Mark Douglas Motorworks is a family owned and operated auto repair shop, giving service to all European and exotic cars like Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Maserati, Ferrari, Jaguar, Land rover, Porsche and Rolls Royce.