When your check emission system dash light comes on on the car’s dashboard, you should not disregard it.
Still, what does this check emission system Acura TSX light mean? What should you do when the light is on? How can you reset it? This post will clear out all your confusion.
What Does The Check Emission System Acura TSX Mean?
The Acura TSX Check Emission System alerts you to a potential issue beyond the government’s guidelines for excessive pollution, for which you risk punishment.
This flashing light indicates a significant engine misfire that causes unburned fuel to eject into your car’s exhaust system.
When this happens, the catalytic converter’s temperature can quickly increase to the point where damage is possible and will need to be repaired, which will be costly.
Another reason for the blinking light is the spark plugs. The engine may not fire properly if the spark plug is damaged, old, or unclean.
If the issue is neglected or you keep driving, it may extend to the ignition coils, catalytic converter, or spark plug wires, necessitating an extremely costly repair.
Once you notice your indicator light keeps blinking, you must detect the problems to prevent any unwanted accidents.
Also, if you find yourself in this situation, bringing your car to a service center and having a check-up is a smart move.
Why Is Your Acura TSX Emissions Light On?
The warning light may come on due to several reasons. The following are the most frequent reasons that this warning light illuminates.
Bad Oxygen Sensor
A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is one of the most frequent causes of the warning light coming on. This sensor keeps track of the oxygen content of the exhaust system.
When the oxygen levels exceed the allowable threshold, the sensor will turn on the 2011 Acura TSX Check Emission System indicator light.
Leaking Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
Your Acura TSX has an exhaust gas recirculation (ERG) valve that returns exhaust gas to the intake valve of the engine.
Once there is a leak in your valve or EGR system, water can elude containment and enter the system.
It will make its way through your car engine and exit through the exhaust pipe. The only noticeable indicator of this problem is the progressive drop in the coolant level.
Additionally, it may lead to a decline in engine performance, including lessening of power and acceleration as well as inefficient fuel usage.
Errors In Ignition System
The ignition system is responsible for ensuring that the fuel is burned inside the engine. Your car engine will misfire once this system has problems, such as broken coil cylinders or worn spark plugs.
Your dashboard will display a warning light labeled Acura TSX 2009 Check Emission System to let you know when there is a problem.
Errors In Mass Air Flow Sensor
Utilizing a Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF), your vehicle gathers data from your air filter. The sensor will be harmed by an air filter that is blocked, or that is improperly placed.
The sensor won’t be able to fulfill its purpose if it malfunctions. This is when the warning light will light up to let you know about the problem.
In case you have this sensor changed, check out this guide on what to do after replacing the mass air flow sensor.
Faulty Diesel Filter
In case you have a blocked diesel particulate filter and are operating a diesel-powered Acura, the warning light will illuminate.
In fact, this filter is an essential component of the exhaust system because it removes soot and other exhaust particles.
Such a function prevents the exhaust gas from containing harmful materials before they are discharged into the atmosphere.
Clogged Air Filter
The Acura TSX Check Emission System light may come on once your engine’s air filter is unclean.
The combustion chambers of an engine should only be able to receive pure air. However, if the car’s air filter is already filthy, contaminated air may enter the engine.
The engine’s airflow will be restricted when this filthy air enters the engine, resulting in reduced engine performance. As a result, your dashboard’s warning light for the Check Emission System will turn on.
Failed Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is crucial to the effective operation of your engine. It changes the dangerous gas released by the engine into safe gas like steam prior to exiting the exhaust pipe.
Before the engine gas is released into the atmosphere, the catalytic converter separates the hazardous molecules within the gas.
As a result, if it’s broken, your exhaust pipe will release harmful fumes, which contaminate our atmosphere, instead of harmless gas. When your 2010 Acura TSX Check Emission System detects something is wrong with the catalytic converter, it will inform you by lighting up.
Failed Emission System
Your Acura’s emissions of carbon monoxide while you’re driving are managed by your emission control unit. The sensor plays a crucial role in this system.
It monitors your engine when it burns too much fuel or does not have enough fuel. This sensor cannot perform its job if it malfunctions. Once this happens, your indicator light will turn on.
How To Fix And Reset The Warning Light Of Check Emission System Acura TSX?
Now you know the reasons behind your emission control light illuminates. Let’s move on to the methods for fixing and resetting the light.
How To Fix
For maximum safety while driving, it is important to ensure the emission system of your car is in great condition.
Suppose you encounter an Acura TSX Emissions System problem; here is how you can handle the situation.
Step 1: Look over the air filter attached to the air purifier system. Dust, grime, and other foreign objects are kept out of the engine’s airstream by the filter, which also helps to filter them out of the air stream.
The filter must be replaced when it becomes clogged or after one year of use. Use a clean rag to remove dust and dirt from the air filter of your housing.
Step 2: Check your Positive Crankcase Ventilation system (PCV). This system sends crankcase gas towards the intake manifold, lowering sludge and air pollution accumulation in your car engine.
Simply look to see whether any hoses are missing, obstructed, or broken on your PCV valve.
Step 3: Examine your evaporative emissions control system (EVAP). This system keeps the environment safe from the release of hazardous fuel vapor.
Check your canister, fittings, and hoses to see whether something is wrong.
Certain canisters are outfitted with filters that may be replaced when they become clogged or black, depending on your car model.
Step 4: Find your exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR). When the temperature is really high, this system lowers emissions released during combustion.
To reduce the temperature of the combustion process, it permits exhaust gas to enter the intake system.
Thus, check for leaks, restricted piping, as well as damaged vacuum hoses, valves, and passages.
Step 5: Inspect your car’s air injection system if your car model has one.
It is responsible for introducing air to the car’s exhaust ports to aid unburned consumption and reduce hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Therefore, inspect the belt tension, pipes, valves, and hoses for damage.
Suppose you have applied our instructions, but the problem still doesn’t go away; it would be best to bring your vehicle to a local repair shop. The professional mechanic there will handle it for you.
How To Reset
In case you want to reset the warning light of the check emission system Acura TSX, apply the steps below.
Step 1: Make sure you turn off the ignition and give the engine some time to cool down. Access the car battery.
Step 2: You will find a (+) sign and a (-) sign on your car battery. Find the negative (-) terminal.
Step 3: Take off the negative connector by loosening its nut.
Step 4: Wait for about 30 to 60 seconds, then place the negative connector back in and tighten its nut.
In Short
It can be quite nerve-wracking to see the check emission system Acura TSX illuminating when you don’t know what it is.
Now you have found the answer for yourself after reading this post. We have also walked you through the most common causes and how to handle this unwanted issue.