Diagnostics

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Check engine/service engine soon light on?

If your check engine light is illuminated, it’s best to bring it into Jeffcoats Automotive for diagnostic testing. While the lights vary in appearance from vehicle to vehicle, all have the same basic meaning: there’s a problem with the car’s emissions system. The on-board diagnostics system and engine control unit are in charge of monitoring a bunch of different systems, and if they get a reading that’s a little out of the manufactures specification, then the check engine light is turned on.

The list of things that can trigger the check engine light is pretty lengthy. For example, anything from a loose gas cap to a faulty fuel injector can be to blame. Some other potential culprits that can cause that malevolent glow includes:

  • A wet engine
  • A blown gasket head
  • Faulty oxygen sensors
  • Worn-out spark plugs or spark plug wires
  • Loose or cracked hoses and manifolds
  • Sticky exhaust gas recirculation valves
  • Pinched or deteriorated fuel injector O-rings

So first thing first: check to make sure your gas cap is on and give it a few more clicks to tighten it up. You will need to wait a few days to see if the check engine light goes off, and If that doesn’t work, it’s always a good idea to let our ASE certified professionals diagnose the problem. A few of the above items are inexpensive to repair. While others are more expensive, it’s still important to get them taken care of. Even though the car could be driving just fine, you may be wasting fuel, putting out lots of pollution, and damaging the engine. Your vehicle won’t pass your annual emissions test if the light is on if the vehicle is a 1996 or newer — so that’s another good incentive to get it checked out.

Whatever you do, don’t lazily slap a piece of black electrical tape over it and go about your business. Cars just need a little love from time to time to stay in good shape, and neglecting a minor issue could lead to bigger problems down the road. For more car-related content, Jeffcoats Automotive – your one-stop shop for all of your automotive needs.

Check Engine Light Blinking!

This is a much more serious condition that usually indicates raw or liquid fuel is entering the catalytic converter and can cause permanent damage if not repaired.

ABS / TRAC / Air Bag / Tire Pressure / Brake / Battery

Jeffcoats Automotive has the state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment needed to properly diagnosis 99.9% of the faults that any of these systems may develop. So if your vehicle’s instrument cluster resembles the one above, call Jeffcoats Automotive for appointment (610) 255-5388 for complete and comprehensive diagnostics.