Auto Repair Services
Check Engine Light Service in Dayton, NJ
The check engine light is one of your vehicle’s most important warning lights. But not everyone would want this warning light turned on. If it does, it simply means your vehicle’s onboard computer has detected a problem with one or more systems.
The problem may not be a serious issue. The warning light could just be triggered by just a loose or missing gas cap. On the other hand, it could also be severe. That’s why it’s imperative to have your vehicle thoroughly inspected by the experts.
This page will explain what the check engine light is, what causes it to illuminate, and what steps you can take to address check engine light issues. And for fast and affordable check engine light services, don’t hesitate to contact EG Auto Center in Dayton, NJ.
What is Check Engine Light?
Every modern vehicle has a computer called OBD-II (onboard diagnostic II) that scans components and systems. If the OBD-II detects a problem, fault, or error code in the engine or emissions system, it will trigger an amber or yellow warning light on the dashboard. This is the check engine light.
The check engine light is not something that should be ignored. If you continue to drive with the check engine light on, you risk causing more damage to your vehicle, and the problem could become more expensive to fix.
What Are the Most Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light?
The fault codes can indicate a range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a severe engine problem. It’s important to remedy the issue to prevent further damage and ensure it’s safe to drive.
Common triggers for an illuminated check engine light include:
- Loose, damaged, or missing gas cap: This is usually the most common cause. A loose gas cap can cause your check engine light to come on. This is because it can allow air to enter the fuel system, which can cause the system to malfunction.
- Oxygen sensor malfunction: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If this sensor fails, it can cause your vehicle to run rich or lean, which can cause damage to the engine and other components.
- Mass airflow sensor malfunction: The mass air flow sensor measures the air entering the engine. If it fails, it will trigger your check engine light warning.
- Catalytic converter issues: The catalytic converter reduces the pollutants in exhaust gases. If this component fails, it can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test. It can also cause damage to the engine and other components.
- An ignition coil or spark plug problem: The ignition coil is responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in your engine. If this component fails, it can cause your engine to misfire, which can cause damage to the engine and other components.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve malfunction: The EGR valve helps to reduce emissions, and if it fails, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
- Transmission issues: Problems with the transmission can cause the check engine light to come on.
How to Address Check Engine Issues
If your check engine light comes on, the first step you should take is to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician. The technician will connect a diagnostic tool to the computer to read the fault code causing the check engine light to come on. This code will provide valuable information about the problem that needs to be addressed.
EG Auto Center uses state-of-the-art technology to diagnose check engine lights quickly. After we retrieve the code, we use our expertise and experience to confirm the actual cause. Once we identify the problem, we’ll recommend a course of action.
Sometimes, the problem may be as simple as tightening a loose gas cap or replacing a faulty sensor, ignition coil, or spark plug. In other cases, the problem may be more complex and require extensive repairs (like repairing or replacing a damaged catalytic converter or faulty transmission component).
What Happens if You Ignore Your Check Engine Light
The worst thing you can do in any instance is to ignore the issue and hope it goes away; it won’t. Ignoring the problem can cause additional damage to your vehicle. It can also cause you to fail an emissions test.
Additionally, if you continue to drive with the check engine light on, your vehicle may enter a “limp home” mode, which will cause it to run at reduced power.
Contact EG Auto Center for Check Engine Light Diagnostics & Repair in Dayton, NJ
Don’t let a check engine light worry you! At EG Auto Center, we specialize in quickly and efficiently determining the cause and offering a cost-effective repair. Once we pull the trouble codes, our technicians verify the underlying issue before starting repairs.
Contact EG Auto Center today. Call us at (732) 329-6300 or complete our online appointment form. You can also stop by our shop at 2276 US HWY 130, Dayton, NJ 08810.
