 Check
Engine
What does the "Check Engine" light mean?
When the "Check Engine"
light comes on and stays on while the vehicle is running, it means that
the on-board computer (knows as the Electronic Control Module, or ECM)
has detected a problem in one of the many systems it monitors and
controls. The problem may be minor but it could be serious.
What will you do when I bring in my vehicle?
When you come to use with the
"Check Engine" light on, we connect your vehicle's computer to
our computer. Your car's computer is able to give our computer a
trouble code, indicating why the "Check Engine" light was
activated. Once we correct the problem your car's computer makes
sure everything is back to normal, then turns off the "Check
Engine" light. Today's on-board computer technology allows us
to quickly see if all vehicle systems are operating normally.
While our computer is connected to your car, we can check idle speed,
throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold
vacuum, exhaust emission levels and other key indicators, all through
your vehicles ECM.
While computer technology can direct us
to potential problems, nothing can replace the skills and knowledge of a
trained technician. Working with the computer, our staff can
thoroughly diagnose and correct any problems your vehicle may have.
What if the "Check Engine" light comes on but my car
is still running okay?
The best thing about the
"Check Engine" light is that it lets you fix little problems
before they become big, expensive problems. And not every problem
gives you obvious indications (hard starting, rough running, stalling,
etc.) that something is wrong. That's why you can't ignore this
important little light. The "Check Engine" light also
alerts you to problems like poor gas mileage or reduced
performance. These can evolve so slowly that you get used to
them. But your on-board computer is sensitive enough to detect
even gradual changes, then let you know when something is wrong.
What does the on-board computer do?
The computer process information
it receives from the sensors, then sends out commands to the systems it
controls. This includes your car's fuel delivery, spark timing and
emission control systems.
Most of the time, your on-board computer
is hard at work and you're not even aware of it. But when it needs
your help, it turns on the "Check Engine" light. That's
your vehicle's way of saying "Take me to a qualified service
technical right now!"
If my vehicle needs new parts, what kind should I get?
When replacing parts, always
insist on a brand that meets or exceeds the specifications established
by your car's manufacturer. Many high-quality replacement parts
actually work better than the original part your car was built with,
because they include improvements to the original design.
The engine management components we sell
are manufactured to meet or exceed all original equipment
specifications. We also recommend our products because we can get
the right parts and make the repair for you more quickly.
Bring your car in now and we can perform an 11-point Engine
Performance Check.
-
Check for any
trouble codes in the computer
-
Check engine RPM
-
Check throttle position sensor output
-
Check airflow/density
-
Check fuel correction measurements
-
Check oxygen sensor readings
-
Check air-intake hoses for cracks and leaks
-
Check engine coolant and air temperature
-
Check output signals
-
Check air filter condition
-
Check PCV valve system
When the "Check Engine" light comes
on and stays on,
you need to see a qualified service technician right
away!
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