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Express Car Care of Denver

"Denver's Best Auto Repair and Quick Lube"

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Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

November 15, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Denver drivers and is totally ignored by just as many.  Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in Colorado.

First, if your vehicles check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components.  Get that taken care of right away.  If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at Denver highway speeds, tow, or haul heavy loads.  Take it easy all the way to Express Car Care of Denver.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two.  If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your Denver service adviser to get it checked out.

Some more information from Express Car Care on how the check engine light works may be informative.  Most of your  engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer.  The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Denver.

In order to make these adjustments, the vehicles computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data.  The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor.  When a sensor reading is out of range, the computer runs some tests and may turn on the check engine light.  The computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings.  If it can do so, it will then turn off the check engine light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your car or truck looked at at Express Car Care.  Your service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer.  The trouble code will give your Express Car Care technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

We also offer air conditioning service and transmission service at Express Car Care.  Give us a call at 303-691-2760 if we can help with these or any other services.

 

Filed Under: Engine Tagged With: Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

February 21, 2013 by Denver Express Car Care Leave a Comment

One of the most commonly asked question among drivers is, “Why is my check engine light on”?  Although this is a simple question to ask, it’s not always as simple to answer.

All of our vehicles are equipped with a computerized engine management system (ECM) and the check engine light is a part of this system.  The ECM alerts us to possible problems inside the engine or inside the transmission that have an impact on the emissions system.  Check engine lights may be a graphic of an engine or a similar icon.  It can also be words, “check engine” or “service engine”.  Some vehicles use a yellow check engine light as a caution light that tells you to have your vehicle checked soon and a red check engine light that means your vehicle needs immediate attention.  Every car’s display is different, so it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with how your particular make and model of vehicle works.  The check engine light is usually amber or red in color and has two stages, a steady light or a flashing light.  A steady check engine light signals minor problems, while a flashing check engine light usually means there is a serious problem in the ECM.

The cause of why your check engine light is on depends on your particular issue, but here are some general malfunctions that cause the check engine light to come on.

  • A misfire in your engine.  A misfire can cause catalytic converter damage if it’s not resolved quickly.  The catalytic convertor works to reduce exhaust gases.  It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds.  Replacing a catalytic converter can be costly, so have the engine checked as soon as possible by a certified mechanic.
  • A failure in the emission control system.  The emission control system contains many active sensors that work to reduce the amount of pollution released into the air.  One of those sensors is an oxygen sensor that reads the air and fuel mixture.  If that mixture is out of the acceptable range or if you have  a faulty sensor, it won’t provide the correct data to the computer and the check engine light will go on.
  • Brittle, cracked or worn spark plugs.  Worn spark plug wires can lead to an electric misfire inside the engine.  If the wires are worn out, they should be changed as soon as possible.
  • A loose gas cap.  When it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw off the whole fuel system.  Sometimes when the cap is put on incorrectly the check engine light will come on.  If the light stays on for more than a day or two, have your mechanic run an on-board diagnostic to see if there is a code in the system indicating a more serious problem.

Check engine lights help you and your mechanic to keep your car running smoothly.  So the next time your check engine light goes on, don’t ignore it.  Come in and see us or call (303) 691-2760 and let us help.

 

Filed Under: Denver Auto Repair, Engine Tagged With: Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Express Car Care
4200 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO (map)
Phone: (303) 691-2760
Located just southeast of the Colorado Light Rail station

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Monday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Tuesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Wednesday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Thursday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Friday: 8:00AM – 5:30PM
Saturday: Closed – A note from the owner
Sunday: Closed

Last car oil change time  – 5:00PM

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