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.