Check Engine Light - Phoenix
Your vehicle is an incredible machine that sustains tremendous amounts of stress from normal operation. If there is even a small miscalculation with the timing of the engine or a malfunction in any of its smaller operations, the repercussions can be unpleasant. Luckily, the check engine light is the first line of defense against driving with your vehicle requiring maintenance. For anyone requiring check engine light inspections in Phoenix AZ, your solution is just around the corner at Johnston's Automotive.
Our Technicians are professional, highly trained and well equipped to quickly diagnose and repair any of the problems that arise from an active check engine light. The reason that proper diagnosis can be difficult is that the engine is a finely tuned machine that relies on different parts of itself to maintain proper function.
A good technician will very often be able to determine the source of the problem quite easily with the help of the vehicles electronic control unit. The cars computer is what monitors and can sometimes correct the behavior of the vehicles engine within factory specifications. The Service Engine Soon light is what alerts the driver that something is outside of these specifications and that service is necessary.
The way that this information is relayed to the cars computer is through a series of sensors that constantly check functions of engine timing, heat, and emissions. If one of these sensors goes out, it will turn the check engine light on.
One of the most common causes the check engine light turning on is actually problems associated with fuel economy. Many times an active check engine light can indicate a problem with spark plugs or fuel injectors, causing the emissions to be too rich or lean, hurting your gas mileage in the process. These issues are best dealt with early because, as we all know, gas just isn't as cheap as it used to be. Furthermore, it is possible for additional damage to be caused, such as an overheating catalytic converter.
Though this may seem like a relatively easy fix, but there are several possible issues that can cause these problems and all of them need to be inspected as the possible culprit. Overall, diagnosing a problem can become a lengthy process if the technician is being thorough, but catching an issue in its early stages will prevent further damage from occurring and save you money in the long run.
One more thing that needs to be mentioned; if your check engine light is flashing, you need to bring your vehicle in for maintenance immediately. A flashing service engine light is an indication that there is a serious problem with the engine or transmission that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Driving with a flashing check engine light will unchecked will cause major damage to the expensive components of your vehicle and require major repairs in the very near future.
Whenever your check engine light becomes active, it is important to have the trouble checked as soon as possible. Because the possible range of issues is so broad, you may be able head off a serious engine issue before it becomes an expensive catastrophe.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about what we can do for you. Our friendly staff will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about our services and getting your vehicle back to factory specifications.
