“My check engine light is on and my boyfriend thinks he can get the code read and know what part to replace to fix my car. I say it’s not that straightforward. Who’s right? “
Good news – you are! Just look at it logically: there are hundreds of things that can go wrong with your Car or SUV. Some are simple and some are quite complicated.
Let’s take a step back. Over 80% of engine functions are computer controlled. The computer receives critical information from dozens of sensors. When a sensor reading is out of range, a trouble code is entered in the computer and the Check Engine Light is illuminated.
It’s a common misconception that the trouble code will tell you exactly what is wrong. For any given trouble code, there are any number of faults that would trigger the code. For example, a code indicating a misfire on cylinder three could be due to a bad spark plug, a failed coil, ignition problems, compression issues, etc. Each of those possibilities requires additional important diagnosis to confirm or rule out a cause. Once a trained Douglas Automotive Repair technician with state-of-the art diagnostic tools and extensive research databases is able to nail down the problem, then he can set about getting it corrected.
A complicated diagnosis may take some time. Your boyfriend might be tempted to bypass a diagnosis charge by taking a trouble code reading with an inexpensive scan tool and start replacing parts. He might get lucky, but chances are you’ll end up spending more time and bucks than if you went to a professional with the right equipment.
A final word – a flashing Check Engine Light indicates that a condition exists that could lead to serious, costly damage. Owners should get to their service center or Douglas Automotive Repair right away. A steadily illuminated Check Engine Light is less urgent so you can get it checked at your convenience. But keep in mind that a minor issue today can become more serious if left unresolved.
If your Check Engine Light is on, give us a call today to take advantage of our “Free Warning Light Scan”! (See our website for more details.)
This entry was posted in Check Engine Light and tagged Check Engine Light on May 11, 2015.
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