faq - Engine Light
Questions and answers
Why is my check engine light on? What do I need to know about brakes? Questions on oil changes? Why is my CHECK ENGINE light on?Why does it come on? A lot of people ask me about the check engine light. What does it do? When it comes on, what does it mean? Why is mine always on, even if it's reset?Well, the check engine light means basically one thing with a lot of different solutions. Depending upon the make and model of your vehicle, there can be anywhere between 12 and 28 sensors on your vehicle that monitor everything from the temperature of the coolant, the level of the washer fluid, the efficiency of the exhaust system, to how well your cylinders are performing. The check engine light comes on when any one (or more) of those sensors sends a signal to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) that something is wrong. The ECM is basically the computer or brain that runs the electronics in your vehicle. From the ECM, a signal goes to the Check Engine light to notify the driver of a potential problem.
What does the CHECK ENGINE light being on mean?
Well, that depends upon which one of those sensors sent the signal to the ECM. Unfortunately, your vehicle does not have a screen with a readout that tells you what it means. For this, you need an OBD II sensor (if your vehicle is made after 1996. If it was manufactured before 1996, you'll need the OBD I sensor to read your car's check engine light.) Autozone, Edward's Transmission, Advance Auto and My Car Doc can all check your Check Engine light for free, let you know why it's on, and what it will take to fix it. If I'm already on-site, check engine light service is free. If possible, we can even reset it for you. The most common causes for your check engine light to be on are:
02 sensor malfunction,EGR valve inefficient, catalytic converter inefficient, PCV valve needs replaced, loose gas cap, or cylinder misfiring. Some of these are fairly inexpensive to fix.
Remember, no appointment is ever necessary, but it is certainly appreciated, allowing me to plan my day a bit more efficiently and take care of as many of my great customers as possible.
With so many different kinds of oils and different types of oil changes out there, it's understandable if you have questions. Hopefully, I can help clear some of that up for you.
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"John came to my workplace to perform an oil change. I also thought I needed an air filter. It was very convenient. I gave him my keys and he performed an oil change. He also said that I did not need an air filter at this time. But, he will change it for me when I do need it. That was very appreciated. The other oil change places told me that I needed it, which was obviously not true." --J.O. "John is great! He comes to you and if very professional and friendly!" --Lauren K. "He was great, and this service is the best. I don't need to go wait for hours in some dirty shop for my oil to be changed. He came to my work, I gave him my keys and he did it right there in the parking lot. He was professional, gave me a discount, and is very flexible. He also gives you recommendations if he sees that your air filters, etc, may need updating. I'm using him from now on!" --B.G. "Cannon is a godsend for people with busy lives and car trouble. He makes "house calls" and comes to your car with his rolling service station. He's also exceptionally honest. I once asked him to replace a broken fan and he pointed out there was a recall on that fan. I could get the work free if I had it done at my dealership. He talked himself out of an easy $200 with that. I would never have known about the recall if he hadn't told me. But thanks to that, he's got a customer for life. When something goes wrong with my Kia, he's my first and usually only call. " --Paul P. "I am very happy with the service My Car DOC provides! The technicians were courteous and helpful. I feel like I can trust your whole team." --Jackie O. "They did a very nice job. It was also extremely quick. Less than an hour from pickup to drop off." -- Tom G. "Thanks for sending Lee out today, he was very pleasant and helpful!" -- JimS. "Hey John, you are a good guy...I wish you great success! You deserve it!" -- Eric A. "John, loved your company’s service on our two cars and I recommended you to B. T. who was also very pleased. I posted a positive referral for you on my website, hope you get more business than you know what to do with!" -- Tom B "I am constantly busy and things such as oil changes and tire rotations for my vehicle tend to be put off and put off again. At least until I called My Car Doc. One call, they showed up while I was at work and took care of everything. Walking out after work and not having to worry about car maintenance is an awesome feeling. "Truly a great EXPERIENCE!"--Johnnie F "I have had the opportunity to work with John (My Car Doc) and what really stands out is John's willingness and enthusiasm for improving his business and the service that he can provide his clients. John referred one of his clients to me and in my opinion she gave him the strongest compliment possible. She stated, "I thought I should come talk to you, because if John recommends you, I know I can trust you." That tells me that John runs his company with integrity and his customers recognize his honesty and trust his commitment to their needs." --Scott D. |
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