Check Engine Light Diagnostics

Check Engine Light Diagnostics in Easton, Pennsylvania

We Troubleshoot the Right Problem

If you see the check engine light come on, you may be confused at first—especially if your vehicle continues to drive without issue. While the check engine light (CEL) may seem harmless enough to ignore, we encourage you to visit our auto repair shop for check engine light diagnostics in an efficient manner. As part of the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II), the check engine light turns on to indicate that there is a mechanical issue. The OBD-II system utilizes several sensors to monitor the function of all major components in your vehicle, such as the engine and exhaust system. Once an issue is detected, the appropriate diagnostic trouble code is generated and stored in the system’s memory, and the CEL is triggered. The problem is that it does not give you a specific diagnosis. The only way to know exactly what is wrong requires a professional check engine light diagnostics service. Here at Smitty’s Maintenance Repair and Collision in Easton, Pennsylvania, we use advanced diagnostics technology to troubleshoot the issue.

Common Reasons for Your Check Engine Light to Come On

A variety of problems can cause your check engine light, also called the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), to illuminate. A common reason is as simple as a loose gas cap. If the cap is loose or broken, fuel vapors can escape and cause an error in the emissions system; dirt and grime can also enter the system and contaminate the injectors. A more serious issue is a defective catalytic converter. Over time, the catalytic converter can become clogged, overheated, contaminated, or damaged. Any defect with this component can lead to sluggish performance, stalling, and in extreme cases, engine shutdown. If your mass airflow sensor becomes compromised, your CEL will come on, but you also may experience stalling, jerking, or hesitation when accelerating. Additional problems include a vacuum leak, a bad oxygen sensor, faulty exhaust gas circulation (EGR) valves, and worn spark plugs. If your MIL comes on, we encourage you to seek out expert check engine light diagnostics at Smitty’s to remedy the problem! We are here Monday through Saturday.

Schedule Check Engine Light Diagnostics ASAP

Here at our auto repair shop, we are experienced and trained in performing check engine light diagnostics. We use cutting-edge code-scanning tools and conduct thorough inspections, allowing us to diagnose the right problem the first time. When you bring your car, truck, or SUV in, we’ll attach our code-scanning equipment to your vehicle’s OBD port, located on the driver’s side near the steering wheel. From there, we’ll be able to read the code and conduct an inspection to identify the exact issue. Hundreds of codes can be generated, which is why seeking professional assistance is highly recommended. If you experience a flashing CEL instead, we suggest pulling over when you can safely. This indicates a serious issue, and continuing to drive isn’t always the safest option—give us a call to determine the next steps; if needed, we can arrange a tow to bring your car in. Schedule an appointment online or by phone at (610) 258-5297 for a trustworthy and efficient check engine light diagnostics service. We look forward to helping you and your car here at 3301 Freemansburg Ave Easton, PA 18045.