Check Engine Light Services - Englewood, Colorado | Z Auto Service
A check engine light is probably the most confusing dashboard light there is. Usually, any other light will have both a clear meaning, as well as a solution.
In the case of a check engine light, however, it can be anything from a loose gas cap to a failed catalytic converter. No matter what you think it is, it is highly recommended that you get your vehicle scanned to find out what codes it shows, and what might be the cause of it. You can do that by stopping at our auto repair facility, where we specialize in check engine light diagnostics.
Just get it checked and turned off as soon as possible. It is highly recommended that you don’t continue to drive until it is checked. Whatever the issue is, whether your vehicle needs synthetic oil changes or a transmission repair, we’ll get your car or truck up and running again, for greater peace of mind.
Make sure to call before stopping by at any facility if you own a vehicle that is older than year 1996. Simply put, only in 1996 car manufacturers started releasing cars that all have universal connectors for scanners. If your car is older than that, it probably needs a particular scanner that the shop might not necessarily have. It can definitely be diagnosed manually, but it will take more time.
Here at Z Auto Service in Englewood, CO, we offer FREE check engine light scanning if you stop by our shop. Just call us beforehand, and we will do out best to fit you in. If needed, we can also try turning it off to see if it comes back and requires more serious attention. Five minutes of your time might save you tons of time and money in the future.
Most common issues that cause your check engine light to come on:
1 Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing
This is easy to check, especially if your check engine light came on just right after the last visit to the gas station. Inspect it for any visible cracks, make sure it is tightened sufficiently, and see if the check engine light turns off once you start to drive again. If your gas cap isn’t on properly, your car may lose fuel quicker due to evaporation, increased emissions, and decreased gas mileage.
2 Failed oxygen sensor
It monitors how much fuel is burned by measuring the amount of unburned oxygen is in the exhaust system. Eventually, once your “service engine light” turns on repeatedly, your electrical system may experience reduced performance, increased emissions, or decreased fuel efficiency. If not taken care of quickly, it might also lead to spark plug and catalytic converter damage.
3 Failed mass air flow sensor
It monitors how much fuel is used by measuring the mount of air coming through the engine. Eventually, it might lead to reduced engine performance, increased emissions, and low gas mileage. If not taken care of, it might cause damage to your vehicle’s oxygen sensor, spark plugs, or catalytic converter. If your check engine light or another warning light comes on, it’s time to bring your vehicle into our shop. Our team of ASE-certified technicians will perform maintenance for you.
4 Failed spark plug(s) and/or wires
Spark is delivered from the vehicle’s ignition coil to the spark plugs through wires, and then the spark plugs initiate combustion in the engine for it to start. Over time, it might cause reduced fuel economy and poor vehicle performance. It may also increase emissions. If not taken care of, it might eventually clog your catalytic converter, and cause damage to your vehicle’s ignition coils and oxygen sensors.
5 Failed catalytic converter
It converts harmful exhaust gases to harmless compounds to protect the environment. It usually fails due to not maintaining the car parts mentioned above. It will eventually lead to harder acceleration and lower gas mileage. The replacement of a catalytic converter is very expensive, and can cost up to $2000.
There might be other causes for the check engine lights to turn on, but it’s difficult to determine that without a proper inspection. So feel free to stop at Z Auto Service for your complimentary check engine light diagnostics and repair. We are always happy to help!