West Chester PA Check Engine Light
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Why Choose J & W Automotive, Inc. for Check Engine Light West Chester PA?
My check engine light came on in my car, now what? Seeing your car's check engine light illuminate your dashboard usually comes with a sinking feeling. The engine light could be a minor issue, like a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, like a misfiring engine. In many cases, it means that you'll be visiting the best car service in West Chester Pa to diagnose or repair the check engine issue with your car. At J & W Automotive, we will diagnose your check engine light and get you back on the road.
It’s important not to ignore your vehicle's warning system. The engine light can indicate a number of issues of varying severity. Whatever the cause, failure to get your vehicle checked out when the check engine light goes on could lead to further damage. As a result, you could have more invasive repairs resulting in a higher repair bill.
The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp, is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. Trust J & W Automotive to diagnose your signal trouble code.
Most often, the cause of your check engine light is something simple; like a need for an oil change, or the gas cap was improperly secured. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem. Such as, an engine misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. These emissions devices operate at high temperatures to cut emissions but can pose a fire hazard if not operating properly. Call us to troubleshoot the check engine light in your vehicle, or contact us to Schedule An Appointment. Below is a list of the top 10 reasons why your check engine light may come on.
What to do when your check engine light comes on
Not all of your car gauge warnings are cause for alarm. For example, it could be caused by something simple, like an improperly sealed gas cap, or something more serious, like a failed catalytic converter. Following are four common check engine light scenarios, and what they could mean:
The check engine light comes on only in certain conditions, or flickers.
If your gauge comes in stop-and-go traffic but goes off on the highway, then your problem is happening in city driving conditions. It also might flicker inconsistently. Pay attention to whether or not the vehicle runs or drives any differently when the light is on. If you notice a difference, drive the car as little as possible and bring it to J & W Automotive for an evaluation. If it seems to be driving the same, you can drive home, but have it inspected as soon as possible. Contact us to Schedule An Appointment. If your car is in this condition, you run a risk of further damage by operating the vehicle.
The Indicator comes on and stays on.
If your car warning sign is on constantly while driving with no noticeable driving or performance problems, it is likely that there is a permanent fault in the emission control system. When this happens, the computer that controls the emissions system will usually make it so your car is limited to a few lower gears, therefore, you should get the car serviced as soon as possible.
It stays on with performance problems
That is to say, a vital component of your emission control and engine management system has a serious problem. It usually involves a component or system needed for the vehicle to run at all. In many cases, the vehicle is not safe to drive and could potentially stop or stall out. It's best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop for a thorough inspection. Our certified, expert staff is standing by to help with all your automotive needs.
The check engine light blinks in a steady pattern while driving.
A professional evaluation is needed for service that stays on steadily or flashes when the vehicle is accelerated. Emission control system failure could cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter. It may mean that the catalytic converter is overheating. In extreme cases, a fire could ignite on the underside of the vehicle. Immediately have your vehicle towed to an automotive diagnostician for repair. We are here to help.
What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Come On?
Is my car about to die? How much is it going to cost? Will my car break down in traffic? Will I be without transportation? Don't panic — let's look at possible reasons for the check indicator to turn on, and what to do about it.
The check engine light illuminates when your vehicle's computer believes there is a problem with your car's emissions control system.
When the light comes on, the car's computer stores one or more diagnostic trouble codes. Then our trusted technicians will read and evaluate the problem. Contact us at 610-436-8850 to schedule an evaluation for your car.
Mostly, when your light is on, it typically means the car's emissions control system is not working properly, and the vehicle is polluting the air beyond allowable federal emissions standards. A vehicle in this condition would require repair to pass emissions inspections or smog checks in most states.
10 most common check engine causes:
- Worn ignition coils and spark plugs
- Replace oxygen sensors
- Aged catalytic converter, replace with a new OEM catalytic converter
- Inspect for loose gas cap and tighten or replace as necessary
- Faulty ignition coil
- Replace evaporative emissions purge control valve
- Malfunctioning Mass airflow sensor
- Replace evaporative emissions purge solenoid
- Worn fuel injectors
- Update thermostat
Call today to make an appointment at 610-436-8850.
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