Engine Diagnostic and Check Engine Light
Check Engine Light/Service Engine Light
The dreaded light for most people. When your car's check engine light illuminates your dashboard, it is usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. In many cases, it means that you will be visiting the repair shop to repair the issue.
The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. This DOES NOT mean that there is something necessarily wrong with the engine itself. When the light illuminates the car is notifying you that there is something wrong with one of hundreds of parts in the vehicle.
Having the light “scanned” is only the beginning of diagnosing the problem. The engine code that is given does not always tell you what is wrong with the vehicle. Once the code is pulled the technician will start to diagnose why that light have come on. The tech will use information provided by the manufacture to design a plan for diagnostics. Checking all common problems related to that code, sensors, wiring and hoses, etc. Once the problem has been diagnosed Island Street Automotive will build an estimate and notify you, the customer what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive around with the check engine light on?
It depends on the severity of the issue. If you notice a difference in the performance of the vehicle, it could be an indication of a more serious problem and it is best to make an appointment and have it looked at as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem for to long might do more damage to other parts in the vehicle.
Will my car pass MA State Inspection with the light on?
No. Any vehicle 15 years old or newer must go through an emissions test which is done through the vehicles OBD (on board diagnostic) computers. The check engine light tells the system that there is an issue with the emissions and it will failed the test.
Once the problem is fixed and the check engine light is off the vehicle needs to go through a readiness procedure before it will be ready for the emissions test. Most customers will perform this test with their normal driving habits over a 2 weeks period. This will be explained to you when you pick up your vehicle after repairs.
My check engine light and other lights are on, do I have multiple issues?
Most likely no. Advanced traction and stability control and other systems are dependent on multiple functions to operate properly. The result is that when a check engine light is active on, usually the traction and/or stability control system, will be shut down. Which means their indicator lights will be on also. Once the main problem is repaired all other lights will reset and operation will continue as normal.