The check engine light is part of your car's onboard diagnostics system that monitors and controls various subsystems of your vehicle. Computers control, in real time, fuel mixture, ignition timing, and many other parameters. Sensors monitor emissions, and send information back to the computers. The check engine light comes on when the computer detects a situation it cannot resolve by varying different parameters under its control.
In addition to illuminating the check engine light, your onboard computer will, most likely, store a “trouble code” in the long term memory. The trouble code is a sign post – it tells professionals which subsystems need to be investigated in order to find out the cause of the problem. For example code P300 indicates misfires on one or more cylinders. But it does not tell you what is the cause of the misfire. So professionals have to perform diagnostics to find out what might be causing the problem – in the case of the engine misfires, it could be intake leak, could be worn out spark plugs, or ignition coil problems.
That’s why at Brown’s Automotive Experts, our nationally ASE certified technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools combined with extensive diagnostic experience, to find the root cause of the check engine light being illuminated. There are literally hundreds of codes that can cause the check engine light to be turned “on”, so extensive diagnostic experience and the right tools are a must to properly diagnose your vehicle. The good news is that not all check engine light codes indicate a very serious condition – so the check engine light illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard does not automatically imply an expensive repair. On the other hand, many codes can indicate a condition that will get worse if not handled in a timely fashion, so any time you see check engine light illuminated, it’s time to visit your local Albuquerque mechanic.
Brown’s Automotive Experts offers four Albuquerque locations to diagnose and repair check engine light problems, including not just Albuquerque, but also Rio Rancho, Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and Northeast Heights and Far Northeast Heights locations. Our technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and are equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose your vehicle’s problem. To find out more about check engine light repairs, and benefits of using Brown’s Automotive Experts for your vehicle’s diagnostics and repairs (including our industry-leading warranty), visit our check engine light repair page.