Check Engine Light Diagnosis

Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Cedar Creek for Check Engine Light Diagnosis in Gun Barrel City, TX

Your vehicle has several alert lights that let you know when something in your vehicle needs attention. One of the more infamous of these lights is the check engine light. If the check engine light in your vehicle turns on, what is the right way to react? We can help you figure it out here at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Cedar Creek, serving Kemp and Athens, Texas.

Service Specials

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

To answer this question, let’s first look at the Engine Control Unit, or ECU. This is a computer that keeps tabs on your engine’s functions. If it senses that something in your engine is not functioning as it should, it will store a code and trigger the check engine light. One of the more frustrating parts of the check engine light is that it could mean several things. A check engine light may mean trouble with any of these systems or components:

Upstream O2 sensor
Downstream O2 sensor
Thermostat
Spark plugs
EGR valve
Mass airflow sensor

These are just a few of the potential issues that the check engine light could signify. It could even be something as simple as a loose gas cap!

What Should I Do if the Check Engine Light Comes On?

When the check engine light comes on in your vehicle, you should bring it in to have its code read. At Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Cedar Creek, we will hook up your vehicle to a code reader to find out what’s causing the light to turn on.

Although the check engine light doesn’t usually signal an emergency that requires you to pull over, it is still important to schedule service as soon as possible. This is because the problems that cause this light to turn on may make your vehicle less powerful or less efficient, or it may put out toxic emissions.

There is one exception. A flashing check engine light means that the engine is likely misfiring. If this is the case, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible and then call for a tow. A misfiring engine can destroy the catalytic converter, which is an expensive part.

Schedule Check Engine Light Diagnostic Service at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Cedar Creek, Serving Kaufman, TX

Ready to see what’s causing the check engine light? Give us a call or schedule service online, and then come to our service center at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Cedar Creek.

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