Check Engine Light

As fuel economy and emission control have become increasingly important and complex, your vehicle’s electronics systems need to constantly adjust and fine-tune various parameters according to driving conditions (such as vehicle load, temperature, and air/fuel mix to name just a few). When the computer reads that any of these parameters do not fall within the acceptable range for operating the vehicle, your CHECK ENGINE LIGHT is lit to warn you that you may have a serious problem and to take your vehicle to a certified technician – such as your local AAMCO technician – to check the faults and restore it to manufacturer’s specifications.

What is the FREE check?

Reading the codes from your car’s computer system is similar to a doctor measuring your blood pressure when you schedule a visit. High blood pressure doesn’t tell the doctor what is wrong with you it simply lets the doctor know there is something wrong and points him or her in the right direction to find out what it is. Just like the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT codes tell your AAMCO technician there is something wrong and point him or her in the right direction, too. If the code indicates a problem with your O2 (oxygen) sensor system, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new O2 sensor. Be wary of garages that read your code and tell you immediately that you need a major repair.

What does the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT usually mean?

There are hundreds of codes that could trigger your CHECK ENGINE LIGHT for dozens of reasons each. Even the most common reasons can have many possible causes. Some top CHECK ENGINE LIGHT codes are:

• Problem with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or circuit. You may not notice any serious drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a general decrease in power or sluggishness. This could be caused by a simple connection problem of the sensor, a wiring connection may be bad or dirty or the Mass Air Flow sensor may be faulty.
• System Running Too Lean. An oxygen sensor detected a lean condition (too much oxygen in the exhaust). You may notice a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration which could be caused by a dirty Mass Air Flow sensor or air filter, or a vacuum or exhaust leak in the system.
• System Running Too Rich: The oxygen sensor detected a rich condition (or a too-high fuel-to-oxygen ratio). You may experience misfires with this condition. This condition can be caused by a dirty or faulty Mass Air Flow sensor, air filter, a blockage or restriction in the airstream, a fuel pressure, fuel injector, or fuel delivery problem.
• Cylinder Misfire: A P0300 series of codes indicates a random or multiple misfire in your engine. You may find your engine harder to start, the engine may stumble, idle rough, and/or hesitate among other driveability symptoms. This could mean anything from faulty spark plugs or spark plug wires, a bad ignition coil, a vacuum or air leak, to a serious mechanic problem in your engine. This code is serious when flashing and can cause faulty catalytic converter(s).
• Knock Sensor Circuit Malfunction: Your vehicle’s computer constantly adjusts and retimes the engine so that it doesn’t produce harmful pre-ignition detonation or knock. With this malfunction, you may notice drivability problems including -not surprisingly-knocks and a lack of power and hesitation. It could mean the knock sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced, that there is a wiring short/fault in the knock sensor circuit, or that you have other problems that the knock sensor cannot control.
• Insufficient EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Flow: Your vehicle recirculates exhaust back into the combustion chamber to better achieve optimal combustion chamber temperature and reduce NOX (a harmful greenhouse gas). This light triggers when there is insufficient EGR flow in the combustion chamber and you may notice a pinging when the vehicle is at higher speeds. There may also be other symptoms. It could be a faulty sensor, valve, or blockage in the EGR (tube) from a carbon buildup.
• Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold: The oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter is detecting that the converter is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). You will likely not even notice any drivability problems though your vehicle may have anything from an oxygen sensor not reading (functioning) properly to a damaged exhaust manifold or a bad catalytic converter.

And these are just a few of the hundreds of codes, causes, and symptoms. Each has multiple fixes. So come by today for a Free Check Engine Light Check.

When the light comes on, turn to AAMCO to check it out and get the repairs you need to get back on the road – lights out and worry-free!

Thousands of drivers across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico trust AAMCO when their Check Engine light comes on. So our experts put together this quick guide to help you understand that mysterious glowing light!

What is my CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light?

All modern vehicles are equipped with an onboard computer diagnostic system (OBDII) that constantly monitors your vehicle’s major operating systems and most importantly the power train (engine and transmission). The main purpose of monitoring these systems is to ensure that the vehicle is operating at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions.