Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
Ask the Experts at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton
The Spitzer Quality Difference
Trust the experts at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton, OH to help you with all of your vehicle needs. From our honest sales staff and finance professionals to the factory-trained specialists in our Service Center, we’re there with you every step of the way from the moment you choose your new vehicle until you no longer own it.
We’re especially proud of our top notch Service Center. We have a state-of-the-art facility with the latest in diagnostic equipment and tools. And, we’re staffed with only manufacturer-trained and certified service professionals. They know your vehicle inside and out and are experts in all facets of automotive work.
If you’re worried that bringing your vehicle to a dealership for service is more expensive than the corner auto shop, think again. At Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton, we offer competitive pricing on repairs and necessary routine maintenance services. Check our website for current service specials on tire rotations, oil changes, and more.
When Your Check Engine Light Flashes
Seeing your vehicle’s check engine light flashing is always a stressor. Sure, it could be a minor issue like a loose or faulty gas cap, but it could also be something way more serious, like an engine that’s misfiring. Unless it is just your gas cap or you’re a trained expert, when your engine oil light flashes, it’s important to get it to an expert as soon as possible.
When a check engine light goes on, it’s a signal from your vehicle’s computer system that something is wrong. Your light might come on in yellow, orange, or red, and if it’s flashing, that usually indicates a more serious problem. To figure out exactly what that problem is, you need an expert with the right tools—like the technicians at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton.
Diagnosing Your Check Engine Light Problems
Around 1996, automakers started installing computer systems in their vehicles called On Board Diagnostic Systems (OBD). These computers have since controlled and monitored vehicle performance and regulated variables like engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing.
When the OBD senses a problem in its electronic-control system that it can’t correct, the computer turns on a warning light that looks like an engine or is labeled ‘check engine’ or ‘service engine’ or something similar. At the same time, the OBD stores a trouble code in its memory that identifies the source of the problem.
To read this code, you need an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer like the ones at the Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton Service Center. You also need a trained professional to interpret the code. This will point him/her in the direction of the problem so he/she can investigate further.
Handy Check Engine Light Tips
If you’re driving and your check engine light comes on, you should find a safe spot to pull over and check your gas cap. Often times it’s just loose from a recent trip to the gas station.If this doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll want to be aware of other signs of trouble, like your engine losing power.
Should this be the case, it’s best to get off the road as soon as possible. You can reduce your speed and try to get to a service station, or pull over and call for a tow. If your car is driving ok, it’s best to make an appointment with a professional service center as soon as possible.
Arranging a diagnostic appointment with the service experts at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton is easy. You can make an appointment on our online scheduler, or give us a quick phone call and talk to one of our customer service representatives.
Get the Job Done Right at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton
When your check engine light goes on, there’s really no relaxing until you’re sure your vehicle doesn’t have a serious problem. Even if you know how to reset the check engine light so it goes off, or if you simply ignore it, the underlying problem will not go away that easily.
Ignoring a check engine light can lead to more significant problems that can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. Whether your check engine light has come on or you just need a routine oil change, tire rotation, or other maintenance service, you can trust the qualified experts at Spitzer Chevrolet North Canton to do the job right.