Check Engine Light in Arlington, Virginia

The sudden illumination of the check engine light (CEL) often imbues a sense of anxiety and confusion. If your car’s been running great, why did it come on? Why exactly did it come on, anyway? Here at Auto Stop in Arlington, Virginia, we have the answers you seek! We are well-versed in the mechanisms of the check engine light and diagnosing the exact reason it came on. As part of the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) that monitors various aspects of your car, it acts as the messenger to alert you to an issue that has been detected. Your OBD-II system keeps tabs on everything from the engine and transmission to exhaust and onboard sensors. If a problem is identified, the system catalogs it via a diagnostic trouble code (also known as a fault or error code) in your car’s internal computer and triggers the CEL in your dashboard. From here, you will need to visit a professional diagnostics service where we’ll be able to retrieve the code and troubleshoot the problem.

Why Did My Check Engine Light Come on?

What are the reasons for your CEL to appear? There are many. Whether it derives from your powertrain, faulty sensors, ignition complications, or air/fuel delivery problems, we’ll be able to find it and fix it in no time. A loose gas cap is one of the most common and easiest to remedy. If you recently filled up and the light comes on, double-check that it’s closed all the way. If it’s still on after doing so and driving for a bit, it may be more serious. A faulty fuel injector is another reason, which can also cause the engine to run rough from a misfire, as well as a vacuum leak from a broken/dislodged hose or a valve that gets stuck open. In this instance, you may notice a faster idle, stalling, or whistling sound. Additional problems that can cause the check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), include a bad oxygen sensor, defective catalytic converter, vacuum leak, faulty mass airflow sensor, and worn spark plugs/ignition coils. Rest assured that no matter the issue, we can locate it and perform the necessary repair to fix it.

Come in for Diagnostics Service

When it comes to a lit check engine light, leave it to the ACE-Certified technicians at our auto repair shop for diagnostics service and repair! At Auto Stop, we utilize advanced diagnostics technology to read the code and determine where the problem is located. Because we are only given the approximate area, we follow up with an in-depth inspection to pinpoint the exact problem. From there, we’ll discuss what must be done to rectify it. We also back our work with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. If you experience a flashing check engine light, consult our team for further guidance, as this usually indicates a serious problem. Keep an eye out for additional issues in correlation with the CEL, too, such as reduced power and fuel efficiency, hard starts, and misfiring. These can also signify the issue is at a stage where it needs attention sooner rather than later. At Auto Stop, we’ll only ever put the best work into your vehicle. Schedule an appointment with our expert team online or by phone at 703-931-4575. We look forward to serving you and your car here at 3808 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington,.