The yellow illuminating light on your dash telling you to check or service your engine can be the most misunderstood indicator on your dashboard, the "check engine" light can mean many different things, from a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine. We are fully equipped to diagnose and repair check engine light problems on all makes and models. In addition, we service and repair ABS lights, Air Bag lights and all computer related problems.

Learn more about Check Engine Lights

When the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminates with the engine running, typically labeled with "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" symbols in your vehicle's dash, the vehicle's Power-train Control Module has detected a fault in one or more of its Emission Control Systems. The vehicle's powertrain computer constantly evaluates what are called Continuous and Non-Continuous monitors, or Readiness Monitors. The continuous monitors consist of a Misfire monitor, a Fuel System monitor, and a Comprehensive Component monitor (electrical input and output signals to the computer). When the computer detects a fault in one or more of these continuous monitors, the MIL  Lamp will illuminate upon the first fault detection and remain illuminated. When a major misfire event is detected, the computer will request the MIL to flash, indicating to the driver to shut-off the engine when safe to do so, as major mechanical damage to the engine and/or damage to the catalytic converters may result. Non-Continuous monitors consist of two Oxygen Sensor monitors, Catalyst (Catalytic Converter) monitors, a Fuel Evaporative monitor, and in some cases; Secondary Air Injection monitor, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) monitor, and/or Diesel Exhaust After-Treatment monitors. These non-continuous monitors will not illuminate the MIL when the first fault is detected, instead a pending code will be stored in the computer. For the MIL to illuminate for a non-continuous monitor failure, two to three consecutive drive-cycle fault detections  are required for the MIL to illuminate and remain illuminated. A drive-cycle typically consists of a cold engine start, monitor enabling criteria, warm-up period, various driving patterns, and concluded with engine cycled off. In some cases the MIL may turn off after several drive-cycles of no fault detection and may illuminate again after several drive-cycles of fault detection. In any event of MIL illumination, it is important to have your vehicle inspected, even if the MIL is no longer lit.