Has Your Check Engine Light Come On In Chicago, IL? Here's How You Can Have It Checked.
Did your check engine light just come on in Chicago?
Your vehicle's check engine light is your automobile's method of telling you it is sick and requires seeing a professional technician.
Schedule an appointment at Fred's Wrigleyville Garage so we can check out your check engine light!
So, what exactly is a check engine light?
Your car's check engine light is in consistent interaction with your vehicle's computer system. When something is wrong with your vehicle, the computer system records a problem code as well as sends a signal to the light to alert you that there is a problem with one of your vehicles core mechanical or electrical components.
It could be something as simple and affordable to deal with as a bad seal in your gas cap or something more major like an inner engine part that is beginning to fail. It is best to get it inspected, both for your safety and your peace of mind.
A brief history lesson on Check Engine Lights in Chicago, IL
In 1996, auto makers started to organize a trouble code system called OBD-II, which essentially standardized a list of possible trouble codes. They also began installing universal connectors to access the cars on-board computer system. The connector is generally found under the drivers steering column and is reasonably easy to access.
Before 1996, each automobile manufacturer had their very own special engine analysis systems, mostly to guarantee their vehicles were compliant with federal EPA laws.
Depending on your vehicle's make and model, your check engine light is usually orange, yellow or amber, once more this relies on the manufacturer. If the light is solid as well as says "Check Engine Soon" you should have it checked out as soon as you can. If the light begins blinking, nonetheless, it indicates a more serious issue. You risk serious and expensive damage if you continue to drive the vehicle. We recommend you pull over safely, turn off the vehicle and call a local repair shop.
“Service engine soon" and the "check engine lights". There is a difference.
When it involves your car, you should recognize there is a distinct difference between the service engine light and the check engine light.
The service engine light is telling you that the vehicle is due for routine maintenance or service, like an oil change, transmission fluid change, etc.
Your check engine light is telling you something is wrong and should be seen by a professional mechanic.
We will connect our advanced code scanners to the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port of your car, retrieve the codes and explain to you what the codes mean, as well as your repair options.
So, to recap, when it comes to any light on your dash, have it checked out as soon as possible.
Whether it is a service engine light, a check engine light, battery light or brake light it's a good suggestion to have it looked at. Doing so immediately after you see the light can save you a lot of time and money in the future.
If you have any type of questions or issues about your vehicles' check engine light, simply contact us at our ASE-certified automotive shop in Chicago, IL or just stop by and see us for a scan and inspection.
