We specialize in Check Engine Light problems, Check Engine Light repair, and Service Engine Soon light reset. Warren Secord Automotive & Tire has the training, experience, and equipment to correctly diagnose and fix Check Engine Light on or repair Check Engine light problems in Kent, Washington.
Our Kent, WA auto repair shop has the latest, most sophisticated diagnostic check engine light scan tools available. We spend thousands of dollars every year on updating our test equipment and education so we can quickly and correctly solve Check Engine light problem and Service Engine Soon light problem.
All modern vehicles have at least one computer that controls and monitors the operation of your vehicle. When a malfunction is detected, the Check Engine light will alert you to a problem. In some cases, the check engine light may flash on and then go off by itself. In other cases, the Check Engine light may remain on and warn you that you need to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified auto repair technician.
Not every automotive problem gives you obvious signals like hard starting, rough running, stalling, or odd noises. The Check Engine light is often an indicator of minor problems before they become major (expensive) problems. It is very important not to ignore the Check Engine warning light!
Don't ignore Service Engine Soon light repair near Kent, WA. Servicing your vehicle now can prevent serious problems that result from ignoring Check Engine light diagnosis.
Warren Secord Automotive & Tire can quickly assess whether your check engine light a simple thing like a loose fuel fill cap or something requiring further investigation. The simplest thing to do is to bring your vehicle to our shop and let us diagnose your Check Engine Light in Kent, WA.
Is your check engine light on? Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Warren Secord Automotive & Tire performs all types of warning light repair in Kent, WA area.
How The Check Engine Light Works
Your vehicle's computer constantly monitors a large number of sensor readings that measure the operating conditions of your vehicle. If the computer detects a problem it will switch on the check engine light to warn the driver the vehicle needs to be inspected and the problem diagnosed.
When a sensor reading is out of the normal operating range the computer records a trouble code. If the problem is serious the light is immediately switched on. If the problem is temporary, or intermittent, the computer will record the error code and wait for the problem to happen again. If the problem reoccurs the check engine light will be switched on and stay on until it is checked and reset by an auto repair technician.
Don't Ignore your "Service Engine Soon" Light
Your Service Engine Soon light primarily monitors vehicle emissions so there is no need to panic. Unlike the Overheat or Charging System red warning lights that require an immediate shutdown of the engine, the Service Engine Soon light service is advisory.
The Service Engine Soon light is yellow or orange and signals caution. Even though the Service Engine Soon light doesn't indicate a serious problem your vehicle is calling out for help. Your car is not only polluting, it is performing poorly.
If you need help repairing Service Engine Soon light in Kent, WA Warren Secord Automotive & Tire has the correct diagnostic equipment and the trained technicians to identify the source of and fix Service Engine Soon light problems.
Check Engine Light Repair
Why does the problem need to be “diagnosed”. Doesn't the computer tell you what is wrong?
Some people think the trouble code stored by the vehicle computer will tell the auto repair technician exactly what is wrong. Unfortunately trouble shooting is usually just not that simple. The trouble code will tell the mechanic what sensor reading is out of normal, but it can't tell the technician why it is out of parameters. Trouble codes provide a place to start and help narrow down the possible causes of a check engine light.
Some problems are very simple and easy to identify. Others are very complex with many different causes. The technician must use special diagnostic equipment and a time consuming series of problem solving steps to find the correct cause. Finding the source of the problem is a combination of training, experience, and the right tools.
Example: Let's say you feel terrible (your body's Check Engine Light). You get a thermometer (heat sensor), put it under your tongue, and find you have a fever of 104 degrees. You now know you have a fever but you don't know what is causing it. It could be a sinus infection, appendicitis, or just the flu. Only a skilled person, your doctor, can correctly diagnose the problem. The doctor will use knowledge, tools, and experience to tell you what is causing your fever and offer a solution.
How Do You Find The Right Solution? Leave It To The Pros
Anyone can scan a vehicle for trouble codes but only a certified, experienced auto repair technician can correctly diagnose the problem and repair it correctly.
Warren Secord Automotive & Tire Kent, WA will diagnose check engine light problems accurately and provide the best check engine light repair for your budget.
Complete Computerized Engine Analysis
Why a complete computerized engine analysis is worth every penny
The computers in modern vehicles operate and monitor almost every system in the vehicle: air conditioning, radio, airbags, alarm, anti-lock braking, traction control, ride control, cruise control, instrument panels, transmissions, and most importantly the emission and engine controls. There are a wide range of warning lights to inform the driver if there is a problem.
Today too many shops have tried to rely on the vehicle self-diagnostic system. Instead of using proper troubleshooting procedures some people trying to repair check engine light problems, mostly do-it-yourself mechanics or less skilled auto repair technicians, resort to trial and error parts swapping when they don’t know how to fix a warning light problem.
Diagnosis and repair of these complex electronic systems requires extensive training, experience, and expensive equipment to perform Check Engine light service in Kent, WA correctly and economically.
It is important to choose a shop that has experienced ASE Certified Technicians, the latest computerized diagnostic equipment. Diagnosing modern vehicles without the proper training and diagnostic equipment can result in misdiagnosis costing you hundreds, even thousands of dollars of unnecessary repairs.
The major auto part manufacturers have reported that as high as 80% of all vehicle computers returned for repair were found to NOT be defective! For this reason, a proper check engine light analysis can save you money by correctly diagnosing your vehicle’s problems the first time!
Top Ten Reasons for Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light is a warning light for all electrical systems in your vehicle. The Check Engine Light has become a total vehicle warning system and many vehicle manufacturers continue to use the Check Engine Light due to drivers recognizing it as a general warning light.
A Check Engine Light is turned on when the vehicle control computer detects a fault in any of the computer controlled vehicle systems. One or more diagnostic codes will be stored in the computer and are just one piece of information our check engine light repair technicians will use to diagnose your problem.
When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start.
In some Check Engine Light on cases, no symptoms will be experienced. Whether you experience performance problems or not, a flashing Check Engine Light indicates that an problem has occurred. If you continue to drive the vehicle, you may damage engine or emissions components.
Determining the exact cause your check engine light is on can be very difficult. Intermittent check engine light problems are most difficult to diagnose.
Top 10 Check Engine Light Causes
Here are the top 10 reasons for check engine light on problems:
Loose Gas Cap
Problem: Fuel vapors leak from a loose gas cap and the emissions system will detect the leak and cause a check engine warning light.
Repair: check that the fuel filler cap is sealing. Sometimes a gas cap replacement is required.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Problem: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust to tell the engine computer how much fuel to inject into the engine. An oxygen sensor replacement will often solve poor fuel mileage and poor engine power problem.
Repair: Oxygen sensor replacement, check that oxygen sensor problem is fixed, and clear computer code.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
Problem: Catalytic Converter failure is usually caused by engine oil burning, ignition problems, or fuel system problems. These problems must be repaired before a Catalytic Converter replacement.
Repair: Check and repair problem causing catalytic converter failure, Catalytic Converter replacement.
Faulty Ignition Coil
Problem: Ignition coil failure will cause an engine misfire and usually results from age and normal wear, or faulty sparkplugs or ignition wires. High under hood operating temperatures from engine overheating can also cause ignition coil failure.
Repair: check for faulty ignition parts, ignition coil replacement.
Bad Spark Plug
Problem: A misfiring spark plug can cause unburnt fuel which triggers a check engine light. Fouled spark plug can also cause Catalytic Converter failure.
Repair: Spark plug replacement is usually required if you have an Ignition Coil Replacement. Please our Tune Up service for Kent, WA.
Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
Problem: The Mass Airflow Sensor measures the incoming air flow to the engine allowing the computer to inject the correct amount of fuel. Bad mass airflow sensor replacement can greatly improve fuel economy.
Repair: Mass Airflow Sensor replacement
EVAP System Hose Leaks
Problem: Leaking EVAP system vacuum hoses are an emission system problem and trigger the check engine light.
Repair: EVAP system leak check, EVAP system repair.
Faulty EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
Problem: The EGR valve helps lower vehicle emissions. A bad EGR valve can cause rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, and engine overheating.
Repair: EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve replacement. EGR Exhaust Gas passage carbon cleaning. Please contact us for EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve replacement cost.
Charging System Problems
Problem: A faulty alternator or weak battery can cause a check engine light. Your vehicle requires a stable electrical system voltage to function. We can quickly test your battery, do a charging system test, or provide an alternator replacement cost estimate.
Repair: Battery test, charging system test, alternator replacement. We can quickly provide a battery test estimate, charging system test estimate, or an alternator replacement cost estimate.
Transmission Problems
Problem: Automotive transmissions are computer controlled and will trigger a Check Engine Light. Transmission repairs start with a check engine light diagnosis to pin point the transmission problem.
Repair: check engine light diagnosis, and transmission repair.
Bottom Line
Keeping your vehicle on the road for the most affordable price is our top priority. Our number one goal is to provide you with high quality, total auto service in Kent, WA. Warren Secord Automotive & Tire works hard to provide the best value auto repair. Many auto repair shops talk about good service, but at Warren Secord Automotive & Tire we are committed to it!
We strive to surpass your expectations and maintain our great reputation.
