Did that mysterious “Check Engine,” “Service Needed,” or “Check Powertrain” light just come on? Even if your car is running fine, it’s important to get it looked at. This light could signal anything from a loose gas cap to an imminent major breakdown. Pacific Automotive provides expert check engine light diagnostics in San Diego to find the true source of the problem.
Don’t Panic—But Don’t Ignore It
A warning light is your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system telling you it has detected a problem.
- Steady Light: This usually indicates an issue that needs to be fixed soon, like a failed sensor. Don’t ignore it, as it can lead to poor fuel economy (sometimes as much as 40%!) or damage to expensive parts like your catalytic converter.
- Flashing Light: This indicates a serious, potentially dangerous problem, such as a severe engine misfire. You should not drive the vehicle any further if at all possible.
Why a “Free Scan” Isn’t a Diagnosis
Many auto parts stores in San Diego offer a free check engine light scan. However, this only gives you the fault code – it doesn’t tell you what needs to be repaired.
A code for an O2 sensor, for example, could be caused by a bad catalytic converter, a vacuum leak, or just loose wiring. Our ASE-certified master mechanics are experienced diagnosticians, not just code-readers. We have the training and equipment to interpret the data and find the underlying cause of the problem, saving you from replacing parts you don’t need.
Common Causes for a Check Engine Light
A diagnostic code points us in the right direction, but the cause can be one of many components. Some of the most common failures include:
Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) The MAF sensor tells your car’s computer to add the correct amount of fuel based on the air coming into the engine. A failing sensor can cause stalling, high emissions, and poor gas mileage. This often fails due to an improperly installed or old air filter.
Oxygen Sensor (O2) Your car’s O2 sensor measures unburned oxygen from the exhaust to help the computer monitor how much fuel is being burned. A bad sensor reduces gas mileage and increases emissions. Not replacing it can lead to the failure of your expensive catalytic converter. Our scanner will tell us exactly which sensor needs replacing.
Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter reduces harmful exhaust gases. If you notice a sudden drop in performance or a decrease in gas mileage, the converter could be failing. This is almost always caused by a related problem, like a bad O2 sensor or deteriorated spark plugs, so regular maintenance is key.
Spark Plugs & Wires Spark plugs provide the spark to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. When they fail, you’ll get an engine “misfire,” which you might feel as a jolt during acceleration. Failing plugs are an inexpensive fix that can prevent major damage.
Loose Gas Cap Sometimes, the fix is simple. A loose or faulty gas cap can break the fuel system’s vapor seal and trigger the light.
Get Your Expert Diagnosis For Your Check Engine Light Today
Stop guessing what’s wrong with your vehicle. Pacific Automotive is here to help. We’ll read the OBD code and, more importantly, have our certified mechanics perform a proper diagnosis to find the real issue. We’ve served San Diego for over 30 years with affordable rates and guaranteed satisfaction.
Contact us today to schedule your check engine light diagnostic and get an honest, expert answer.