Your check engine light comes on and you’re not sure what’s wrong. You keep driving for a few weeks with the intention of having it serviced soon, but next thing you know the check engine light starts blinking! The check engine light is an indicator that there is a problem with the vehicle smog emissions system. If one of the many sensors in the system gets a reading that is outside of an acceptable range then the computer sets a code and turns on the check engine light. The problem could be in the engine, with the engine management components, the exhaust system, or the fuel tank vapor system.

The modern vehicle’s engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. We know our customers aren’t mechanics and that’s why you trust us, your local G&G Auto Repair team.

Todays cars are much more complicated and difficult to diagnose. With technological advances has come increasingly complicated systems.

With technically-advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune ups are much more infrequent. Most vehicles require fewer tune ups and usually require replacing fewer components. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicles control computer. Our factory-trained technicians are here to provide these basic services. The check engine light cannot take the place of an experienced mechanic, but it is helpful in pinpointing where auto repairs might be needed so we can save you time and money and get you back out on the road.

Here’s how your modern vehicle’s control computer operates:

A network of sensors and switches convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals. The computer receives this information, and based on information and instructions coded within this savvy computer program, commands are sent to three different systems: ignition, fuel, and emission control.

Whenever a problem arises (as seen by that nagging “check engine” light), our service pros check whatever command is prompted, in addition to the status of your engine control computer and sensors. That way you’ll know if your vehicles performance is caused by a real problem, or just a sensor/computer issue.