4009 Mitchell Mill Rd Raleigh, NC 27616
Monday-Friday: 7AM - 6PM
Is your vehicle’s check engine light on? Now what? First, don’t panic. You can drive far enough to reach your local auto repair shop. Also, a technician can quickly determine the general area in which he/she should look. This is done by connecting your auto to an OBD-II reader to obtain a trouble code. That’s when expertise comes in. Although the code points the mechanic in the right direction, experience allows him/her to determine the exact problem. The ASE certified technicians at Ernie Lee’s Service Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, have the knowledge to get to the root of the problem quickly, saving you time, money, and a lot of check engine light aggravation.
Although we’re outlining a few lesser known causes of check engine trouble, it might be useful to review some of the triggers we see most often. It might surprise you to know that the issue might be as simple as a loose gas cap that, in effect, constitutes a breach in the closed fuel system. A bad oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor is also a common problem. Aging spark plugs and faulty ignition coils can make the warning light illuminate, too. Ailing spark plug wires can do the same. Finally, the catalytic converter can make the light come on if that exhaust system component fails.
So if it’s not one of those frequently seen issues, what could it be? Again, you’ll need to have one of our technicians check your vehicle to pinpoint the cause, but we can share a few lesser known triggers. Did you know that a transmission problem can actually cause the check engine light to illuminate even though it’s technically not part of the engine? It’s true. In fact, the dashboard lamp might actually be your first warning that you’re destined for transmission repair. Also, while a dead battery will prevent your car from starting, a weak battery can trigger the warning. Your auto has a vacuum system that assists with various functions. For example, it helps suck fumes out and away from the engine so that the risk of toxic gases entering the passenger cabin is reduced. Also, the vacuum assists the brake booster. As the system’s hoses deteriorate over time, they can crack or develop pinholes. A leaky vacuum can cause the check engine illumination. Finally, your vehicle is equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve that limits the nitrogen oxide exiting the engine. (This helps with emissions and auto performance.) If the valve develops a problem, it can trigger your car’s check engine alert. Whether the source of your car’s trouble is commonplace or rarely heard of, count on Ernie Lee’s Service Center for all your auto repairs.
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