Service – Check Engine

A flashing check engine light usually signals a serious issue with your vehicle’s ignition, fuel, or emission systems. If your check engine light is on or flashing, it’s crucial to bring your vehicle to Kwik Kar Fort Worth for a diagnostic service. Delaying a car diagnostic or engine repair can lead to bigger problems and higher costs.

What the Check Engine Light Indicates

The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system, which has become more advanced since the 1980s. Modern vehicles have computers that control and monitor performance, including engine speed, fuel mixture, ignition timing, and automatic transmission shifting.

When a problem occurs that the system cannot correct, the computer activates a yellow warning indicator labeled “check engine,” “service engine soon,” or sometimes just a symbol of an engine. This light signals that it’s time to have your car checked.

When you bring your car to Kwik Kar, our experienced auto service professionals will perform an on-board diagnostic test to determine the cause of your check engine light. While the specific reason can’t be known without a diagnostic, common causes include:

• Failing oxygen sensor
• Loose gas cap
• Faulty spark plug or ignition coil
• Worn spark plug wires
• Catalytic converter issues
• Bad mass air flow sensor
• Engine vacuum leak
• EGR valve malfunction
• Excessive fuel consumption or pollutant emissions

Steady vs. Flashing Check Engine Light

A steady check engine light means there is an issue, but it’s not yet urgent. However, it’s still important to schedule a diagnostic to prevent more costly repairs down the line.

When you first start your vehicle, it’s normal for the check engine light to come on briefly as the car tests its circuits. If the light stays on or begins flashing, it’s a sign of a more serious problem.

For a thorough and accurate check engine diagnostic, visit Kwik Kar Oil Change & Auto Care in Fort Worth, where our experts are ready to get you back on the road safely.