Check Engine Light Diagnostics in West Chester, PA

Why Is It There?

When your vehicle’s check engine light illuminates, you may wonder if it serves any other purpose than to make you worry. Actually, it does. To combat a growing air pollution problem, the Environmental Protection Agency mandated that all new automobiles sold in the United States after 1996 be equipped with a second-generation onboard diagnostic system known as OBD-II. While a prior iteration pointed out problems, it was brand specific. The newer alert system generates universal trouble codes to provide insight into common problems that interfere with emissions control. Although you should seek mechanical help for a trigger check engine light, it isn’t cause for panic. You can drive your car to Bimmerworks in West Chester, Pennsylvania, for professional assistance. Our experienced technicians provide reliable check engine light diagnostics and reputable related repairs.

What’s the Problem?

Proper diagnosis is always required before we can say definitively what has triggered your automobile’s check engine light. However, the Bimmerworks team is glad to share some of the more common causes. Some drivers are surprised to learn that something as simple as a poorly fitting or loose gas cap can be the culprit. Another potential issue is a bad oxygen sensor. It measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. The information is relayed to the vehicle’s onboard computer, allowing for adjustments to maximize fuel efficiency. Other concerns include poorly performing spark plugs, a broken mass airflow sensor that measures the amount of air entering the engine for combustion, and various others. In the worst case, your car could have a dead catalytic converter, but this is not common. This component uses chemical reactions to change more harmful emissions into exhaust that is less toxic. You’ll notice that, whether simple or complex, the problems that trigger the warning ultimately relate to air quality.

How is it Diagnosed?

When you entrust your vehicle to Bimmerworks for check engine light diagnostics, we connect our computerized equipment to your car’s OBD port. We’re able to obtain the universal trouble code. That points us in the direction. However, the code doesn’t always pinpoint the exact cause. Our team has the expertise to combine what the trouble code reveals with their prior experiences to remedy the situation. It’s important to address the underlying cause to protect the environment, prevent further damage to other components and systems, and ensure that your automobile is ready to meet annual state standards. Bimmerworks will handle all the diagnostic and repair details for you, so schedule an appointment for check engine light diagnostics today if your dashboard lamp has illuminated.