Check Engine Light

Understanding the Check Engine Light

Few things are more unnerving for a driver than seeing the check engine light pop up on the dashboard, but it’s not always a reason to panic.

Hard to believe as it may be, the check engine light isn’t here to scare us, but to inform us that something in our vehicle might be awry. This warning is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system, which is the system that is in charge of constantly monitoring your engine’s emissions and performance, and lets you know if anything is out of order; this is when the check engine light comes on.

The check engine light signals a range of issues, from minor stuff like a loose gas cap to more serious situations like an engine misfire.

At Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving check engine light issues in European and Japanese vehicles. With our skilled technicians, advanced diagnostic tools, and extensive experience, we’ll help you understand the root cause of your vehicle’s check engine light and get you safely back on the road.

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Brands We Service at Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair

Whatever the problem, at Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we´re here to help. We offer reliable and expert diagnostics specifically for European and Japanese vehicles. We understand these cars like no one else, and are highly prepared to help you solve whatever issue your car might present.

Euro Brands:

Japanese Brands:

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

If you’re wondering why your check engine light is on, these are the most common culprits:

Loose or Damaged Gas Cap: Believe it or not, one of the most frequent reasons for the check engine light to come on is as simple as a loose or damaged gas cap. The gas cap seals your fuel system, so if it’s not properly closed, the vehicle may detect an issue. This is your reminder to double-check your gas cap each time after pumping gas.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen levels in the exhaust and helps regulate the air-to-fuel ratio in the engine. This means that if there’s a malfunction with the sensor, your car might suffer from poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions.
Catalytic Converter Issues: The catalytic converter is a control device found in your engine’s exhaust system. It’s responsible for reducing harmful emissions. If it isn’t working correctly, not only will your vehicle fail emissions tests, but it may also trigger the check engine light.

All of these can be quite inconvenient, that’s why we´re prepared to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as possible. At Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we are experienced in diagnosing and repairing these and other issues that might cause the check engine light to activate.

The Importance of Timely Diagnostics

As we mentioned before, the ODB system is in charge of constantly monitoring your engine’s emissions and performance, and lets you know if anything is out of order; this is when the check engine light comes on.

So while you may be tempted to ignore this light, especially if your car seems to be running smoothly, that’s not a risk worth taking. Whether the issue is minor or severe, the longer you wait to address it, the greater the risk of further damage to your vehicle.

At Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and highly trained technicians to get to the root of the problem quickly. No matter the issue, we ensure your car is back to performing at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?

If the light is steady, it’s generally safe to drive to a repair shop. However, if it’s flashing, it indicates a serious issue—such as a misfire—and you should have it checked immediately.

What does a flashing check engine light mean?

A flashing check engine light typically means there’s a severe problem that could damage the engine, such as a misfire. Stop driving as soon as possible and have your vehicle inspected.

How often should I check my vehicle for diagnostic issues?

It’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s diagnostic system checked annually, especially for older models or high-mileage cars. You should also have it inspected if you notice any performance issues.

Why is my check engine light on after a recent repair?

Sometimes, the light may remain on if the onboard computer wasn’t reset after the repair, or if there’s a different, unrelated issue. Our team can perform a quick check to ensure all systems are functioning correctly.

Why Choose Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair for Check Engine Light Diagnostics

At Francen & Son Foreign Car Repair, we are dedicated to providing reliable and accurate check engine light diagnostics for European and Japanese vehicles. Our team has the experience, tools, and expertise to diagnose and repair complex systems, ensuring your vehicle runs at its best.

Whether it’s a minor sensor issue or a complex engine problem, we’re here to help you get back on the road safely.

Visit us at 1650 E Algonquin Rd., Algonquin, IL 60102, or call us at (847) 416-1806 to schedule your appointment.

Let us take the guesswork out of check engine light diagnostics and keep your vehicle performing at its best.

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