When to go to the mechanic for a check engine problem?
It comes without warning and with no explanation. For most drivers, this means a trip to the mechanic, but it’s not difficult to diagnose (and sometimes fix) yourself. Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. This is a modal window.
What should I do if my check engine light is not working?
For most drivers, this means a trip to the mechanic, but it’s not difficult to diagnose (and sometimes fix) yourself. As Jalopnik recently pointed out, the check engine light is one of the most frustrating and confusing facets of owning a vehicle. It’s just a light with no information telling you what the problem is.
When do you need to do an engine diagnostic?
Conducting an engine diagnostic when your vehicle’s self-diagnostic system apparently isn’t detecting any problems can be difficult. But you still can diagnose engine performance and driveability problems like… …if you know what are the components or systems most likely to cause these common issues.
Is there such a thing as a ” little better ” mechanic?
There is no such thing as “a little better.” The sad truth is, it’s much quicker for your mechanic to guess, than it is to perform the lengthy steps needed to effect an accurate, first time diagnosis. It’s much simpler to sell you the most common repair for your particular concern, and then deal with the problem further if needed.
Do you have to go to the mechanic every time your car has a check engine light?
There is a little known fact that the entire automotive repair industry doesn’t want you to know: you don’t need to have costly repairs done every time the check engine light comes on. There are a decent number of these DTCs that don’t require any repairs.
What does the international check engine light really mean?
In addition to turning on the light—known as the International Check Engine Symbol—the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a misfiring engine. The code can be read with an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer—standard equipment in auto repair shops.
Why is my Check Engine light not coming back on?
Then connect the scanner again and read the System Status to see if the “Not Ready” condition is gone for all codes that you had cleared. If the check engine light did not come back on, the system is working properly and your car will pass emissions tests. Your car has not been driven enough after resetting the codes.
What makes auto mechanics cheat or push unnecessary repairs?
What drives mechanics to cheat or push unnecessary repairs, Joe said, is the tiny profit margin at many repair shops. Most mechanics are honest, he said, but many are pressured by their bosses to perform unnecessary work. “The shop has to stay in business,” Joe said. “There are pressures to do things that maybe you wouldn’t do normally.”