'Westerville Automotive: Why Is My Check Engine Light On?'

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some in Columbus and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most Columbus drivers.

Let’s get the urgency issues out of the way first. If your family car's check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe engine damage. Naturally, Columbus drivers should get that taken care of right away at Westerville Automotive.

If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to your Westerville Automotive service center.

If the light is glowing steadily, car owners should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with Westerville Automotive to get it checked out.

An explanation on how the Check Engine Light works may be informative. Most of your family car engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Columbus.

In order to make these adjustments, the computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the Check Engine Light.

A simple example is a loose or missing gas cap. This may cause one of the sensors to read out of range. The family car's computer doesn’t know if it’s a serious condition that caused the reading or just a loose gas cap, so it stores a trouble code and turns on the Check Engine Light.

Now when you tighten up the gas cap the sensor readings will be in the correct range. The computer will keep checking on the report for a day or two. Since a bad reading didn’t come up again, it turns off the Check Engine Light. The computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light. If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your family car looked at at Westerville Automotive.

Your Westerville Automotive technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give the Westerville Automotive technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

At Westerville Automotive in Westerville Ohio (43081) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 614.890.0707 or 614.890.6700 To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Westerville Automotive providing top automotive repairs and service in Westerville Ohio for 20+ years with top trained ASE technicians in 2 locations. From oil changes to transmission repairs, our team will get you on the road and keep you traveling safely. Our goal is your complete customer satisfaction. Westerville Automotive is a Preferred Jasper Engines & Transmissions Owner Installer with NAPA AutoCare Center backed by exceptional customer services. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY:Our Main Shop - Westerville South: 5591 Westerville Road | (614) 890-0707 | Email | Schedule OnlineOur Uptown Shop: 31 East Main Street | (614) 890-6700 | Email | Schedule Online