Check Engine Light Problems -Automobile Repair: Trouble Shooting

Trouble shooting problems on your automobile can and will save you money repairing it. Problems such as a check engine light or a problem with a computer controlled device can be time consuming if you decide to do this yourself. But in the long run as I said before the savings are unbelievable. For instance lets say out of the blue as your driving down the road your automobile starts to pop and your check engine light illuminates. The first step involved while trying to trouble shoot this problem is to find out why your check engine soon light came on. If your light came on the same time your automobile began to pop and sputter you can bet these two things are connected.

A trouble code 42 indicates that your problems are in your electronic spark timing control circuit. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your timing advance is off it means that in that circuit which consists of an ignition module, your secondary ignition and your ECM you will need to pull out your schematic and follow the diagnostic tree. Just as soon as your onboard computer picks up the glitch it will illuminate your automobiles check engine light.

Another common check engine light problem you might experience is with your throttle position sensor. Automobile problems that have a check engine light associated with the TPS will exhibit poor engine performance, hesitation, and lack of power. Trouble shooting this problem you will have to locate your TPS which is usually located around your throttle body. Most automobiles have a three wire connector attached to the TPS which will have to be unplugged to test. One wire is a five volt power supply and one engine ground, and a five volt reference wire is the other.

On the newer vehicles you might have a check engine light associated with a loose gas cap. If you remember putting gas in your vehicle and forgetting to install or tighten down the gas cap this problem can be fixed by tightening up your gas cap and resetting the check engine light. The automobiles computer will reset the check engine light automatically after so many key starts. Each automobile has its own procedure in fixing this problem. Make sure you read your owners manual to set the check engine light the appropriate way for your automobile.

Trouble shooting check engine light problems on your own automobile will require you to purchase a very reliable digital volt ohm meter, a test light, and a scan tool to reset your check engine light when you are through. These tools can be bought at any auto repair parts store or Wal-Mart. Check engine light problems or service engine soon light automobile repair problems should be performed by a certified auto repair technician to fix them right the first time.

My Top 5 Maintenance Items for a Car 101 - Oil Change-Brakes-Tune Ups-Antifreeze-Service Lights

I have listed the top 5 maintenance items for a car that you will run into and will require your attention such as your first oil change, brake noise, tune up, antifreeze condition, and your service engine lights in the dash. This article is a refresher course for the first time car owners out there. For instance lets say you hear a noise coming from your car. The first thing that will pop into everyone’s mind is usually, “How Much will This Noise Cost me.” After working on cars and trucks for over 25 years, here is what we experienced the most when it comes to maintenance for a car

1. Oil Changes


2. Brake Estimates


3. Questions Regarding When a Car Tune Up is Required


4. Antifreeze Flush and Fill or Radiator Drain and Fill


5. Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light Has Come On

Oil Changes should be performed at LEAST every 3 months or 3 thousand miles. Your car’s engine is a metal to metal running machine under your gas pedal. The oil is what keeps these metal parts from over heating and ruining your engine. So please keep your car engines oil changed.

Brake estimates should be performed anytime you hear a noise when you hit the brake pedal to stop or slow down. The quicker you get your brakes checked for that noise the lower your brake repair bill will be. Get at least two brake repair estimates. Go with the lowest one possible.

Tune-ups on your car or truck these days are designed to go a lot further between each tune up. I would recommend you get your car or truck tuned up at least every thirty thousand miles. Ask your auto mechanic to advise you of what should be addressed first. The reason is some auto technicians will show you an estimate that will blow your mind!

Antifreeze flush and fills should be performed every thirty thousand miles or so to keep your cooling system from rusting out. Some auto manufacturers recommend only a radiator drain and fill. Ask your mechanic what his professional opinion would be on this decision. The reason is you have to visually look inside of the radiator to see what condition the antifreeze is in.

Your check engine or service engine soon light may come on while you are driving. This light does not mean you need a tune up or oil change as you might suspect. It just means you may possibly have a bad engine sensor that will need to be replaced then have your light reset.

I hope you have learned a little about your maintenance items that will require your attention after buying your car or truck. In the future check out, "The Car Repair Savings Blog"