How to figure out why your check engine light is on

If you're driving down the road and suddenly see the dreaded "check engine" light illuminated on your dashboard, it's natural to feel a little uneasy. After all, it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious that requires immediate attention. Fortunately, Absolute Auto Repair Center, serving Fitchburg, Shirley, and Gardner (West Street), is here to help you figure out why your check engine light is on.

First things first: if your check engine light comes on, don't panic. Your car is equipped with an onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) that monitors your vehicle's emissions and engine performance. When something goes wrong, the OBD-II system will trigger the check engine light to let you know that there's a problem. But it won't tell you what the problem is - that's where we come in.

Getting The Codes

The first step in figuring out why your check engine light is on is to use a diagnostic scanner to read the codes that the OBD-II system is generating. This will give us a clue as to what's causing the problem. At Absolute Auto Repair Center, we have state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment that can read these codes quickly and accurately.

Once we have the codes, we can start to diagnose the problem. There are hundreds of different codes that the OBD-II system can generate, and each one corresponds to a different problem with your vehicle. Some of the most common codes we see at our shop include:

• P0300: Random Misfire
• P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
• P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)
• P0440: Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
• P0101: Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance Problem



Possible Causes

These codes can be caused by a wide variety of issues, from something as simple as a dirty air filter to a more serious problem with your engine or transmission. That's why it's important to bring your vehicle to a qualified mechanic like the ones at Absolute Auto Repair Center.

When you bring your vehicle to us, we'll perform a comprehensive diagnostic test to pinpoint the problem. This may involve checking your engine's sensors, testing your ignition system, and inspecting your exhaust system. Once we've identified the problem, we'll give you a detailed estimate of the repairs needed to fix it.

At Absolute Auto Repair Center, we're committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and expertise. That's why we invest in the latest diagnostic equipment and training for our technicians. We're also proud to serve the communities of Fitchburg, Shirley, and Gardner (West Street). If your check engine light is on, don't wait - bring your vehicle to us today and let us help you get back on the road with confidence.