Team Ryan Automotive

Call Buford: 678.765.7926

2959 S. Waterworks Road, Buford, GA 30518 

Call Cumming: 678.341.9602

2585 Freedom Pkwy, Cumming GA 30041

Check Engine Light Service  in Buford and Cumming, GA

Proudly offering quality auto care and exceptional customer service.

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Check Engine Light

Is Your Check Engine Light On?

The dreaded check engine light is not something a car owner is fond of, especially when it illuminates their dashboard. However, this indicator light is not as ominous as it may seem. The check engine light exists for a few reasons, but it is all together supposed to tell you when there is something malfunctioning or simply out of place with your vehicle’s emissions. 


The check engine light or service engine soon lamp is illuminated to alert the driver about the need for service. Although your car may seem to run fine now, your cars computer or Power Train Control Module (PCM) is trying to tell you something when that little light comes on. There are many sensors and computerized components that need to be working properly in order for your computer to manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these components fails, or wears to the point where the PCM can no longer make the needed adjustments, that check engine light may illuminate, every time you start and operate your car.


We apply strategy based diagnostics to be able to pinpoint exactly what's going on with your vehicle!

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How The Check Engine Light Works

Your vehicle is equipped with many ways to tell you that something may be amiss. The check engine light is one of them. Your vehicle’s onboard computer diagnostic systems monitors vehicle operations, with your check engine monitoring emissions. If the check engine light illuminates on your dashboard, it is important to understand why it could be doing so, and what the light means. 

What Causes The Check Engine Light To Flash

The check engine light turns on for a myriad of reasons, and they all stem from emissions. Here are a few reasons that could lead to the check engine light coming on: 


• Catalytic converter: If you notice an rotten egg smell accompanying the check engine light, it could very well be due to the catalytic converter. 


• Gas cap: A loose gas cap can cause the check engine light to come because there is a loss of the vacuum seal that should be present. 


• Mass Airflow Sensor: This sensor measures the air coming into the engine, ensuring the right amount mixes with fuel. If there is something wrong with the sensor, your check engine light will turn on.


• Oxygen Sensor: The same is true of the oxygen sensor. 


• Spark Plugs: Worn spark plugs or plug wire will also lead to your check engine light turning on. 

How To Know What The Check Engine Light Means

The check engine light will turn on one of two ways. Solid or flashing. Each of these ways are important to assess the severity of the problem. 


Solid likely indicates your vehicle is releasing an irregular amount of emissions. Problems from a solid check engine light could be from a loose gas cap or a serious engine problem.


A flashing check engine light indicates a very serious problem that should be taken care of immediately, like a cylinder misfire or something of that nature.

What Do The Stored Engine Trouble Codes Mean?

Each system on your vehicle is assigned a series of code numbers and letters that help us determine where your computer saw a problem that caused it to turn the light on. Keep in mind, these codes don’t tell us exactly what failed, only what system the computer recognized a problem with.


Think of it like this; if you felt sick and your thermometer was reading 101 degrees, that only alerts you to the fact that you have a fever. Your fever could be from an infection, a virus or some other internal cause that would require more testing by your doctor to determine what is wrong with you and how it should be treated.


Well, your engine also has a thermometer and if it was reading too high, your computer would turn on the check engine light to alert you about it. With a cars computer, it can tell our certified, ASE master mechanics exactly what the trouble is, and where to look to further diagnose the issue.

The Trouble Codes From Your Check Engine Light Could Be Related To Multiple Engine And Transmission Control Systems Such As:

  • Air Fuel Metering
  • Fuel Injector Malfunctions
  • Ignition System Misfires
  • Emission Controls
  • Vehicle Speed Control & Idle Control
  • Computer Output Controls
  • Transmission controls

Plus many more engine codes. And the numbers of codes for each of these systems can add up to over a thousand possibilities! So, understanding that the first place to start is to retrieve the stored codes, and then we can develop a strategy to properly diagnose the problem to save time and expense.

Check Engine Light Equipment For Your Make And Model

It’s important to have the right equipment to not only access your computers codes, but to also work with your PCM to find the relevant data for the affected system. A vehicle test drive with our computer scanners plugged in will show us what your cars computer is seeing when problems are occurring. Once we know the engine trouble codes, we can get to the root cause and prescribe the correct repair.

Our Check Engine Light Diagnostic & Repair Includes

At Team Ryan Automotive, we will use the insights obtained during an engine diagnostic to determine the extent of suggested engine repairs. The most common diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to malfunctions in the powertrain. 


Ultimately, regular engine tune-ups and scheduled maintenance are necessary to optimize engine performance. A tune-up is also one of the most effective ways to prevent unexpected engine trouble. During an engine tune-up, our staff may replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, fuel filter, and distributor cap and rotor in your vehicle (if equipped). Our experts will also inspect fuel lines, belts, hoses and fluids. Engine diagnostics and regular engine tune-ups can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve the health of your engine.

Engine Diagnostics And Performance

All vehicles built since 1996 in the United States are equipped with a standardized On-Board Diagnostics System (OBD 2) that monitors engine performance. Discrepancies in performance levels are reported through your vehicle’s computer system. Once the “check engine” or “service engine” light is displayed, your next step should be to seek out an engine diagnostic service or an engine tune-up. Strategy bases engine diagnostics allow our staff to gather helpful information about the operating condition of your engine. The insights obtained during an engine diagnostic will determine the extent of suggested engine repairs. The most common diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to malfunctions in the powertrain. Ultimately, regular engine tune-ups and scheduled maintenance are necessary to optimize engine performance. A tune-up is also one of the most effective ways to prevent unexpected engine trouble. During an engine tune-up, our staff may replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, fuel filter, and distributor cap and rotor in your vehicle (if equipped). Our experts will also inspect fuel lines, belts, hoses and fluids. Engine diagnostics and regular engine tune-ups can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve the health of your engine.

Benefits Of Engine Diagnostics And Performance

While performing regular scheduled engine maintenance will help ensure that your engine always performs at peak conditions, there are also warning signs you can look for that indicate an engine diagnostic or repair is needed. The “check engine” or “service engine soon” light is a sure sign that your engine should be looked at by an expert sooner than later. Most of the time, your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics System will detect an engine issue and store the corresponding repair code, which can be accessed by a member of our service staff. Slow-cranking, rough idling, stalling, knocking, or pinging while accelerating are all signs that you should seek engine repairs or engine diagnostics to determine the full extent of your engine trouble. A decrease in gas mileage and detectable loss of power during acceleration are also signs of an impending engine tune-up or engine repair service. Engine warning lights help alert drivers to minor issues before they become major repairs. Be sure to follow up with our staff once your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics System detects a problem with your engine.

Check Engine Light FAQ

What Is The Most Common Reason For The Check Engine Light To Turn On?


Here are some of the most common reasons a check engine light flashes on: 

  • Gas cap: A loose gas cap can cause the check engine light to come because there is a loss of the vacuum seal that should be present. 
  • Mass Airflow Sensor: This sensor measures the air coming into the engine, ensuring the right amount mixes with fuel. If there is something wrong with the sensor, your check engine light will turn on.
  • Oxygen Sensor: The same is true of the oxygen sensor. 
  • Spark Plugs: Worn spark plugs or plug wire will also lead to your check engine light turning on. 

Can Low Oil Cause The Check Engine Light To Come On?


Low oil typically has its own indicator light, so the likelihood of low oil being the cause of the check engine light is low. 


Can I Drive With The Check Engine Light On?


We never suggest driving consistently with indicator lights flashing. It is always best to get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible once a light turns on. That will help you avoid any costly repairs. 


However, if your check engine light turns on in the middle of a drive, it can be rather stressful. If the light is solid, you should be able to drive home. If the light is flashing, that could indicate a much bigger problem, and we recommend pulling over and getting your car to a service station immediately. 


What Does A Solid Check Engine Light Mean?


A solid check engine light can be a lot less immediately dangerous than a flashing one. 


A solid check engine light could indicate something as small as a loose gas cap to a serious engine problem. The solid light simply means your vehicle is releasing an abnormal amount of emissions. 


It is important to take care of the issue as quickly as possible to avoid the problem escalating, if possible. 


What Causes The Check Engine Light To Come On And Stay On?


The check engine light exists to keep up with your vehicle’s emissions. If the light comes on and stays on, that indicates your vehicle is releasing an abnormal amount of emissions. Not only could that lead to serious engine problems, it is also not good for the environment. 


We suggest taking the vehicle in as soon as possible to avoid the problem from escalating. 


How Can I Bypass The Check Engine Light?


We do not recommend bypassing the check engine light. These lights exist to tell you when there is something wrong with your vehicle. They exist for the safety of you and your vehicle, so it is important to listen to these lights. 


If the check engine light flashes on, it is important to investigate why it is on, and if need be, repair whatever is wrong to ensure your vehicle is in full working condition again. The sooner the problem is fixed, the less expensive repairs tend to be. 

Team Ryan Automotive proudly serves the engine needs of customers in Buford, GA, Cumming, GA, Sugar Hill, GA, Suwanee, GA, and surrounding areas. If you are in need of check engine diagnostic & repair in Buford and Cumming, GA, stop by Team Ryan Automotive and talk with one of our friendly and knowledgeable engine mechanics about your car’s check engine diagnostic & engine repair service. Or feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you with any concerns.

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