Check Engine Light Diagnostics in Ardsley, New York

One Light, Many Potential Underlying Causes

What to Do

If your vehicle’s check engine light has illuminated, perhaps you’re wondering what to do. When the light is steady and solid (after the initial blinking that’s typical for many autos during start-up), it’s safe to drive a reasonable distance to reach our shop. Your car needs attention, but your situation is not an emergency. (In the rare case that the light is flashing, stop driving immediately and have your vehicle towed to our shop. Otherwise, your auto is in danger of catastrophic engine failure.) Once your car reaches Ardsley Motors in Ardsley, New York, one of our ASE-certified technicians will perform check engine light diagnostics. This will yield a universal trouble code, part of a system that has been mandated on all new cars sold in the United States since 1996. Combined with our expertise, the code will help us identify and repair the exact underlying cause. See us for help with other dashboard indicators, too. You’ll find us conveniently located at 555 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502, United States (near I-87 and the Saw Mill River Parkway). Making an appointment is simple, too. Use our online scheduler or give us a call at 914-693-4686.

A Few Possible Culprits

The reason you need professional assistance with identifying and repairing check engine light issues is that so many underlying culprits can be responsible for the warning. We know. The light says check “engine,” or the dashboard bears the picture of an engine block. Indeed, the issue may be with the engine, but do you know just how many other problems can be responsible? For instance, the CEL is often an early sign of transmission trouble, particularly if that issue is electrical. Also, the fuel and exhaust system are frequent causes. The problem may be as simple as a poorly fitting gas cap. However, it can indicate that the fuel to air ratio is off in the combustion process, or it could point to a bad sensor (oxygen, mass air flow, etc.). In some cases, the issue can be as severe as a bad catalytic converter. Although the check engine light accounts for many service visits, watch for other warnings, as well. Other dashboard indicators can point to braking system issues (the ABS light), traction control problems, lighting trouble (with headlights or adaptive headlights), ADAS controls that make your driving experience better and/or safer, 4×4/all wheel drive challenges, and TPMS (which monitors the psi of your tires) malfunction.

Help with the Light and All Its Triggers

No matter what has triggered the dashboard warning lamp on your European/Asian import or domestic automobile, Ardsley Motors can help. If another light is showing, we can assist you with identification and repair of that, too. Opening in 1985, our family owned and operated business takes exceptional auto service and repair seriously. Stop by for service Monday through Friday, 8:00 am-5:30 pm.