Car Diagnostics – Kansas City, MO

Many of the newer models of cars have built-in sensors that can warn of problems affecting your car's ignition system and fuel or emissions systems. In some cases, the light may be flashing or permanently on. Either way, if you're in Kansas City, MO, you should as soon as possible schedule with our mobile mechanics to have your car in for a full car diagnostics check.

In many cases, it is difficult for a mechanic to actually pinpoint the problem and why the engine light is on — but it may be showing that it's time for a tune up or service, or that you do actually have a problem area that needs addressing.

And one of the most fundamentally important parts of a vehicle are the brakes — so you might want to pay attention to them when they need maintenance. If your check engine light is on alongside braking issues, consider booking a brake service alongside your diagnostics visit.

Possible Causes

  • A failing oxygen sensor
  • A faulty ignition coil, rotor arm, or spark plug problem — these are commonly addressed during a tune up.
  • Bad spark plug wires between ignition coil and spark plugs
  • A problem with the catalytic converter
  • Bad mass air flow sensor — this reports the quantity of air entering the engine and can directly affect your fuel pump and fuel delivery system
  • Engine vacuum leak — this can be obvious or it produces symptoms like an ignition or fuel problem and can upset the air-to-fuel ratio
  • EGR valve problem this is responsible for reducing pollution-causing emissions
  • Excessive gas consumption or release of air pollutants
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    Flashing Check Engine Light VS Steady

    If the check engine light is on but not flashing, this is an indication of an issue but not yet serious. It does not mean you can ignore it  you should schedule a diagnostic test as soon as possible.

    Check Engine Light Comes On When Starting the Car This is normal, as the car is testing its circuits. Once they are all confirmed OK, the light will go out.

    Check Engine Light Car Diagnostics
    Car Inspection Kansas City

    Modern Vehicles

    With more modern vehicles, a diagnostics test can help take the guesswork out of trying to locate problems. If you have a modern car and you are experiencing any issues while driving noticeably reduced fuel economy, and your check light is on or flashing you should schedule a diagnostic test as soon as possible. Catching issues early can save you from expensive repairs down the road, including major work on your clutch and transmission, radiator, or fuel pump.

    When the check light comes on, a trouble code can be entered into one of the vehicle's computers but it takes up to 5 specific criteria for this code to be set. The technician should check all of these criteria before making a decision on a repair.

    A full diagnostic on modern vehicles can take longer than a normal test as it allows more time to actually pinpoint the problem without just fixing what the assumed problem is. This should save money in the long term, as unnecessary repairs should not be performed.

    Think of it like going to the dentist for your regular check-up. That gives them the chance to catch a cavity while it's just a filling before it turns into a root canal (and nobody likes a root canal!).

    A full diagnostics test will include:

    • Visual inspection of related components for obvious problems
    • System analysis from computer-related printouts or display
    • Research of Technical Service Bulletins for possible related symptoms
    • Pin point testing to eliminate possible problem areas
    • Component diagnosis at each stage of the process

    Our mobile mechanics can provide a detailed report once all the diagnostic tests have been completed. This can show you the direction which needs to be taken before any repairs are undertaken whether that leads to an oil change, belt replacement, AC repair, or something more involved.

    We have been keeping cars safe throughout Kansas City, MO and the surrounding communities. Let our team of mobile mechanics keep your car running safely — contact us or give us a call today for a free quote with no obligation.

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