Whether you drive a Beemer, a Benz, or another European automobile, it is crucial that you pull over and cut the engine if the check engine light is flashing. An illuminated check engine light that flashes means that you have a serious and damaging problem in the engine. Consequently, if you continue to drive the European vehicle, you could cause irreparable damage to the engine.
All About Diagnostics
Automobiles are moving computers these days, and we have updated technology in our shop that make diagnosing problems with your European automobile a piece of cake. Located in your European vehicle are the main computer chip and sensors in all of the systems. The computer chip is called the engine control unit, and the sensors are called the system sensors.
These sensors are designed to monitor the systems when they are active, i.e., when your European automobile is running. The sensors provide a continual data stream to the engine control unit so that it knows that everything is operating as it should be. If something goes wrong, the sensors will report that, as well. If the problem does not have its own light, the unit will turn on the check engine light.
When you bring your European automobile to our shop to repair the problem, we run what is called a diagnostic test. This downloads all of the data that the engine control unit received from the system sensors. Each malfunction will have a specific error code that will point us directly to the problem. For example, the check engine light may be on because you have a faulty oxygen sensor.
CEL Warning Causes
This is just one reason why the check engine light turns on. Again, if the light is flashing, you have an emergency. If the light comes on and it is steady, it may be okay to drive your European automobile to our shop. It depends on whether there are other problems such as performance problems, strange noises, or strange odors. Aside from the oxygen sensor, the CEL may turn on because
- The catalytic converter is failing
- The mass airflow sensor is malfunctioning
- The transmission is failing
- You have an engine vacuum leak
- You have a fuel system problem
- You have an EVAP control system problem
You may also end up with an illuminated check engine warning if the spark plugs in the ignition system need to be replaced.
As you can see, there are numerous reasons why the check engine light will turn on. If yours has, call our shop today to schedule a service appointment for your European automobile.
