Check engine light diagnosis in North Miami
A clear answer about why the light is on, and a written price to fix it. A code is just a starting point, so we test the circuit or part it points to before we recommend anything. You get the cause explained in plain words, not a printout.
Typical time in the bay
1 hour for diagnosis; repair time depends on the cause
How the price works
In writing, first
What we do
Check engine light
- Read all stored and pending codes plus the freeze frame data from when the light came on
- Look at live sensor data to see what the engine is actually doing
- Test the specific sensor, wiring or component the code points to
- Check for vacuum leaks, a loose gas cap and exhaust leaks, which trigger many codes
- Confirm the fix by clearing the code and running the car through its drive cycle
- Verify the car will pass any emissions monitors it needs to set
- Explain what was wrong and what, if anything, can wait
Signs you need this
Signs you need this
- The check engine light is on steady
- The check engine light is flashing
- The engine idles rough, hesitates or stalls
- Fuel economy dropped for no clear reason
- The car went into limp mode and will not go over a certain speed
How the price works
Diagnosis is a flat, written fee we tell you before we plug in. Any repair gets its own quote in writing, with sales tax on the parts only. On the repair, you pick a 90 day, 1 year or 2 year warranty and the price moves with that choice.
Questions people ask
Is a flashing check engine light serious?
Yes. A flashing light means the engine is misfiring badly enough to damage the catalytic converter, which is an expensive part. Pull over when you can, and have it towed if it is shaking hard.
The parts store read the code for free. Why do I need a diagnosis?
A code tells you which circuit reported a problem, not which part failed. An oxygen sensor code can be caused by an exhaust leak, a wiring issue or the sensor itself. Testing finds the actual cause so you do not buy parts you did not need.
Can a loose gas cap really turn on the light?
It can. The system checks the fuel tank for vapor leaks, and a loose or cracked cap fails that test. Tighten it, drive a few days, and if the light stays on, come see us.
Will the light go off on its own?
Some codes clear themselves after a number of clean drive cycles. Most do not, and the problem is still there even if the light goes off. Getting it read costs little and keeps a small issue small.
Can you clear the light so I can sell the car?
We can clear codes after a repair. Clearing a light to hide a problem from a buyer is not something we do, and the monitors reset anyway so it shows up on a proper inspection.
Related
Car diagnostics
You describe what the car is doing, we find out why.
Learn moreTune-up and spark plugs
A smooth idle at the light and the fuel economy you had when the car was new.
Learn moreExhaust repair
A quiet car that does not smell like fumes inside.
Learn moreElectrical repair
Windows that go up, lights that stay on, and a car that does not eat fuses.
Learn more