Blue Seal Spotlight July 2003
Harry's Automotive &RV Repair
7744 Culebra
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 684-8501 |
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NOTE: The following tips are provided by the featured shop and are not to be considered as technical information from ASE. ASE makes no warranty as to the applicability, accuracy, or reliability of this information. Always consult the owner's manual published by your car's manufacturer for specific information on service and intervals.
Shedding Light On Your Car's Mil
Imagine the following scenario. You're driving along peacefully when all of a sudden the light on the dash labeled CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON comes on (generically, this is referred to as the Malfunction Indicator Light, or MIL). Strangely enough, your car still seems to drive fine, but the light stays on-so what gives?
Interpreting the light literally, you look under the hood to check the engine and yes, it's still there! Does this mean that your car needs maintenance like an oil change, an engine overhaul, or an engine replacement? Not at all.
The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 required all auto manufacturers to install second-generation onboard diagnostic (OBDII) systems on 1996 and newer models. These systems can detect when a vehicle is operating outside its design limits for emissions. When this happens, the system trips the amber-colored CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light to alert you of a problem. Be it low-cost econo-box or upscale sports car, all models are universally equipped with an OBDII system.
Although your car may not show any operating symptoms when the light comes on, it shouldn't be dismissed as a meaningless "idiot light." A glowing MIL is telltale evidence of a problem in your car's OBDII system that needs attention. If the light glows steadily, it doesn't mean you have to stop driving the car immediately. Just have the problem checked out as soon as it's convenient, On the other hand, a flashing MIL indicates a more serious system problem that, if ignored, can damage your car's catalytic converter.
Problems in the OBDII system are stored as trouble codes, which can be retrieved and analyzed by a skilled technician. Sometimes over-simplified, these codes indicate the area of the system problem, but do not tell the technician what part to replace. This is where training and ASE certification make all the difference in the proper diagnosis and repair.
So, if your car's MIL lights up, have it checked out as soon as possible by an ASE-Certified technician.
Shop Profile
Recognized by the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Program since 2001, Harry's Automotive & RV Repair is located on the rapidly expanding NW side of San Antonio. Their technicians and new building (complete with new equipment) are ready to tackle your vehicle concerns. Although most vehicles are the usual light-duty cars and trucks, they also service and maintain racecars, medium-duty trucks, RVs, generators, motorcycles, and some watercraft. For more information, contact Shop Manager, Mike Newman at (210) 684-8501.
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