When Should You Have a Diagnostic Service?

You can bring your vehicle to Premier Autos of Dallas for diagnostic service if a light on your dashboard stays lit while you drive. If it starts flashing, you need to have the problem diagnosed right away.

If the performance of your vehicle drops, you can also have it checked out before more serious issues arise. The technicians can check the computers in your vehicle through diagnostic testing to determine where the problem is.

What Happens with A Diagnostic Service?

The service technician will connect your vehicle to our diagnostic equipment. The scanner will read any information from your computer and determine if there's a problem. If something is wrong with your vehicle, the computer will display a code. The scanner will provide the code to the service technician who will determine what the code means.

Once we find out what the code is telling us about your vehicle, we'll provide you with a written estimate for the cost of repair. We'll let you know if this issue is dangerous and what will happen if it doesn't get fixed soon. You can schedule an appointment for the repair with our team.

Benefits of Getting a Diagnostic Test

It can be easy to delay getting a diagnostic if the vehicle is still running. However, there are benefits of getting it done as soon as possible. The big advantage is that you can prevent a small issue from becoming a major problem. If left undetected and unrepaired, these small issues can damage the engine.

Finding out the problem with diagnostic testing also allows you to fix the issue and improve fuel efficiency and engine performance. It can also help you be safer out on the road.

It only takes a few minutes to run a diagnostic test on your vehicle. The test can be run on all your vehicle's major systems, including the engine, transmission, exhaust, and brakes. You don't have to run the test on a regular basis, but it can help detect problems before they even show any symptoms.

Here at Premier Autos of Dallas, we make it easy to schedule a diagnostic test with our service team. If you live or work around Plano, Houston, or Frisco, you can schedule your appointment online or give us a call when it's convenient for you. You may be able to even drop by for same-day service at our service center.

Why Is My Car's Check Engine Light On?

If you're the kind of person that drives the same car for many years, you have probably experienced the dreaded check engine light. What does it mean when this light comes on? Does it mean it is time to buy a newer vehicle because your current vehicle is on its last wheels? If your Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is on or flashing, it may mean a serious problem with your ignition, fuel, or emissions system. However, if you live near Addison, Grapevine, or Greenville, our service team at Premier Autos of Dallas can inspect your vehicle and run a diagnostic to determine the problem with your engine.

The check engine light comes on when you turn on the engine. It's only when it stays lit that you need to start to worry. When this light stays on, it is usually related to eight areas of concern, but there are also distinctions related to a flashing or constant light.

Steady vs. Flashing Light

If the check engine light is on but steady rather than flashing on and off, it means you have a problem with one of the components or sensors that needs to be checked out soon. If it is a flashing check engine light, this generally means that the engine is misfiring, and unburned fuel is entering the exhaust system. This is a big problem that can damage the catalytic converter and needs attention right away. If the light is on, we recommend having a diagnostic test to find out what is wrong. Here are some common reasons your check engine light might be on.

• Failing oxygen sensor: This is a sensor in your tailpipe that monitors the air-to-fuel ratio and transmits the data to your vehicle's computer. The computer uses this information to create an ideal air-to-fuel ratio.
• Damaged or loose gas cap: The check engine light may be alerting you to a problem with the gas cap. It may be loose or damaged and if the cap is not sealed properly, it can cause fuel vapors to escape and the EVAP system may malfunction.
• Bad spark plugs: These small components are impressive powerhouses; they generate electric spark that allows your vehicle to start. Without them your vehicle won't start, and bad plugs can lead to other more costly problems.
• Weak battery: If your battery is weak, faulty, or not fully charged this can cause the light to come on.
• Bad Mass Airflow Sensor (MAS): This measures airflow so that the engine's computer can help your vehicle to run more smoothly. If this goes bad, you may find your vehicle stalling, losing fuel efficiency, or idling rough. A problem with this sensor can also be related to a dirty air filter.
• EGR valve issue: Your Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve reduces the emission of harmful nitrogen oxides by recirculating metered quantities of exhaust gas into the air intake system.
• Damaged catalytic converter: This device cuts down on air pollution by removing pollutants from the exhaust. It transforms the following three harmful compounds to less harmful compounds: carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide. The smell of rotten eggs may indicate a problem with the catalytic converter.
• Vacuum leak: A leak in this system can cause power to drop and reduce fuel efficiency.

Let Premier Autos of Dallas help you keep your vehicle providing reliable transportation for as long as you own it. Contact us if you need vehicle diagnostic service.