Check Engine Light

The check engine light can trigger worry or visions of costly repairs. It doesn’t have to be that way, especially when you put your car in our capable hands.

If you see the check engine light come on, call Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service at (503)288-7041. We can inspect it for you and perform a diagnostic testing procedure on your car. Our ASE certified technicians are all qualified and experienced, and will have you back on the road in no time.

What makes the check engine light come on?

Most modern vehicles contain one or more computers that manage the increasingly complex systems that keep the car working efficiently. This is all monitored by the ECM (Electronic Control Module) in your car. If the ECM detects something wrong and cannot adjust it automatically, it flags the check engine light to prompt you to have it checked out.

How can Sandy Blvd. Tire & Auto Service diagnose the problem?

There are usually five steps involved that Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service regularly undertakes. Some of the possible procedures our technicians make with diagnostic work include:

1. Interrogate ECM. This involves using a diagnostic tool to ask the ECM what the problem is. We then interpret that problem, inspect the vehicle and devise a repair. The information we get includes a fault code, freeze frame data, software version and sensor data.


2. Verification. We verify that the cars systems are working properly by testing them. This includes emissions testing, fuel system testing, electrical engine tuning and backpressure testing.


3. Pinpoint testing. All vehicle manufacturers insist on pinpoint testing. This is performed to ensure the diagnosis is absolutely correct. It involves performing further electronic and mechanical testing on the engine, fuel and emissions systems.


4. Repair. Once we have identified the problem, we can rectify it. This may be through tuning, parts replacement, adjustments, cleaning, updating system software or performing any modifications according to manufacturer’s technical service bulletins.


5. Verify repair. Once all the necessary actions have been taken, your vehicle will be retested to verify that the repair is complete. Any further action will be taken, or the vehicle will be handed over to you.

How long will it take to diagnose the problem?

In most cases, it’s possible to diagnose and repair the same day.

If your check engine light comes on, call Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service at (503)288-7041 today.

All of the parts we use are guaranteed to meet your manufacturer standards, and all our work is guaranteed.

See the Light

Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service gets asked about the check engine light a lot, so we thought we would provide this overview for the benefit of Portland drivers. It’s a common issue that can mean several things, so we’re going to go through some of them here.

Your car’s ECM is a computer that looks after everything. It has the capability to make adjustments as the engine adapts to different temperatures and driving conditions. When it comes across something it can’t handle, it illuminates the check engine light to prompt you to seek professional help. That’s where Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service comes in.

The question we get asked the most is: How long can I wait before taking the car to the auto repair shop?

Do not continue driving when the check engine light is flashing, or the vehicle is having problems. It is possible you’re doing catastrophic damage to your car, which may require expensive repairs. The longer you drive, the more expensive it becomes. Visible signs of problems include stalling, becoming difficult to start, slow to accelerate, or has black smoke coming out of the back. Sometimes the signs are not even visible.

For the relatively low cost of a vehicle inspection, it is better being safe than sorry.

If your check engine light comes on, call Sandy Blvd Tire & Auto Service at (503)288-7041. You’ll be in safe hands.