Your modern vehicle's engine is a highly sophisticated piece of equipment. The days of your father's gas-guzzler are long gone-instead, Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations demand that today's vehicles be equipped with electronic engine control systems to curb carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. With technically advanced control systems taking the place of simple engine components, common maintenance services such as tune-ups are also a thing of the past. Regular services (such as spark plug and filter replacements) are still required, as well as a computerized analysis of your vehicle's on-board diagnostic system.

Here's How Your Modern Vehicle's Control Computer Operates:

A network of engine performance componts, convert and monitor engine operating conditions into electrical signals.  The computer receives this information, and, based on information and instructions coded within the savvy computer program, commands are sent to three different systems:  ignition, fuel and emission control.

When a problem arises, a trouble code is set, and the driver is alerted by the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp or Check engine light (CEL).  Our ASE Advanced Engine Specilist (L1)  certified technicians are capable of taking the diagnosis of  these problems from start to finish.  Anyone with a $75.00 code reader, such as an Auto Parts store, can retrieve a trouble code. However, It takes a properly trained technician with the proper tools to diagnose these complex systems completely.

For example, a customer brings in their vehicle because the CEL came on.  After a test drive to verify how the vehicle is performing, the tech will determine what code(s) are present.  Each code is assigned a number and a corresponding diagnostic procedure.  Let's say in this case the code was for an "Evaporative Emissions Leak".    A loose gas cap is a very common cause of this type of code.  However, it is certainly not the only possible cause.  The fuel evaporation system has numerous components including: purge solenoid, vent solenoid, charcoal canister, just to name a few.  We have the proper equipment and experience to test the function of these components.  We can determine if each component has eletrical continuity and can physically hold the neccessary pressure to function properly.

Here's a Brief Overview of Your Vehicle's Sensory Components:

• Mass airflow sensor
• Throttle position sensor
• Manifold absolute pressure sensor
• Coolant temperature sensor
• Exhaust oxygen sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor
• Oxygen Sensors