1996 to current OBD II vehicles Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Lamps Info
Stop by and Annette will check for codes stored in the computer, log codes under the vehicle history and advise.  No appointment is needed to have the Check Engine lamp checked (must be 1996 - to current OBD II vehicle, 1995 and lower will need an appointment and a $19 fee to have the Check Engine lamp checked).

If your Check Engine or Service Engine lamp is flashing it is not wise to drive the vehicle for an extended period of time.  Damage to expensive components may result, like a Catalytic Converter ($400 - $2000).  Usually the check engine light will be flashing due to an engine miss which will increase emissions and can damage emission components such as Oxygen Sensors, Spark Plugs and Catalytic Converters to mention a few.  The miss can be caused by a bad Spark Plug, Ignition Wire, Ignition Coil, poor fuel, plugged Fuel Injector, defective Fuel Injector or an engine mechanical problem.  The vehicle should be diagnosed immediately to prevent extended damage.

If unsure whether the vehicle should be driven for diagnosis you can email: service@bjar.com call 616-669-9169 for advice. We will need to know what happened when the light started flashing, year, make and model of vehicle and the distance from where the vehicle is located to Bob & Jeff's.

The check engine lamp has come on but the vehicle seems to run ok.  Stop by and Annette will check for codes stored in the computer, log codes under the vehicle history and advise.  No appointment is needed to have the Check Engine lamp checked (must be 1996 - to current OBD II vehicle).

One of the most common causes is a loose gas cap.  Some newer cars will have a gas cap light on the dash.  The Check Engine light usually comes on after the car was filled up.  The engine computer will run the gas cap test (also known as EVAP) under certain conditions.  On most cars the fuel tank level must be between 3/4 and 1/4  to run the test.  If the fuel tank level is full, the test may not be run.

For 1996 and above OBD II Vehicles Warranty
8 years or 80,000 mile (whichever comes first) Federal Government Warranty
Components covered: Engine Control Computer (PCM), Check Engine Lamp and Catalytic Converters are covered by the dealer for parts and labor if the above mentioned parts are determined defective.  The repair must be performed by a certified OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) dealer for the vehicle in question (see dealer for restrictions).  Some restrictions might be a salvaged title, vehicle has been modified or in an accident that damaged the component.

Example 1: 1997 Chevy Astro has a plugged Catalytic Converter with 47201 miles.  This vehicle would not be covered because it is over the 8 year limit.  The mileage is under 80,000.  Note: sometimes the vehicle manufacture will extend the warranty (date and mileage) if the Federal Government has determined that model and year has a problem.

Example 2: 2004 Honda Accord has a bad Engine Computer (PCM) with 79010 miles.  This would be covered if the vehicle was brought to the dealer before it went over 80,000 miles provided it met all the restrictions (no salvaged title, damaged by an accident etc.).