Check Engine Lamp
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: 2006 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.).