Engine diagnostics

 

Service Overview

There's nothing quite like when your vehicle's ominous "Check Engine" or "Check Engine Soon" illuminates on your dashboard. After all, the "Check Engine" light can be a serious warning.

 

At its heart, this light is an indicator that the vehicle's on-board computer diagnostic system (OBDII) has detected that there is a problem with your car or truck's powertrain; or in other words, your engine and transmission as they work together. The OBDII works with the Electronic Control Module (ECM), your car's nervous system, to provide an electrical response network responsible for ensuring that your vehicle generates the lowest possible emissions while maintaining the highest operating efficiency. As your car drives, the OBDII continually regulates all factors which contribute towards this efficiency, including air and fuel mix, engine temperature, and vehicle load, among others. When your "Check Engine Light" comes on, it means that the powertrain has fallen outside of the acceptable emission and efficiency range as specified by your vehicle's manufacturer.

 

There are two types of "Check Engine" light alerts: flashing and non-flashing. A constantly flashing "Check Engine" light that stays flashing while you drive indicates a serious malfunction in your engine and transmission system, such as engine misfiring, which if ignored, can irreparably damage the vehicle's catalytic converter and other crucial powertrain parts. With a flashing "Check Engine" light, we recommend having your car or truck inspected as soon as possible.

 

A non-flashing "Check Engine" light usually indicates a less of a problem requiring immediate attention, but should be diagnosed as soon as it is convenient. Because many vehicle systems are dependent, allowing even a slight malfunction in one part can eventually affect another, creating large problems down the road.

 

How can I tell when I need the service?

Look on your vehicle's dashboard while the car is running. If your car needs Engine Diagnostics service, the "Check Engine" or "Check Engine Soon" light will either be constantly flashing or remain solidly lit.

 

What is included with the service?

Let our skilled and highly trained Fishkill Tire technicians identify the problem causing your flashing or non-flashing "Check Engine" light to illuminate, with the most advanced and industry-standard diagnostic machinery and electrical systems knowledge.

 

A complete "Check Engine" diagnostic service at Fishkill Tire includes the following 6 steps:

 

1.     Data Retrieval with our comprehensive OBDII functioning scan tool retrieves:

·         Computer codes

·         Computer software version numbers

·         Freeze-frame data

·         Critical sensor and status data

 

2.    Verification Testing validates your vehicle systems' adherence to proper measured specifications in the systems below.

       Without this crucial verification step, data retrieval alone can misidentify a problem area and result in  unnecessary and costly parts replacement:

·         Emissions system

·         Engine vacuum and backpressure

·         Fuel system

·         Ignition system

·         Mechanical and electrical engine timing

 

3.     Pinpoint Testing further isolates and verifies your vehicle's circuits and components to match strict manufacturer standards to be able to arrive at an accurate

          and absolute diagnosis of your vehicle's specific problem(s). Pinpoint testing is achieved through:

·         Performing electrical and/or mechanical tests

·         Performing bi-directional control tests

·         Visual inspections of suspect areas

·         Working through wiring diagrams

 

4.     Technical Service Bulletin Research and hotline information will reveal if your vehicle's issue(s) are related to a "pattern failure," which means that the manufacturer
   is aware that your particular vehicle make, model, and year tends to have similar issues. Technical Service Research Bulletins and hotline information alone, however,
   cannot replace verification testing and pinpoint testing in the diagnostic process because there are other interconnected systems specifications involved.

        

5.     Vehicle Repair may include any of the following:

·         Passage, connection, and component cleaning

·         Parts replacement

·         Manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins updating

·         Vehicle’s computer software upgrading

·         Wiring repair or replacement

 

6.     Repair Verification repeats testing and verification steps to ensure all repairs are successful and your vehicle meets proper specifications and standards for engine   emissions and efficiency:

·         Passage, connection, and component cleaning

·         Parts replacement

·         Manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins updating

·         Vehicle’s computer software upgrading

·         Wiring repair or replacement

 

As with all services you receive at Fishkill Tire, the parts and materials we install will meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications, and all used parts will be returned to you, upon request. All Fishkill Tire services performed are based on manufacturer recommendations or as needed, as determined by our inspection, and based on industry standards.

FAQ

 

How long will it take?

In most "Check Engine" and "Check Engine Soon" scenarios, we can identify and correct the problem the very same day.

 

Do I need to make an appointment?

Appointments are not necessary but may expedite service for your convenience

 

Are there any driveability concerns?

Engine Damage

Driving your vehicle with a solid or flashing "Check Engine" or "Check Engine Soon" indicator lit can damage critical parts of your engine, leading to costly repairs. If the light is flashing constantly, we advise you to obtain a thorough engine diagnostics evaluation right away to determine the cause of the problem and possible repair solutions. While a solid indicator light is usually less severe of a problem, one prolonged error can lead to more serious problems quickly, so we also recommend stopping by or scheduling an engine diagnostics appointment as soon as possible.

 

Annual New York State Emission/Smog Inspection Difficulties

Each vehicle registered to operate in the state of New York is required to pass annual inspection and emissions tests. A "Check Engine" light indicates that your vehicle most likely exceeds New York State emissions limits and, therefore, would not pass annual inspection.

 

More Money Spent on Fuel

Typically, non-flashing or solid light generic errors also indicate up to 20% fuel emission inefficiencies, which over the course of a year can cost you several hundreds of dollars, and perhaps more as gas prices and inflation continue to climb.

 

Stop by Fishkill Tire or contact us today to make an appointment for our comprehensive engine diagnostic services.