Check Engine Light Diagnosis at Courtesy Auto Repair Plus
October 3, 2017
Hello Tiffin . Have you ever had your Check Engine light come on? Did you panic? Or just scowl and ignore it? What should you do? Pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck? Or just keep driving? What does that little light really mean for Tiffin drivers?
First of all, the Check Engine or Service Engine light does indicate that something is wrong. That's why it is called a warning light. But the something that is wrong might be a loose gas cap, or it might be serious vehicle engine trouble. That's why Tiffin residents often don't know how to respond to it.
The Check Engine light has two modes: it flashes or it stays on. A flashing light is serious. You need to get your vehicle to Courtesy Auto Repair Plus in Tiffin ASAP. No, you don't need to call a tow truck, but, yes, you can't wait to get your car serviced. If your Check Engine light is on and flashing, you should not tow trailers, haul heavy loads or drive at Ohio freeway speeds. Any of these could lead to serious damage that could result in repair bills for Tiffin drivers who ignore it.
A steady Check Engine light is less serious, but that doesn't mean it can be ignored. You should plan to get your vehicle inspected at your local Tiffin automotive service center at the first realistic opportunity. Not the first convenient opportunity, but the first realistic one.
Modern automobiles have a computer in the engine that monitors and controls many of the engine functions. When the computer senses something wrong, it first tries to fix the problem itself by adjusting the vehicle engine. If the problem persists, the computer signals the Check Engine light to come on.
This process stores a trouble code inside the vehicle engine's computer. Your service advisor at Courtesy Auto Repair Plus scans the computer and reads the code. This does not tell the technician exactly what is wrong with the car, but it gives him a good idea as to where to start looking.
Of course, the best thing to do is to keep that pesky Check Engine light from coming on in the first place. Good vehicle care and routine preventive maintenance go a long way to keeping your vehicle out of your Tiffin auto repair shop. But, if that light does come on, be smart. Take care of the problem early, and take care of it professionally.
Courtesy Auto Repair Plus
967 Bon Air Ave
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
419-443-0797
http://www.courtesyautorepairplus.com
More articles from Courtesy Auto Repair Plus

Let’s Clear the Air
July 5, 2026
All of us want the air we breathe to be clean and free of pollution. So, back in the 1970s, automakers started equipping vehicles with a device that reduces harmful emissions before they even go out the tailpipe. Theyre called catalytic converters, and while they will likely last you years on y... More

Steer Clear of Trouble
June 28, 2026
When your vehicles power steering is in top shape, its effortless and precise, making direction changes easy; youre hardly even aware of it. But power steering can develop problems, and if you dont pay attention to them, you may wind up needing expensive repairs. Many systems use power steering ... More

What’s That Yellow Squiggly Line Anyway? (What Warning Lights Mean)
June 21, 2026
You may have noticed when you start your vehicle, youll see several symbols light up on the dash. Theyre different colors and shapes, and sometimes its hard to figure out what each of those symbols mean. They are warning lights and symbolize something in your vehicle is sending you a message. I... More
