2720 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento Mon – Sat · 9 AM to 6 PM (916) 428-9378
West Coast Auto Repair

2720 Fruitridge Road · Sacramento, CA

Check Engine Light & Diagnostics

A check engine light is your vehicle saying something changed. We find out what, explain it in plain language, and quote the repair before doing it.

How we track down the problem

Reading the trouble code is only the starting point. A code points at a system, not always at the broken part, so we test from there to find what is actually causing it. That way you pay to fix the problem instead of replacing parts one at a time and hoping.

Common reasons the light comes on

  • A loose, cracked or failed gas cap
  • Oxygen sensor problems
  • Worn spark plugs or coils causing a misfire
  • A dirty or failing mass airflow sensor
  • Catalytic converter trouble
  • Vacuum or evaporative emissions leaks

Steady light or flashing light?

A steady light means get it looked at soon; the vehicle is usually still drivable. A flashing light usually means an active misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter quickly. If yours is flashing, it is better to stop driving and call us at (916) 428-9378.

Oil and fluid leaks

Spots on the driveway, a burning smell, or oil low between changes usually mean a leak. We trace where it is coming from, whether that is a valve cover gasket, an oil pan, a seal or a line, and tell you what it takes to fix it.

Questions we get asked

Check engine light questions

Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?

If the light is steady and the vehicle drives normally, it is usually safe to drive it in for a look. If the light is flashing, or the engine is running rough, losing power or overheating, stop driving and call us. A flashing light often means a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.

Can you just read the code for me?

We can pull the code, but the code alone rarely tells the whole story. It names the system reporting the problem, and testing from there is what identifies the actual part. We explain what we find before you decide on any repair.

Do you fix oil leaks?

Yes. Finding and repairing oil leaks is regular work for us, from valve cover gaskets to pan and seal leaks.

Will the light go off after the repair?

Once the cause is fixed, the light goes out after the vehicle’s self-checks pass. We clear the code after the repair and verify it stays off.

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