Seattle Check Engine Light

If you are like many car or truck owners you have little idea of what an illuminated yellow light on your dash is trying to tell you!

While it is often confused with the service engine soon light on the gauge cluster, it is usually a minor issue although it can indicate a serious problem such as a bad catalytic converter.

The check engine light code is part of the onboard diagnostics system of your vehicle that stores a trouble code in its memory to identify problems with the exhaust and emissions systems such as, but not limited to:

• Malfunctioning sensor such as your oxygen or mass airflow sensors
• Misfiring engine
• Poor vehicle fuel economy
• Catalytic converter needs replacing
• Gas cap is missing, damage or loose
• Spark plugs or plug wires require replacement

Call or stop by Rick’s Tire and Chevron.  Our ASE® certified and State emissions certified mechanics know how to diagnose the cause and fix it!

Seattle Service Engine Soon

When you see a service engine soon light flashing it needs to be checked by one of our ASE® certified or State emissions certified mechanics as soon as possible.

When your light is red don’t panic, but you may have a serious problem and pulling over safely and turning off the ignition is advisable.  When your light is yellow or amber you may generally drive safely for a short distance to our local auto engine repair shop where our certified mechanic can perform a diagnostics test and bumper-to-bumper inspection to determine the origin of the problem. 

These are problems that may cause the red SES warning light to come on:

• Broken alternator
• Missing or broken belts
• Low engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid or anti-freeze
• Major engine malfunction

Or in the case of a yellow or amber light that is less serious, it may indicate a problem with:

• Your emission system
• A missing cap from one of your fluid containers
• Antilock brake
• The safety restraint system

In either case we recommend having it diagnosed as soon as possible because the level of severity varies greatly. 

Seattle Engine Repair Shop

We are here to help keep your engine in tip-top shape by providing engine maintenance and repairs in our full service automobile engine repair shop.

Our ASE® certified mechanics are highly-qualified and experienced in repair service that involves components such as, but not limited to:

• General engine diagnosis
• Cylinder head and valve train diagnosis and repair
• Engine block diagnosis and repair
• Lubrication and cooling systems diagnosis and repair
• Electrical, fuel, ignition and exhaust systems diagnosis and repair

Whether you receive a warning from a blinking check engine light, or you have a major engine problem, call Rick’s Tire and Chevron to schedule an appointment for a diagnosis and repair.  (206) 525-9392