American Tire and Service
4520 Arrowhead Ridge Drive, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505.891.8951

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? American Tire and Service Has Answers

Last Updated: Mar 23, 2017

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The Check Engine light strikes fear into the hearts of some Rio Rancho drivers and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in NM.

First, if your vehicle Check Engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components. Get that taken care of right away. If your Check Engine light is flashing, you shouldn't drive at Rio Rancho highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to American Tire and Service in Rio Rancho.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn't go off, schedule an appointment with your Rio Rancho service advisor to get it checked out.

Some more information from American Tire and Service on how the Check Engine light works may be informative. Most of your vehicle engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Rio Rancho.

In order to make these adjustments, the vehicle computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the Check Engine light.

The vehicle computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it'll then turn off the Check Engine light.

If the problem can't be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your vehicle looked at at American Tire and Service. Your friendly and knowledgeable service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give your American Tire and Service technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

Give us a call.

American Tire and Service
505.891.8951
4520 Arrowhead Ridge Drive
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
americantireandservice.com