Welcome to Willow Glen, San Jose premier auto repair shop – Alvin’s Auto Center. We are a family owned and operated auto repair facility that offers complete car care, including check engine light diagnostics and repairs.
Your vehicle’s onboard computer can illuminate the check engine light for hundreds and hundreds of reason – fortunately many are pretty benign. While some causes can mean expensive repairs, in most cases the computer is letting you know that something isn’t quite right and needs attention – if you take care of the problem right away, chance are the cost will be reasonable. We do not recommend driving around with the check engine light “on” for weeks - even if there are no noticeable symptoms – it can lead to engine or emission system damage and expensive repairs.
So without further ado, here are the Top 10 Check Engine Light Repairs in descending order from 1 to 10:
- Catalytic converter replacement was the year 2023 top reason for the check engine light, and it was not due to sudden rush of failures, but because of catalytic converter theft.
- Oxygen sensor replacement often gets damaged when a catalytic converter is stolen, so not surprisingly it was number 2 reason for the check engine light being illuminated.
- Ignition coil and spark plugs replacement – replacing ignition coil and spark plugs is part of regular maintenance.
- Mass air flow sensor replacement – mass airflow (MAF) sensor includes parts that are repeatedly heated to high temperatures, so material fatigue sets in over time, and replacement is the only course of action.
- Ignition coil replacement may be necessary because of damage caused by a failing alternator, overheating, or incorrect spark plug gap. Ignition coil replacement is the 5th most frequent check engine light repair.
- EVAP canister purge control valve replacement – any part that involves mechanical action can fail. The purge valve can get stuck in a partially open or fully open position. Replacement is the correct course of action.
- Fuel cap replacement – we love these – they are easy and inexpensive to correct, and watching the check engine light go away after such a fast repair is very gratifying.
- ABS wheel speed sensor replacement becomes necessary when brake dust or other debris clog the sensor, preventing the ABS computer from getting correct information about the rotational speed of the wheels.
- Fuel injector replacement may be necessary when low quality fuel causes a clog, or if there are cracks or leaks.
- Reprogramming powertrain control module may be required if the module was replaced, if the software develops glitches, or if the manufacturer released new version of the software, or a software update.
So if your vehicle illuminates the check engine light, do not delay – call Alvin’s Auto Center and have our nationally ASE-certified technicians diagnose and repair the problem. You can make an appointment online, or simply call us at the shop.