Check Engine Light Diagnosis in Athens, GA
The check engine light is your car asking for help. It could be a loose gas cap, or it could be a misfire that is hurting the engine. Athens Import Auto Repair does check engine light diagnosis in Athens, GA for imports only.
Check Engine Light done right, by people who know imports
A code is a clue, not an answer, because the same code can come from three different parts. So we read the code, then test to find which part is at fault.
Is your light on right now, or is it blinking? A blinking light means stop driving. Call 706-353-3880, and we will help.
BMW and Mini often set codes for the VANOS system, which is BMW's name for variable valve timing. Audi and VW direct injection engines set misfire codes when carbon builds up on the intake valves. Mercedes-Benz sets codes for camshaft adjusters that get noisy. Honda and Acura set codes for the VTC actuator, a part that rattles on cold starts. Toyota and Lexus codes are often an evap leak or an oxygen sensor. We sort them all out at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
What the light is trying to tell you
- The light is on, but the car feels normal. That often points to a small leak or a sensor.
- The light is blinking, which means a misfire that can melt the catalytic converter.
- The light is on and the engine shakes at idle.
- The light came on right after you got gas.
- The car uses more fuel than it used to.
- The light goes off and on with the weather.
What our check engine light service includes
Code reading with freeze frame
Freeze frame is a snapshot of what the engine was doing when the code set. That snapshot tells us where to look.
Misfire diagnosis
A misfire is when one cylinder does not fire right. The cause can be plugs, coils, injectors or low compression, so we test each one.
Oxygen sensor and cat testing
Oxygen sensors measure the exhaust, and the catalytic converter cleans it. We test both before we replace either.
Evap leak testing
The evap system holds fuel vapor, so even a small leak sets a code. We use smoke to find that leak.
Sensor testing
We check mass air flow, cam and crank sensors and more, all with live data.
Repair and verify
We fix the cause, clear the code and drive the car. Then we confirm the light stays off.
How a check engine light visit works
Bring the car in
Do not clear the light first, because the data in the computer helps us.
We read and test
We pull the codes and freeze frame. Then we test the parts the code points to.
We explain the cause
We show you what failed and what it will take to fix it.
We fix and confirm
After the repair, we drive the car through a full test cycle. The light should stay off.
Why drivers trust us with check engine light
We diagnose, not just read
A parts store can read a code, but we find the cause behind it.
Import codes are different
German cars set codes for things like valve timing. We know what those codes mean.
No surprise parts
We test before we replace, so you only pay for parts that were really bad.
Being a single woman in Athens, I did not feel like I was being taken advantage of like I have at most other repair shops. They were polite, courteous and respectful. After checking prices I found they were least expensive for what I had done. I am very pleased and will definitely be a return customer.
Marucci, C., customerCheck Engine Light FAQ
Where can I get check engine light diagnosis in Athens, GA?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road diagnoses check engine lights on imports only. We read the code, test the cause and fix what is wrong. Call 706-353-3880 to book.
What does a blinking check engine light mean?
A blinking light means a bad misfire is happening right now. Raw fuel can reach the catalytic converter and melt it, so do not keep driving. Pull over and call us.
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
Yes, for a short while, if the light is steady and the car runs fine. Get it checked soon though. A small problem can become a big one.
Why does my check engine light come on after I get gas?
A loose or worn gas cap is the most common cause. The evap system sees a leak and sets a code. Tighten the cap first, and if the light stays on, we can smoke test the system.
What is code P0420 on my import?
P0420 means the catalytic converter is not cleaning the exhaust well enough. The cause can be the converter, an oxygen sensor or an exhaust leak. That is why we test all three before we suggest a part.
Does Clarke County require an emissions test?
No, it does not. Emissions tests are only required in the metro Atlanta counties. But a check engine light still means something is wrong. Fixing it keeps your car running well and saves fuel.
Related services
Check engine light on?
Call us or book your visit, and we will read it, test it and fix it right.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.