All modern vehicles have a computer or the ECM (Electronic Control Module) that controls the operation of the vehicle powertrain (the engine and transmission). The main purpose of this is to keep the engine running at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. With constantly growing demands for better fuel economy and new strictest emission regulations it’s not very easy to achieve. The engine parameters need to be constantly and precisely adjusted according to various conditions such as speed, load, engine temperature, gasoline quality, ambient air temperature, road conditions, etc. That’s why today’s cars have much more electronics than in early days – there is a large number of various sensors and other electronic devices that help the vehicle computer or ECM to precisely control the engine and transmission operation and monitor emissions.
The “Check Engine” light is located on the instrument panel of all modern cars, the “Check Engine Light”, also sometimes called the, “Service Engine Soon” light or more technically known as the Malfunction Indicator Light or lamp (MIL) is used to inform the driver of a failure in the engine or transmission control system that could affect vehicle emissions. When this light comes on it does not automatically mean that you are facing a huge auto repair bill. It could simply indicate a glitch in one of the sensors that feeds the electronic engine control unit (EEC).
If your “Check Engine” light does come on, bring it into our Edmonton mechanic shop to have one of our certified technicians properly diagnose the problem and repair the cause of the “Check Engine” light turning on before you incur further costly damage to your vehicle.
Come in today to our Edmonton repair shop or call us to schedule your automotive service appointment.