Check Engine Light On?

By Keith Thompson

You can quickly diagnose any Check Engine or Service Engine Light with your Smart Phone and an OBD2 reader while your engine is running. These new devices cost much less than the standard code readers allowing you the security of knowing first hand what the problem is and not worrying about being taken advantage of. With this book you can identify the part and know first hand what the part looks like for your car. Most Check Engine problems can be fixed easily. Check Engine or Service Engine indicator will require a replacement of some part. However most of these parts are easier to replace than you may think. The difficulty can be determined by how small or large the engine compartment is and the removal of shields and covers. Of course trucks will be the easiest to work on. The time it takes to actually remove and replace most of the parts can range from 5 to 20 minutes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312659339

Keith Thompson

Keith Thompson’s work has appeared in books, magazines, TV, video games, and films. See his work at KeithThompsonArt.com.

Book preview

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Intro

Regardless of if you’re a man or woman driver we all likely to be taken advantage of when seeking assistance with the repair or routine maintenance of our vehicles. Regardless of it cost it’s just a car and they all operate the same and breakdown the same. The purpose of this eBook is to assist you in indentifying problems, knowing how to describe your problem, and determine if you can fix the problem or seek the service of a mechanic. Your experience can be more pleasant by knowing what type of work and time will be involved to fix a problem.

About The Author

I started working on cars at the age of around 14. I was fortunate to have grown up in a Midwest City where I had the option to attend school and technical school at the same time. I later studied Air Frame Repair, and Went to Bailey Tech for Diesel training, and eventually to the Army as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. I later transferred to another Branch and worked on the side fixing cars. With this book you will know what is involved in the repair of a problem and how long it should take and if possible, try to buy your parts at the lowest cost high quality on line if you can wait. This EBook purpose is to educate a person on the various things that can and will go wrong with a car especially pertaining to problems that occur when you have a check engine indicator condition.

Intro

About The Author

Save on Labor Cost

Check Engine Light

Engine Management System Components and Symptoms

Mass Air Flow Sensor

Idle air Control Valve

Throttle Body

Canister Purge Valve

Fuel Injector

Ignition Coil

Camshaft Position Sensor

MRA, In-tank Pump Module, Fuel Level Sender Assembly

ABS Sensor

Fuel Pump

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve

Crankshaft Position Sensor

Water Temperature Sensor

Knock Sensor

Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor

MAP SENSOR

Throttle Position Sensor (Accelerator Position Sensor)

Air Temperature Sensor

Weekly Preventive Maintenance Checks

Checking Transmission Fluid Level

Checking the Battery and Charging System

Radiator Water Level

DIAGNOSTIC CODES

Oxygen Sensors

Summary and OBDII Bonus Section

Bonus Section OBDII Code Reference

Fuel and Air Systems Related OBDII Codes Related To Most Vehicles

Diagnostic Codes Ignition and a Misfire Condition

Diagnostic Codes-EGR, MAP, MAF, etc.

Diagnostic Codes Pertaining to Vehicle Speed, Idle Control

Diagnostic Codes Computer Circuit and Related Components

Diagnostic Codes Related to Transmission, Transaxle and Driveline

Diagnostic Codes to Various Systems and Components

Save on Labor Cost

Most car repair related to a check engine condition is done within 30 minutes to 4 hours. For example depending on your make of vehicle a water pump takes about ten minutes to remove the bolts and remove the water pump. Another 20 minutes to scrape the area clean apply gasket seal if needed and mount the new pump. However the labor time comes in to play with the removal of the fan guard, fan, hoses, motor mounts, etc that are in the way of the water pump, to get to the actual water pump itself thus adding to the time. This is the Preparation time it takes to do any work on a car etc. So having a side mounted engine like the one in the figure above will normally require more time to work on.

Side mounted front wheel drive vehicles are more time consuming to work on due to tight space confinement. Note: water pumps, oil pumps, timing chain/belts are now being centralized in the same location. Thus if you can afford it replace all during the water pump replacement or else pay again 30 days to 6 months later. Just for thought.

Trucks and some SUV’s with forward mounted engines are normally easier to work on. If a dealer charges $300 to replace a water pump, you might be able to find an independent shop that can do it for $80 but no more than $100.  Ask friends to refer you to mechanics that are known for being honest. Pictured to the left is the inside of a GMC Sierra. Chevy Silverado will be similar.

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on you need to have the code read as soon as possible. There are some things that will need to be taken care of soon or else your vehicle may not be drivable. Don’t delay have the code read and try to have the part replaced. Failure to do so over a long period of