Engine Diagnostics

What is the Engine Diagnostics Process?

Every vehicle built since 1996 has been equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics System that monitors engine performance. Discrepancies in performance levels are reported through your vehicle’s computer system. Once the “check engine” or “service engine” light is displayed, your next step should be to seek out an engine diagnostic service or an engine tune-up. Engine diagnostics allow our staff to gather helpful information about the operating condition of your engine. The insights obtained during an engine diagnostic will determine the extent of suggested engine repairs.

The most common diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to malfunctions in the powertrain. Ultimately, regular engine tune-ups are necessary to optimize engine performance. A tune-up is also one of the most effective ways to prevent unexpected engine trouble. During an engine tune-up, our staff may replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, fuel filter, and distributor cap and rotor in your vehicle. Our experts will also check emission levels, fuel lines, and belts and hoses. Engine diagnostics and regular engine tune-ups can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve the health of your engine.

Engine Diagnostics

The OBD System, or On-Board Diagnostics System, was originally installed to monitor vehicle emissions, but it also detects problems within the engine. Both OBD I and OBD II systems exist, with OBD II systems becoming the standard in vehicles manufactured after 1996. The OBD is connected to the engine control unit (ECU), which helps your engine run efficiently while keeping emissions low. The OBD can identify and warn the driver of engine malfunction by sending error notifications to the ECU system. The ECU is in charge of several engine processes, including the mixture of air and fuel, emissions, and engine timing. The ECU uses sensors to monitor them or make adjustments. If the ECU detects malfunctions, it triggers the “check engine” light on the dashboard. The OBD system then records the code pertaining to the problem. The code can be accessed by a trained technician through engine diagnostic equipment in order to properly diagnose the issue.

Engine Tune-Up

In the past, engine tune-ups were much more time consuming because they required a motorist to check a variety of parts. Engine tune-ups formerly included checking the distributor, cap, rotor, ignition contact points, condensers, carburetors, and more. Today, these items are generally no longer included in engine tune-ups because a vehicle’s electronic control unit controls the engine timing. While not as many parts need to be checked today, engine tune-ups still include the inspection of a variety of components. These include spark plugs and wires, oil and oil filters, and fuel filters. Regular tune-ups will ensure your engine is running efficiently and reliably. Engine tune-ups can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of an automobile. A well-tuned engine will help keep a vehicle operating at maximum performance levels, which is why routine maintenance is so important.

Benefits of Engine Diagnostics

While regular engine maintenance will help ensure that your engine always performs at peak conditions, there are also signs you can look for that indicate an engine repair service is needed. The “check engine” or “service engine” light is a sure sign that your engine should be looked at by an expert sooner than later. Most of the time, your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics System will detect an engine issue and store the corresponding repair code, which can be accessed by a member of our service staff.

Slow-cranking, rough idling, stalling, knocking, or pinging while accelerating are all signs that you should seek engine repairs or engine diagnostics to determine the full extent of your engine trouble. A decrease in gas mileage and detectable loss of power during acceleration are also signs of an impending engine tune-up or engine repair service. Engine warning lights help alert drivers to minor issues before they become major repairs. Be sure to follow up with our staff once your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics System detects a problem with your engine.

Morgan Automotive proudly serves the Engine Diagnostics and Performance needs of customers in Durham, NC, Morrisville, NC, Cary, NC, and surrounding areas.

Areas Served : Durham, NC | Morrisville, NC | Cary, NC | and surrounding areas

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