Your check engine light just lit up—now what? While any warning light on your dashboard can cause concern, a check engine light does not always mean you need expensive repairs. At M & R Auto, we have over 50 years of auto service experience diagnosing and fixing common check engine light issues. As an ASE Blue Seal certified auto repair shop, we have the latest diagnostic tools and equipment to accurately pinpoint problems. Once we determine the cause of your check engine light, our expert technicians will clearly explain the problem and recommend solutions to reliably fix your vehicle. Here are seven of the most common check engine light problems we see at our auto repair shop serving residents of Palo Alto: Catalytic Converter Failure Your catalytic converter is a critical emissions control device. When it fails, harmful exhaust gases can trigger the check engine light. Replacing a bad catalytic converter is the standard fix, but we’ll also address any underlying issues like engine misfires that may have contributed to its failure. Oxygen Sensor Replacement Oxygen sensors monitor unburned oxygen levels in your exhaust to optimize the fuel mixture. Faulty oxygen sensors negatively impact fuel economy and engine efficiency. Our technicians will diagnose oxygen sensor issues and replace damaged sensors. Spark Plug/Ignition Coil Problems Problems with spark plugs or ignition coils can cause poor performance, reduced power, and engine misfires. Based on diagnostic testing, we’ll replace any deteriorated spark plugs or defective ignition coils. Loose or Faulty Fuel Cap Believe it or not, a loose fuel cap allows fuel vapors to escape, triggering the check engine light. We’ll examine your gas cap, tighten it if needed or replace a faulty cap. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure The MAF sensor is critical for your engine control computer to balance the air/fuel ratio. We’ll test your MAF sensor and, if required, replace a damaged sensor to restore engine performance. Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve The EGR valve regulates exhaust gases to prevent engine knock and reduce emissions. If diagnostics reveal a stuck open or closed EGR valve, we will replace it to fix driveability problems. Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System Leak The EVAP system captures fuel vapors before they escape, sending them to the engine to burn. Even a tiny EVAP leak can trigger the check engine light. We’ll perform a thorough inspection, pinpoint the leak source, and make all necessary repairs. Trust Our ASE Certified Mechanics Serving Palo Alto Residents With over five decades of auto repair experience, M & R Auto has seen it all when it comes to check engine light problems. Our ASE certified technicians employ the latest diagnostic tools to accurately assess issues. We’ll explain your problems in everyday terms and stand behind our work. For reliable and honest auto repairs from technicians who care about doing the job right, choose M & R Auto for your Palo Alto auto repair needs. To learn more about our check engine light services or schedule an appointment, give us a call today.