Back to all

Watching Your Check Engine Light

September 3, 2023

Did you know that most of the cars driving around Holland, MI, carry more computer power than the Apollo 121 Lunar Module that landed on the moon in 1969?

New cars sold in the Holland area have as many as 12 networked computers and over five miles (eight kilometers) of wiring. In fact, for the last decade or so, auto computers have been controlling about 85 percent of your vehicle's functions.

Cars have sensors for manifold air temperature, coolant temperature, manifold air pressure, airflow, throttle position, vehicle speed and oxygen content. All of this electronic wizardry is pretty complicated. So how do Holland drivers know when there is a problem?

It's simple; the Check Engine light comes on. The computer monitors all the sensors and uses that information to decide what to adjust such as the fuel mix, spark timing and idle speed. In addition, the computer monitors its own circuits. When it finds a fault, it turns on the Check Engine light and stores a trouble code in the computer.

It can be pretty disturbing for Holland drivers when the Check Engine light comes on. We wonder just how urgent it is. Generally speaking, it is not critical like a temperature or oil pressure light. When you get one of those it means STOP NOW! When the Check Engine light shows up, you should come in to Tuffy Holland in Holland to find out what the matter is as soon as possible.

Since 1996, there has been a strong emissions control component to the Check Engine diagnostic. But if your Check Engine light flashes on and off, you know that it is more urgent and you need to get it checked immediately to prevent damage. You should slow down and avoid towing or heavy loads until you can get it checked out.

Your friendly and knowledgeable technicians at Tuffy Holland have special diagnostic equipment that will retrieve the trouble code from the computer and help him determine what is wrong. From there, we can fix it and get you back on the road.

Stop by if you're Check Engine light is on.

Tuffy Holland
90 Waverly Rd.
Holland, MI 49423
616.394.0880
http://www.tuffyholland.com

More articles from Tuffy Holland

Some New Boots (Suspension Maintenance)

May 5, 2024

There are some boots that don't come in a shoe box and aren't worn on your feet. They are called axle or CV boots, and they can be important parts for many vehicles. That CV stands for constant velocity. CV axles are mainly used in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. They're also us... More

Differential Service at Tuffy Holland: Viva la Difference

April 28, 2024

Every vehicle on MI roads has a differential, and it is important to the proper operation of the vehicle. But most Holland residents don't have a clue what it is.The differential compensates for differing wheel speeds. For example, when you turn, the inside tire on the turn travels a much short... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Holland: Battery Testing

April 21, 2024

The simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at Tuffy Holland when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.Batteries are a big ticket item for most Holland drivers and its tempting to put off buying a new one as long as possible. But a batt... More