E.O.B.D.

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E.O.B.D.           

Service / Engine Management light turned off. £35.00 Mobile Service.

EOBD checks are also likely to become part of the annual MOT test, either alongside or integrated into the emissions test. Any vehicle with the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illuminated or with any recorded faults, including intermittent faults, will fail the test. The MIL will be located in the instrument cluster and, under normal operation, it should come on with the ignition and extinguish once the engine is started. If a fault is detected that will significantly effect emissions, the lamp will be illuminated to alert the driver. If the lamp flashes, it indicates a misfire that may cause damage to the catalyst. The vehicle should be checked as soon as possible in both cases. It is expected that it will also become an offence to drive a vehicle with the warning lamp on.

If the above light illuminated on your dashboard what action what you take? Below is a summary of what it means and what action you should take.

Treat check engine light, and all dash lights like traffic lights. A Red Warning light indicates an immediate danger. Pull over, turn off the car immediately and assess the problem. Symptoms that usually cause red warning lights are engine over-heating, low oil pressure, transmission over-heating, low battery voltage, and brake failure.

Red lights can also indicate a safety issue, so proceed with caution as you manoeuvre to stop the vehicle. Unfortunately, when the red light is illuminated the problem is at its peek. It can be a matter of seconds before permanent engine damage occurs.

Some common things to look for when a red light comes on are:
• low anti-freeze, engine oil, and transmission fluid levels
• low brake fluid
• missing belts
• faulty alternator that is not charging the battery or a bad battery

An Amber Warning light, (Usually a Check engine soon light) indicates "Proceed with caution." The onboard computer system has indicated a potential problem and is alerting the driver. This computer system resets and re-tests all sensors and indicators each time the car is started. The computer system is capable of correcting some minor abnormalities, but if the light continues to come on after multiple car starts, it is probably sensing something that would imply a visit to your main dealer is in order.

Some common things that may cause an Amber light (Check engine soon light) to come on, but will probably require an experienced technician to diagnose are:
• Anti-lock brake systems
• Safety restraint systems, such as air bags
• Emissions components
• Computer-related problems, such as faulty sensors
 

If you are driving your car and an amber light comes on, ask yourself these questions:

1. Did you notice problems when starting the car? (slower to start than normal etc.)

2. Have you noticed an increase in fuel consumption recently?

3. What is the over-all running condition of the car? Is the engine misfiring or not performing like normal? Are there any new noises from under the bonnet? Turn off the radio and listen closely as you drive the car.

4. Do you notice any odours, such as a rotten egg smell, or see visible smoke from the exhaust or from under the bonnet?
 

In all cases of MIL alerts you will require specialist tools to locate the fault and then extinguish the warning light. Main dealer labour rates can be astronomical here are a few examples with telephone numbers if you wish to confirm.

If the MIL has lit up on your dash board a dealer will charge you an hours labour to advise you what the problem is with your car, further charges will apply for the repairs plus parts if required.

If you use a small local garage due to their favourable  labour rates and other costs, unless they have diagnostic equipment they will be limited as to what repairs they are able to undertake. I can offer you a mobile service where I will visit you for a charge of £35.00 total. I will extract the fault code from the vehicle so you are able to tell your local garage what the problem is.  This also applies if you carry out your own repairs and servicing. I can liaise with your local garage directly should you prefer. Alternatively you may still wish to go to your main dealer and only require a second opinion.  Contact me for your requirements.

To continue to book your appointment please fill out the form below. Once your appointment has been confirmed you will be directed to the payments page. Payment is acceptable from most credit and debit cards or PayPal if you have an account. I cover a 10 mile radius of Norwood.

If you have any questions please email or call me on 0844 357 8 121 / 07956 414706.