When the check engine light illuminates, it's a sign from your car that something isn't right. While the issue could be minor, it's always best to investigate promptly to avoid more serious problems. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Tempe area. Here’s a look at five common reasons the check engine light illuminates.
Oxygen Sensor Failure
The oxygen sensor monitors the level of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU). This helps the engine run efficiently and reduce emissions. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to decreased fuel-economy, increased emissions, and potential problems with the catalytic converter.
Catalytic Converter Issues
The catalytic converter is an important component of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It helps convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter fails, your car will not only emit more pollutants, but you can also experience reduced performance and fuel-economy.
Mass Airflow Sensor Problems
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps the ECU determine the proper amount of fuel to inject. If the MAF sensor is faulty, it can result in incorrect air-fuel mixtures, leading to poor engine performance.
Loose or Faulty Gas Cap
One of the simplest reasons for a check engine light to illuminate is a loose or faulty gas cap. The gas cap seals the fuel system. If it’s loose or faulty, fuel may evaporate before you get the chance to run on it.
Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Issues
Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, leading to rough engine performance. Regular replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils can help keep your engine running smoothly.
Check Engine Light Repair in Tempe, AZ
When you need
auto repair in Tempe and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at
(480) 966-8181. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
If you live in Arizona, you’ve probably noticed that car batteries don’t seem to last as long as they do in other parts of the country. While most drivers elsewhere can expect three to five years from a battery, it’s common for Arizona batteries to give out in as little as two years. The intense desert heat plays a significant role, but several other factors also contribute. Knowing why this happens can help you take better care of your battery and avoid unexpected breakdowns. How Heat Affects Car Batteries Most drivers think cold weather is what drains a car battery, but extreme heat can actually be far more damaging. Inside your battery, chemical reactions produce the energy needed to start your car and power electrical systems. High temperatures speed up those reactions, which sounds like a good thing at first. The downside is that the heat also causes the battery’s internal components to wear out faster. Excessive heat evaporates battery fluid, which reduces its ability to hold a charge. It can also damage the plates inside the battery, making it harder for the battery to deliver power when you need it. Even though your car might start just fine for a while, the battery’s overall lifespan is being shortened every time it’s exposed to extreme heat. Under-the-Hood Temperatures Make Things Worse The Arizona sun is intense, but the heat doesn’t stop there. Under your hood, temperatures can climb well above 200 degrees, especially during summer driving. These conditions place additional stress on the battery and other components around it. If you’ve ever opened your hood after a long drive in the heat, you’ve experienced just how extreme these temperatures can get. Drivers who make frequent short trips are especially vulnerable. Every time the engine heats up and cools back down, the battery endures repeated thermal cycles, which accelerates internal wear. Heavy Electrical Demand Modern vehicles rely on far more electronics than older models. Between air conditioning systems running at full blast, infotainment units, power-hungry sensors, and driver-assist features, today’s batteries have a lot more work to do. In Arizona, where air conditioning often runs nonstop for months, the demand on the battery is even greater. If your alternator or charging system isn’t keeping up, the battery can’t fully recharge between trips. Over time, this constant strain shortens its lifespan, especially in the intense desert heat. The Role of Driving Habits Short trips and stop-and-go driving are common in city areas and contribute to battery wear. When you only drive a few miles at a time, the alternator doesn’t have enough time to fully recharge the battery. Combine that with the heat, and you have a recipe for frequent battery replacements. Longer drives at steady speeds allow the alternator to restore more energy to the battery. If most of your driving is around town, consider taking your car for a longer drive every so often to give the charging system a chance to catch up. How to Extend Your Battery’s Life While you can’t control Arizona’s climate, you can take steps to protect your battery and get as much life out of it as possible: Park in the shade or a garage whenever you can to reduce exposure to direct sunlight. Inspect and clean battery terminals regularly to prevent corrosion that interferes with charging. Check fluid levels if you have a serviceable battery, since heat accelerates evaporation. Test your battery often, especially before summer, to catch early signs of weakness. Have the charging system inspected during routine maintenance to ensure it’s keeping up with demand. These simple habits won’t make your battery immune to Arizona’s climate, but they can give you more time before a replacement is necessary. Signs Your Battery Is Failing Slow or hesitant engine starts. Flickering dashboard lights or dim headlights. Frequent need to jump-start the car. Warning lights related to the charging system. If you notice these symptoms, it’s best to have the battery tested as soon as possible. Waiting until it fails completely can leave you stranded, especially in extreme heat when roadside assistance may take longer to arrive. Keep Your Car Ready for Arizona Roads with American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission , we understand how Arizona’s heat affects your vehicle. Our technicians can test your battery, inspect the charging system, and help you stay ahead of problems before they cause a breakdown. Whether you need a quick checkup or a full battery replacement, we’ll make sure your car is ready to handle the desert climate. Schedule an appointment with American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission today and drive with confidence knowing your battery and charging system are in top condition.
American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission in Tempe, AZ, explains the dangers of a snapped timing belt.
Your transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, making it one of the most important systems in your vehicle. When a transmission fails, the repairs can be extensive. However, with a few preventive measures and good maintenance habits, you can help extend the life of your transmission and avoid major issues down the road. Here are four tips for keeping your transmission in top condition.
Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most critical safety components. When brakes start to malfunction, it puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. Recognizing early signs of brake trouble can help you avoid more expensive repairs and prevent dangerous situations. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's important to have your brakes inspected by the mechanic as soon as possible.
At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, it’s our mission to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations by providing expert repairs and maintenance at fair prices. Whether you need light maintenance or in-depth repairs, our local mechanics will work meticulously to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews.
A healthy transmission smoothly transfers power from the engine to the wheels and allows you to shift gears properly. But when the transmission starts to develop issues, ignoring the warning signs can lead to more expensive repairs or even complete failure. Recognizing early symptoms of transmission trouble can help you address problems before they escalate. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are four common signs of a transmission problem.
Recognizing early warning signs of engine trouble can help you address problems before they become severe. By paying attention to how your vehicle behaves, you can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your engine. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common signs of an engine issue.
A well-functioning suspension system is critical for a smooth ride and safe handling. If your car’s suspension starts to fail, it can affect comfort, performance, and safety. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, our local mechanics provide expert suspension repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common signs of suspension trouble to watch for.
The alternator is a vital component of your car’s electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering electrical functions while the engine is running. When the alternator starts to fail, it can lead to various issues that affect your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Recognizing the signs of alternator trouble can help you address the problem before it leaves you stranded. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common symptoms of alternator trouble.
Automatic transmission issues can escalate quickly, making it important to get to the shop at the first sign of trouble. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert automatic transmission repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here’s a look at four warning signs of automatic transmission trouble.