When it happens to you, it’s very upsetting. And it always happens at the wrong time. You might be on your way out to a big event, and you don’t know what to do. And even if nothing bad happens, it makes you nervous.  Cars are getting more complicated. Where old electrical and mechanical systems used to move you, new computer systems are faster and more accurate than ever before.

Of course, just like everything else, car parts wear out, and the only way your car can let you know something is wrong is with the check engine light or service engine soon light. Whether or not your vehicle seems to be running fine, driving around with the check engine light on is not a good idea.

Aside from storing diagnostic trouble codes, which a good auto diagnostic technician will use to start his investigation, the service engine soon light usually indicates the engine is running in limp-home mode or limp mode. In limp mode, the engine runs, but you’ll probably notice it doesn’t deliver the performance or fuel economy you’re accustomed to.

Depending on the failure, driving around with the check engine light flashing is particularly not recommended, as this indicates the fault could be causing expensive collateral damage to the catalytic converters.

If the check engine light, also called the malfunction indicator lamp or service engine soon light, comes on while you’re driving, make an appointment as soon as possible to have it diagnosed and repaired.  It might be something simple, like a broken wire, or something more complex, like a faulty sensor. This isn’t something any code reader or internet mechanic can tell you.

An experienced technician, using reliable testing methods, can narrow down the fault for an efficient repair, fixing it right the first time. Once the repairs are completed and the codes are cleared, you’ll get your car back just the way it was built: efficient and reliable.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

Turn the key to the Run position, but don’t start the car. If the fuse is blown, pushing a window button will do nothing at all: The motor won’t groan and the glass won’t quiver. If the fuse is good and you can hear the motor, or the glass acts like it wants to move, then you’ve got some sort of mechanical problem.

Window malfunctions are typically caused from either a faulty window regulator (also called a window track), or a broken motor, cable pulley or window switch. Intermittent problems can cause windows to stop working temporarily only to work again and have more problems later.

Opening up the door panel to diagnose the problem (and possibly simply clean out dirt and debris so a clogged window moves more freely) can cost $50-$200 or more, depending on local rates, the make and model of vehicle, and whether the work is done by an independent or chain repair shop, or a dealership (typically the most expensive).

Replacing a window regulator can cost $50-$550 for just the part, depending on make and model of vehicle , and whether the is produced by the vehicle manufacturer (called OEM) or another company (called aftermarket); 1.5-3 hours of labor at $50-$120 an hour brings the total up to $100-$900 or more, depending on local repair shop.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.