by Chris Limantour | Aug 20, 2022 | BMW Repair
BMW cars are incredibly intelligent and meticulously crafted machines. As a result, your BMW is equipped with various technologically-advanced systems to safeguard you and your vehicle against the adverse effects of severe components failure. The check engine light is one such system. Let’s discuss more about how the check engine light works and the types of component failures that can result in this warning light illuminating on your dashboard.
The Purpose of the Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light (CEL), also known as Engine Management Light (EML), is a warning indicator found on the dashboard of your BMW. This light illuminates when more serious issues are detected within any of your vehicle’s systems or components that are connected to the engine and its exhaust system.
The CEL is connected directly to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of your BMW, which is the vehicle’s main computer. As soon as the ECU detects an issue with one of the above systems, it sends out an error code and triggers the check engine light. The error code can then diagnose and repair the issue properly.
The severity of the problem determines a driver’s response to the CEL. Even if your vehicle appears to be operating correctly, you should reduce your speed and come to our certified repair center. You should pull over if the light illuminates red or if your vehicle does not appear to be safe. In that case, contact a tow service to bring your car to our repair facility.
Reasons Why the Check Engine Light (CEL) May Come On
Many factors can cause this essential warning light to illuminate. Here are a few of the most common reasons this may occur, how hazardous their impact might be to your car, and how you should handle it:
- Damaged Fuel Pumps: The fuel pump delivers pressurized fuel to the fuel injectors in the engine. If the fuel pump is damaged, it will not function appropriately, preventing the power from entering the machine correctly, resulting in rough running. As a result, the check engine light will be activated by the ECU, and your BMW engine is at a high risk of experiencing misfiring.
- Loose Fuel Caps: Drivers are most commonly guilty of this problem when distracted at the pump and do not correctly tighten their fuel cap. When the cap is loose, extra air can enter the tank and displace the pressure in the tank. Consequently, one of the many sensors in the car will detect a problem and alert the engine control unit. In general, this is the most common and easiest cause of the illumination of the check engine light and should be eliminated first.
- Worn Vacuum Hoses: The vacuum hoses are necessary to channel fresh air and exhaust around the engine to ensure optimum performance. The vacuum hose is made of rubber material, making them susceptible to breaking down due to the high temperatures inside a machine. This can eventually lead to cracks or deterioration. As a result, the engine’s sensors may report problems to the ECU because the precise balance of gases has been tipped, causing the check engine light to appear on the dashboard.
- Clogged Particulate Filters: The particulate filter is most commonly found on diesel-powered vehicles, although it is now introduced to gasoline-powered cars. As a result of combustion processes, particles such as soot are produced. The particulate filter is responsible for collecting these particles. Once the filter becomes clogged, soot will begin to settle within the engine and start to contaminate the delicate components. There is a pressing need to resolve this issue as soon as possible, as if the filter becomes damaged beyond repair, you are likely to face extensive costs.
Come to JCL Automotive in Hellertown for Expert Service
JCL Automotive has dominated the automotive repair market in the region for over ten years, as the largest independent provider of automotive services. Our service department is the best choice for maintaining the performance of your BMW.
We are pleased to offer Hellertown and nearby residents the services that you have come to expect along with many more! JCL Automotive also offers customers inspections and emissions certifications in Pennsylvania. Thanks to our certified mechanics and our staff’s capabilities, we expertly handle all of your BMW service needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
by Chris Limantour | Aug 4, 2022 | Mercedes Repair
Mercedes is well-known throughout the world for its high-performance and reliable engines, which makes it more of a burden when you encounter car troubles like a gear selection failure. Transmission problems are usually a reason for concern, but gear selector failure is frequently more bothersome and costly to fix. It is critical to notice its warning signs as early as possible in order to avoid long-term complications.
In this article, you’ll find out why gear selection is important to a car’s transmission, the reasons for its failure, the warning signs, and what you should do if you’re experiencing gear selector trouble or a total failure of the gear selector.
The Role of the Gear Selector in Your Mercedes
One of the most important parts of your vehicle is the gear selector, even though it is often overlooked. It is through the gear selector that your car communicates with the transmission system. A gear selector in an automatic transmission lets the car change between different gears like drive, neutral, and reverse. (To change gears in a manual transmission, you use a gear shifter, which is different from the gear selector.)
It is critical that this transmission component functions properly, otherwise you will find yourself traveling backward when you ought to be moving forward. That might certainly pose a risk to individuals on the road, not to mention that it might have a significant influence on your transmission’s condition. This can be costly to repair.
A gear selector is a crucial component of your car, so if it has a problem, it is important to bring it to our Mercedes experts as soon as possible.
Common Reasons for Gear Selection Failures
- Normal Wear and Tear: Either an automatic or manual transmission installed in your Mercedes will begin to exhibit symptoms of wear and tear over time. With extensive usage, the gears and cables will begin to wear down. It’s critical to hold a routine maintenance schedule and to have your transmission fluid checked and refilled as needed. These maintenance procedures will assist in avoiding increased wear and tear while also allowing your Mercedes specialist to look for additional damage or possible concerns.
- Failure of the Valve Body: The valve body in your Mercedes transmission aids the flow of the transmission fluid throughout the car’s transmission system, allowing for smooth shifting between gears. The valve body can wear and tear over time, and if it gets damaged, you will sense the impact when shifting between gears in your Mercedes. If the problem is with the valve body, the component must be entirely replaced.
Warning Signs Of A Failed Gear Selector
Here are some of the most prevalent symptoms of gear selector failure:
- Gear slipping: This is a common sign of a faulty gear selector. In this case, you are not changing your speed but the transmission suddenly slips into a higher (or lower) gear despite the car being in the same gear as you were driving. Additionally, the car may suddenly shift to a lower gear while accelerating, when it should be shifting to higher gears.
- Shifting Gears Issues: When you instruct it to, your car should shift between gears promptly. On the other hand, if you observe it hesitating or if you continue to travel ahead after shifting into reverse, this is an indication that the transmission is experiencing difficulties.
How To Deal With Gear Selection Issues
Whenever a transmission issue arises, such as gear selection failure, it is crucial to resolve it as soon as possible. If you ignore the problem, you may face more costly transmission difficulties in the future or you may be stuck in Park when you need to go to work. Instead of relying on luck, allow our professionals to handle your automobile’s needs.
JCL Automotive: Your Mercedes Professionals in Hellertown, PA
As the leading independent automotive service provider in the region for more than 10 years, JCL Automotive has dominated the automotive market. For the best performance of your Mercedes, you can always rely on us for service. We are pleased to announce that since our recent move into the heart of Hellertown, PA, we can now provide many of the same services you have come to expect, as well as many others.
As of now, JCL Automotive offers PA state inspections and emissions certifications to our customers. We are confident that we can meet all of your Mercedes service needs with our expanded staff and capabilities. Call us today!
