Light on, engine feels normal
Book in soon; it is rarely serious straight away, but should not be ignored.
Check engine light
Check Engine Light Diagnostics in Idaho Springs
A quote based on a code alone is a guess. We test until the cause is confirmed, so the repair price covers the part that actually failed.
Ask about my light — (303) 500-1600
What you might notice
Light flashing
A misfire that can damage the converter. Ease off and call.
Hesitation or stumbling
Often ignition or fuel delivery.
Fuel mileage dropped
A sensor may be sending bad readings.
Light after refuelling
Check that the cap clicked shut.
What gets checked
- Stored, pending and history codes
- Freeze-frame conditions when the fault set
- Live data compared with expected values
- Circuit tests on wiring and connectors
- Component tests on the suspect part
- A written summary of the cause
How the quote is built
A code tells you which system flagged a problem, not which part to buy. Many quotes jump straight from the code to an expensive sensor. We test the circuit and the part first, because a broken wire or a vacuum leak can set the same code for a fraction of the cost.
Testing is quoted before it begins, and the repair is quoted once the cause is known. You see both numbers before anything is fixed.
What moves the price
Simple faults with a clear failed part take little testing time. Intermittent faults, wiring problems and issues that span several systems take longer. Testing time is agreed before it starts and only extended with your approval.
Checking a quote you already have
If a shop has already quoted a part based on a code, ask what testing confirmed it. An oxygen sensor code, for example, is often caused by an exhaust leak or a wiring fault rather than the sensor. A misfire code can be a plug, a coil, an injector or a vacuum leak. A good diagnosis narrows those down before the price is written, which is why our quote always names the test as well as the part.
When you call
Note whether the light is steady or flashing and when it first appeared. If you already have a code from a parts store, tell us.
Questions we hear
Is the parts store code reading enough?
It is a useful start. It names the system, not the fault, so it should not decide the repair on its own.
Why did the light go off by itself?
Some faults are intermittent. The code is usually still stored and worth reading.
Can a loose gas cap really set the light?
Yes. It is an evaporative leak, and it is worth checking first.
How long does diagnosis take?
Many faults are confirmed within an hour or so of testing. Intermittent faults can take longer because they have to be reproduced. You agree the testing time before it starts.
Get the light diagnosed properly
Describe what the vehicle is doing and we will quote the testing before we start.