What Is a Check Engine Light Diagnosis?
AMPM Automotive • December 18, 2023
CEL Diagnostics for All Makes and Models
Why Is My CEL On?
You’re probably already familiar with the dreaded check engine light. You may get anxious as soon as that genie lamp-looking warning indicator pops up on your dashboard. Whether it’s flashing or steadily illuminated, most motorists feel uncertain and overwhelmed about what to do next.
Your check engine light can switch on for a variety of reasons. This can be something as minor as a loose gas cap. Other culprits behind a flickering CEL include:
Faulty catalytic converters.
Internal engine issues.
Malfunctioning oxygen sensors.
Mass airflow sensor problems.
Damaged spark plugs or ignition coils.
A bad gas tank.
Whatever the reason for your illuminated check engine light, it’s essential to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
But don’t panic! Luckily, the check engine light diagnostics experts at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, are happy to lend a hand. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about a check engine light diagnosis.
Check Engine Light Diagnosis 101
Whatever caused your check engine to come on, the automotive repair mechanics at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, are here to get to the bottom of it. We use advanced check engine diagnostics equipment that efficiently communicates with your car’s internal computers. This allows us to capture trouble codes that reveal specific problems. Once we receive the trouble code, we can pinpoint the root cause of your flickering CEL. This allows us to accurately identify the problem and repair it properly, saving you time and money.
If your check engine light is on, don’t wait. It could indicate a potentially serious problem with your car. Call our mechanics to book your check engine light diagnostics appointment. We can be reached at
301-200-8931
and are conveniently located at
11800 Coakley Cir Rockville, MD 20852
.
We’ll Put Your Check Engine Light Worries to Rest
If your CEL is on, call the auto repair technicians at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, today. Since 2010, we have been delivering quality, dependable car care solutions to Montgomery County motorists at affordable rates. We also offer 24/7 towing and no-hassle warranties. If your check engine light is on, call us now at
301-200-8931
to schedule an appointment. We’ll diagnose the underlying issue, make the necessary repairs, and get you back on the road in no time at all.
Contact AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, for all your auto repairs and maintenance needs. We look forward to chatting with you soon!
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If you're buying a used vehicle, bringing one into Maryland, or transferring a title, you're going to need a Maryland state safety inspection before the MVA lets you register it. At AMPM Automotive in Rockville, we're a certified inspection station. We inspect passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks under 10,000 lbs, and non-commercial trailers. Here’s what to know before you schedule. 🗓️ When Do You Need a Maryland Inspection You need a safety inspection if: - You're buying a used vehicle from a private party - You're moving into Maryland with an out-of-state vehicle - You're transferring ownership outside your immediate family - You're re-registering a vehicle that's been sitting a while The MVA won't issue plates without a valid inspection certificate 🚙 What Vehicles We Inspect We inspect: - Passenger cars - SUVs and light-duty trucks under 10,000 lbs - Trailers under 20 feet without air brakes We do not inspect motorcycles, commercial trucks, or trailers with air brakes 🔍 What’s Included in the Inspection Maryland inspections are detailed. Here's what we check ✅ Main Areas We Inspect 🛑 Brakes Pads, rotors, parking brake, hoses, master cylinder ⚙️ Steering and Suspension Ball joints, tie rods, control arms, shocks, bushings 🛞 Tires and Wheels Tread depth, damage, sizing, lug nut condition 💡 Lights and Electrical Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, tag lights, hazard lights, horn 🪟 Windshield and Wipers Visibility, cracks, wiper blades, washer spray 🪞 Mirrors Both side mirrors and the rearview mirror 🔩 Exhaust Leaks, mounts, muffler condition 🚗 Frame and Underside Rust-through, fuel tank mounts, body damage 🪑 Interior Safety Items Seatbelts, horn, odometer, speedometer, door latches, dashboard lights 🚛 Trailer Inspections Tires, lighting, hitch, frame, brakes if equipped 🕶️ Maryland Tint Laws for Inspection We use a meter to check tint on your windows. If it's too dark, the car will fail Legal Tint Limits in Maryland: - Front windows must let in at least 35 percent of light - Rear windows can be darker if both side mirrors are present - Windshield tint is only allowed on the top strip above the AS1 line - Not allowed: mirrored or colored tint like red or amber We can check the tint before starting the full inspection if needed ❌ What If the Vehicle Fails You’ll get a digital inspection report by email showing exactly what failed and why Then you have: - 30 days or 1000 miles - To make the repairs - And bring it back to us for a recheck We only recheck the failed items. If it's something small like a bulb or wiper, we can usually fix it on the spot 💵 How Much It Costs - Most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs: $135 flat - Trailers: depends on brake setup and axles - Reinspection: no charge for visual checks. If we need to lift the vehicle or use tools, we charge time only Labor rate is $160 per hour using state-regulated inspection time guides ⏱️ How Long It Takes - Cars and SUVs: usually 1.5 to 2 hours - Small trailers: 30 to 60 minutes - Trailers with brakes: up to 90 minutes Drop it off or wait—we’ll text or call when it’s ready 📃 How Long the Certificate Is Good For - Valid for 90 days from the inspection date - 6 months or 1000 miles if it’s held in dealer inventory After that, a full new inspection is required 📍 Schedule an Inspection at AMPM Automotive We follow Maryland law exactly, no games, no fluff. If it passes, it passes. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you why and what to do next AMPM Automotive 11800 Coakley Cir, Rockville MD 20852 (301) 822-4694 Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM Book your inspection online: https://sgenie.io/bvcy9 ❓ Maryland Inspection FAQ 🔧 Can a car fail for window tint Yes. If the front tint blocks too much light, it's an automatic fail ⏳ What if I miss the 30 days or 1000 miles You'll need a brand new full inspection 🚚 Do you inspect motorcycles or diesels No. We only inspect passenger vehicles, SUVs under 10000 lbs, and non-commercial trailers 📝 How do I get the inspection report You’ll receive the full inspection sheet digitally by email right after we complete the inspection
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