The Check Engine Light (CEL) is an ambiguous warning that can leave any vehicle owner puzzled and concerned. At Prospect Lake Auto Care in Victoria, BC, we understand the frustration and anxiety that comes with seeing the dreaded check engine light illuminate on your dashboard.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of the check engine light, explore its significance, and delve into the diagnostic services we offer to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
The check engine light, often represented as an engine-shaped symbol, is a crucial component of your vehicle’s warning system. When this light comes on, it’s an indication that your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic systems have detected an issue or, in technical terms, a fault code. The check engine light serves as a messenger, alerting you to potential problems within your vehicle’s complex mechanical and electronic systems.
The causes behind the illumination of the check engine light can vary widely, and pinpointing the exact issue may require professional diagnostics. However, some common triggers include:
Loose Gas Cap: Surprisingly, something as simple as a loose or improperly tightened gas cap can trigger the check engine light. The gas cap is essential for maintaining the proper pressure within your vehicle’s fuel system. If it’s not sealed tightly, it can lead to an emission control system error.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor or Spark Plug: The oxygen sensor and spark plug are vital components in your vehicle’s combustion process. A malfunctioning sensor or spark plug can disrupt the engine’s efficiency and trigger the light.
Ignition Coil Issues: The ignition coil is responsible for generating the spark that ignites the fuel in your engine’s combustion chambers. A faulty ignition coil can lead to misfires and light activation.
Emission Control System Problems: The light can also illuminate due to issues in the emission control system, which includes components like the catalytic converter and exhaust system. Any problems in these areas can lead to increased emissions and trigger the warning light.
Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction: The mass airflow sensor plays a critical role in measuring the amount of air entering the engine. A malfunctioning sensor can disrupt the engine’s air-fuel mixture, causing the light to turn on.
Ignoring the check engine light is not advisable for several reasons:
Potential Further Damage: An illuminated check engine light may indicate an underlying issue that, if left unaddressed, can lead to more severe and costly damage to your vehicle.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Many issues that trigger the check engine light can negatively impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, costing you more money at the gas pump.
Emission Violations: In some areas, driving with an active check engine light can result in emissions violations and penalties.
Safety Concerns: Some problems linked to the check engine light can affect your vehicle’s overall performance and safety. Ignoring these issues could compromise your safety on the road.
If the check engine light is flashing, indicating a more severe problem, take immediate action for your safety. Safely pull over and call for a tow. A flashing check engine light is a serious issue that can cause further damage if ignored.
When your check engine light comes on and is solid, here are some steps to take:
Check the Gas Cap: Start with the simplest solution. Ensure that your gas cap is securely tightened. If it’s loose, tightening it may make the light go off after a few drive cycles.
Don’t Panic: While the check engine light can be unsettling, it doesn’t necessarily mean your vehicle is on the brink of disaster. It could be a minor issue or even a sensor malfunction.
Reduce Stress on the Engine: Drive gently and avoid overloading your vehicle. Minimize hard acceleration and deceleration, and don’t tow heavy loads.
Visit Prospect Lake Auto Care: The most effective way to address the check engine light is to bring your vehicle to our experienced technicians at Prospect Lake Auto Care. We have the expertise and diagnostic tools, including OBD II scanners, to pinpoint the issue accurately.
At Prospect Lake Auto Care in Victoria, BC, we offer a range of diagnostic services to address check engine light concerns:
OBD II Scanner Diagnosis: Our technicians use state-of-the-art OBD II scanners to retrieve trouble codes stored in your vehicle’s onboard computer. These codes provide valuable insights into the specific issue triggering the check engine light.
Comprehensive Inspection: We conduct a thorough visual inspection of your vehicle’s engine, exhaust system, emission control system, and other relevant components to identify potential problems.
Component Testing: If necessary, we perform component testing to diagnose issues with critical components like oxygen sensors, spark plugs, ignition coils, and mass airflow sensors.
Emission System Evaluation: We evaluate the condition of your vehicle’s emission control system, including the catalytic converter, to ensure it’s functioning correctly and within legal limits.
Repair and Maintenance: Once we’ve identified the issue, our skilled technicians will provide expert repairs and maintenance services to address the root cause of the check engine light.
Clearing Fault Codes: After resolving the issue, we clear fault codes from your vehicle’s computer, ensuring that the check engine light is turned off.
Don’t let the check engine light cause unnecessary stress. Visit Prospect Lake Auto Care in Victoria, BC, for professional check engine light diagnostic services and reliable solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Trust our experienced team to get you back on the road with confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained vehicle.
Excellent customer service from Colin who fit me in last minute for a repair
Phil Bowers Sep 9, 2025
Great people. They were able to fit in an appointment for the very next day of my call because my car needed urgent attention. Honest and proper workmanship.
Kerem Işık Sep 9, 2025
What amazing service! Gary was fabulous! He managed to fit us in for a vehicle inspection with little notice. The vehicle inspection results were emailed to us so that we now have an electronic record for our files. The inspection report was extremely thorough. Ten out of ten guys! On one final note, the other guy in the office also told us that we should do an online search to see if there are any liens, accidents, etc. reported on the car. Of course, we folled his advice, but how decent of him.
M D Jul 7, 2025
Lost my brakes on my Ford F-350 coming down from Heartland and Prospect Lake took care of me and my daughter right away. Great service as they also did a follow-up inspection and fix on the pads months later!
Kael Campbell Jul 7, 2025
Fair prices, good service.
Wiliam Leite Jun 6, 2025
Highly recommended — their attention to detail and ability to solve what others missed is truly impressive.
Wang Dun Jun 6, 2025
Great experience at this garage. The team was professional, friendly, and explained everything clearly. Work was done on time and fairly priced. I highly recommend them and will be back. Nomi.
Nomi Levi May 5, 2025
Best service you can trust. Refreshing experience
Brad Dyrbye Apr 4, 2025
Had a great experience at Prospect Lake Auto Care getting my front brake pads and rotators replaced! Mike was wonderful to work with and the service was reasonably priced. No hidden fee's and a transparent quote provided over the phone prior to receiving service. Mike even followed up via text the next day to ensure I was satisfied with the work completed. I highly recommend Prospect Lake Auto Care!!
Stephanie Duncan Mar 3, 2025
I ended up taking my 2019 Porsche Macan to Prospect Lake Autocare after I received a ridiculously high quote to service my car from the dealer. Shannon was extremely efficient, booked me in for the following week and provided a courtesy car for the day. The service fee was reasonable and they also included a detailed inspection report. I paid a fraction of what the dealer quoted! Really happy with the experience and I’ll be returning for future service!
Julie Watkins Feb 2, 2025
I pulled into this shop unexpectedly with no appointment on a random day with a very low back tire. I chatted with the receptionist who was the most friendly kind lady ever and got the guys in the shop to take a look almost immediately. They identified the issue as my valve stems and offered to replace them right on the spot for no cost I couldn’t be more thankful for this shop as I was battling with kal tire for a long time who ultimately led me to this problem 😅 this company had my back and got them fixed in not even a bit over 30 mins. They are truly reliable and i could only imagine they succeed with full effort in all their other services:) thank you prospect
Lauren Shular Dec 12, 2024
Best Auto Care please on Vancouver island I would’ve re-commended…BUT please BE Advised.they Qouted my 61 year old mom 2400. And that would have been fine but look please help.
stephan friebe Dec 12, 2024
Highly recommend, have had a few repairs done and they keep impressing me each time, right from the start they had great communication and work hard to get things done ASAP and done right. Honest and great pricing too. Thanks again to the team at Prospect for keeping us rolling 😁
Blake Atherton Nov 11, 2024
Easy to communicate with, reasonable & honest. Replaced all my brake lines. Thanks guys
Luke Waldner May 5, 2024
They were so wonderful to work with! Would recommend to anyone.
hailey cooke Mar 3, 2024
Great experience as always! I've been going to PLA for 8 years and counting and will keep coming back. Thanks to the team for getting me in for some same day service on a small issue.
Scott Macdonald May 5, 2021
Volkswagen needed alternator work. Good honest mechanic. Wish they were all like this.
Josh C Mar 3, 2024
I was recently referred to Prospect Lake Auto for diagnosis/repairs on my Jeep. I was told that “Mike” @ Prospect was the S. Island all-things-Jeep guy and I was not disappointed! Within seconds of looking under the hood he found the problem. He knew exactly where to look and explained to me in detail what was going on. I booked in to have the repairs done and my experience with Mike as well as Shannon (who takes care of all logistics… I’m thinking she basically runs the place lol) was exceptional. Highly skilled, organized, friendly and knowledgeable folks at Prospect Lake Auto. I highly recommend this place!
Kat Hinter Mar 3, 2024
Love stopping in this place to grab gas when in the area . Such great customer service. So friendly here
Jacqueline Gaddes Mar 3, 2024
They were excellent and professional to deal with
Brent Thornicroft Nov 11, 2022
Prospect Auto has been my default auto repair for quite a few years because of their efficient, dependable service I highly recommend them to anyone looking for the same.
Lloyd Haarala Jul 7, 2021
Great service
Kevy D Feb 2, 2024
Great people and better service. Highly recommend them. Thank you
R Scott Feb 2, 2024
These folks are the best. Thanks always!
Barbara Belknap Jan 1, 2024
The service here was wonderful! Came recommended from a friend. They were upfront about when they could get it in, they delivered within that time, helped me sort out transport, and fixed an the issues I had at a reasonable cost. The owner is local and the communication was great. They have loaner cars available (one wasn't available to me at the time) but they offered to work around the loaner car schedules. This is my new place to have my car serviced. Plus it's right across from a nice cafe.
Selina McGinnis Jan 1, 2024
As always; fabulous, prompt, effective and reasonably priced services. Excellent!
Debbie Haines Aug 8, 2021
Fast efficient service. The perfect neigbourhood mechanics. Thank you Mike and crew.
Mr and Mrs Neil Cormie Dec 12, 2023
Great place . They got me in and back on the road in great time. Very understanding. Great work will be back for all my truck needs
Mouse Dec 12, 2023
Great team good fingers :)
Dwayne Strong May 5, 2023
Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable
Laura-Lea Berna Dec 12, 2023
Best car service around!! Extremely trustworthy and very honest!! This small neighborhood garage makes you feel like family!!
Katrin van der Leeden Aug 8, 2021
Great communication. Service and value!
Holly Lee Nov 11, 2023
Mike & the crew rescue me & my Fiat every time… reminding me that I am not driving a four wheel drive off-road vehicle….
Bill Milliken Aug 8, 2023
I had a flat tire emergency on vacation in Victoria and had to get to a ferry to get home. I called these guys and they took it in right away and I made my ferry. I am an auto shop owner so I know this was a sacrifice for them as they wouldn't have any real future relationship with me and a flat repair isn't exactly a big money maker. But they did it with a smile and their tech was very particular about wheel lug torque specs and tire pressures (again: I have inside knowledge). I don't write reviews but these guys deserve it. Character First - that's what they were. Thank you!
Damian Shaw Nov 11, 2023
My Bmw randomly stopped running in the middle of nowhere, i came across the only place for miles. Parts were hard to get but Mike gave me a loaner for a few days til it was fixed. Even the shops where ive bought brand new cars from didnt supply a car while mine was being fixed. More than happy with his price and his customer service was great
Brandy Buchan Nov 11, 2023
Great service, great people, professional work. Highly recommend!
Luke Davison Oct 10, 2023
Fantastic service that’s always friendly and dependable. I am not a car person and I feel very safe brining my vehicle to prospect lake auto because I know they are never going to over sell me services I don’t actually need. I really feel like family. Thank you!
Tamara Monod Oct 10, 2023
Prospect Lake auto is my go to for maintenance and repairs. They are kind, helpful, and prompt.
Cheryl Relf Oct 10, 2023
Friendly staff! Able to get my vehicle in for an inspection really quickly!
James Burgess Oct 10, 2023