Seaside Auto Repair

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? | Seaside & Monterey Auto Repair It’s never a good feeling when your check engine light suddenly turns on. Is it a small issue, or is your engine about to fail? If you're driving in Monterey, Seaside, Pacific Grove, or Carmel, CA, and see that dreaded dashboard warning, don’t panic—Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, is here to help! Your check engine light could be triggered by something minor like a loose gas cap or a serious problem like an engine misfire. Let’s break down the most common causes, what they mean, and when you should seek professional help ... read more

What Should You Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On? Seeing your check engine light come on can be nerve-wracking, but there’s no need to panic! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you handle the situation safely and with confidence. 1. Stay Calm & Check for Immediate Signs The check engine light can mean a variety of things, from a loose gas cap to engine issues. First, check if there’s any change in your car’s performance. If you hear strange noises, notice smoke, or feel the engine isn’t running smoothly, pull over safely and consider calling for help. 2. Tighten or Check the Gas Cap Believe it or not, a loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for a check engine light. If the gas cap is loose or missing, your car’s fuel system won’t be able to seal properly, which triggers the light. Tighten it until you hear a click, and see if the light goes off after a few drives. 3. Observ ... read more

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? PO430 Is your check engine light on, and your car's computer is throwing a P0430 code? For drivers of older vehicles like the 2000 Ford Windstar, this can be a cause for concern, but it doesn’t have to be. At Wayside Garage, we’ve seen this issue often and can help explain what’s going on. What Does a P0430 Code Mean? A P0430 code refers to "Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold" for bank two, which means your catalytic converter on that side of the engine isn’t performing efficiently. The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from your engine, so when this component struggles, it could be bad news for both your vehicle’s performance and the environment. What Causes a P0430 Code? Several issues can trigger a P0430 code: Aging Oxygen Sensors: These sensors monitor your engine's fuel mixture. If they aren’t functioning properly, they can ... read more

Why Is My Check Engine Light On? Rodents Might Be to Blame! At Wayside Garage, we recently helped a client with a check engine light, traction control light, and poor engine performance. Our certified technician, Jonathan, found an unexpected culprit: rodents had chewed through the wiring! When the car was brought in, it wouldn’t stay running. After running diagnostics, Jonathan discovered a mass airflow sensor code. This sensor, which helps measure the air going into the engine, had been damaged, but that wasn't the only issue. Under the hood, we found clear signs of rodent activity—chewed wires and seeds near the sensor. Why Rodent Damage Happens Rodents like mice and rats are notorious for seeking shelter in warm engine compartments, especially during colder months. They can chew through wires, causing significant damage to your vehicle’s electrical system. In this case, th ... read more

Why is My Check Engine Light On? | The Oak Tree It's a common question: "Why is my check engine light on?" At Wayside Garage, we see this issue frequently. Your car's check engine light can illuminate for various reasons, and understanding why is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's health. Understanding Your Vehicle's Diagnostics Modern cars are complex, equipped with 30 to 50 computer modules. When we perform diagnostics, we're plugging into your car's onboard diagnostic port and scanning these computers for error codes. Think of your car’s diagnostic system as an oak tree: - Diagnostic Port: The trunk, where we connect our equipment. - Computer Modules: The branches stemming from the trunk. - Subcomponents: The smaller branches and leaves. When the check engine light comes on, we identify the main "branch" causing the issue and then inspect the ... read more