Symptoms and Solutions
What you need to know!

My CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light came on.

The check engine light or service engine soon light can come on for many reasons. This amber colored light indicates a problem in the engine, transmission, emissions or the network control system of the vehicle. When this light comes on, the computer logs a Data Trouble Code (DTC) . You should make an appointment with your service professional to have this condition diagnosed and repaired a soon as possible.  If this amber check engine or service engine soon light is flashing, then the vehicle should no longer be driven because there is a more serious problem with the vehicle.  Continued use of the vehicle will damage additional components, increasing your repair costs. 

​

Failed my Illinois emissions test, what do I do? 

Your car failed because your CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT was triggered by your vehicle's computer system due to a detected fault or because your vehicle was not able to communicate with the emissions test station computer or because your car did not complete its own self tests that are called monitors.  You need to bring your vehicle to your certified repair center and have your vehicle properly diagnosed and repaired so you can retest after service. 

​

My vehicle shakes when I brake.

It is most likely that your vehicle has a brake issue.  The problem may be as simple as needing new brake linings or it could be a more complex problem with your anti-lock brake system.  Your brakes will need to be inspected to first diagnose the issue and then correct it. 

​

My steering wheel shakes  when I am driving. 

This condition is dangerous.  There are a few reasons you could feel a shake in your steering wheel while driving.  Tire or wheel imbalance, tire wear or wheel misalignment may be the issue.  There may be a worn part in your steering or suspension system that needs to be replaced, and sometimes, there could be a problem with the brakes.  It is best to have this problem checked out by your certified service professional.  

​​

My air conditioning is not blowing cold.

Is the air conditioning not blowing air or is the air flow fine and the air is not cold?  If air flow is non-existent or low, the cabin air filter may be clogged or the fan motor malfunctioned.  If the vehicle has good air flow but the air is not cold, the air condition system may need to be recharged with refrigerant.  If the system needs to be refilled with refrigerant, a leak test must be performed first because it is likely that the system has a leak and the refrigerant leaked out.

​

I have no heat in my car. 

The lack of heat can result from low levels of coolant in the radiator or a bad thermostat.  Clogged heater cores or malfunctioning air flow control motors could also be causing the problem.  Your certified service professionals can make this determination. 

 

 My window does not go up and down. 

This problem can result from a bad electrical switch,  a malfunctioning window motor or broken mechanical mechanisms inside the door that move the window. 

​

My car stopped running.

Many things cause a car engine to stop running.  This situation is dangerous and needs to be properly diagnosed and repaired by your certified service professional.  Cleaning and maintenance issues may be at the heart of the problem but more complicated electrical or fuel pump issues may also be the cause.

​

My car won't start.

Does the car make a grinding or cranking sound when you turn the key or press the start button, or is the car silent when try to turn the engine on?  If the car is silent, the battery is likely the problem.  The battery may need to be recharged by a jump start or the battery needs replacement after the charging and starting system is tested.   If the car is silent, it is also possible that the battery in your key fob is weak or dead.  If the car makes a grinding or cranking sound but does not start after you let go of the start button or let go of the key, the issue may be an ignition or fuel related problem.  The ignition system generates the voltage for your spark plugs while the fuel pump moves the gas from the tank to the engine. 

​

​

​​