Engine Services
Engine Diagnostics & Repair
Check engine light on? Don't guess. Our technicians use professional scan tools to pinpoint the exact cause — fast, accurate diagnosis at both Jersey City and Union locations.
Warning Signs of Engine Problems
Don't ignore these symptoms — a minor sensor issue can become a major repair if left unchecked:
- Check engine light is on — steady or flashing
- Rough idle, misfires, or engine hesitation
- Reduced power or sluggish acceleration
- Poor fuel economy with no other explanation
- Engine stalling or hard to start
- Black, blue, or white smoke from the exhaust
- Knocking or pinging noise from the engine
- Strong fuel smell or rotten egg odor from exhaust
Engine Services We Offer
From a free OBD-II scan to spark plugs, O2 sensors, ignition coils, and EVAP repairs — complete engine service at both locations.
OBD-II Diagnostic Scan
Free — fee waived with repairWe connect a professional scan tool to your vehicle's OBD-II port to pull all stored and pending fault codes. Unlike a basic code reader, our tools access manufacturer-specific codes, live sensor data, and freeze-frame data — giving us the full picture, not just a code number. The scan fee is waived when you proceed with the recommended repair.
Engine Inspection
From $89.99A visual and mechanical inspection of belts, hoses, sensors, ignition components, and engine mounts. We check for oil leaks, coolant leaks, vacuum leaks, and signs of overheating. You'll receive a written report with findings and a clear estimate before any work begins.
Spark Plug Replacement
From $79.99Worn spark plugs cause misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and hard starting. We replace plugs with OEM-spec iridium or platinum plugs and inspect the ignition coils and wires at the same time. Most vehicles done in under an hour.
Ignition Coil Replacement
From $99.99 per coilA failed ignition coil causes a cylinder misfire — the engine runs rough, the check engine light comes on, and fuel economy drops. We diagnose which coil has failed using live misfire data and replace only the failed unit, or all coils if multiple are showing weakness.
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
From $129.99 per sensorOxygen sensors monitor exhaust gases and tell the ECU how to adjust the fuel mixture. A failed O2 sensor causes poor fuel economy, rough running, and a check engine light. Most vehicles have 2–4 sensors — we'll identify which one has failed and replace it.
Mass Airflow Sensor Service
From $149.99The MAF sensor measures incoming air to calculate the correct fuel mixture. A dirty or failed MAF causes rough idle, hesitation, and poor fuel economy. We clean or replace the MAF sensor and clear the related fault codes.
Catalytic Converter Diagnosis
From $89.99A failing catalytic converter causes a sulfur smell, reduced power, and a P0420/P0430 code. We test converter efficiency using live O2 sensor data before recommending replacement — many P0420 codes are caused by a bad O2 sensor, not the converter itself.
EVAP System Diagnosis
From $89.99EVAP codes (P0440–P0457) are triggered by fuel vapor leaks in the evaporative emission system — often just a loose gas cap. We perform a smoke test to locate the leak and repair it, from a $5 gas cap to a failed purge valve.
Timing Belt / Chain Service
Call for pricingA broken timing belt or chain causes catastrophic engine damage. We inspect timing components at manufacturer-recommended intervals and replace them before failure. If your vehicle has a timing belt (not chain), this is one of the most important scheduled maintenance items.
Engine Mount Replacement
From $149.99 per mountWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration, clunking during acceleration, and can allow the engine to shift under load — damaging hoses and wiring. We inspect mounts during every engine service and replace worn units.
Engine Service Intervals
Staying on top of these intervals prevents small issues from becoming expensive failures.
Why Get a Professional Engine Diagnosis?
- Identify the exact cause — no guessing, no unnecessary parts
- Restore fuel economy and engine performance
- Prevent a minor sensor issue from becoming a major repair
- Pass your NJ emissions inspection with confidence
- Get a written estimate before any work begins — no surprises
Engine Diagnostics FAQs
Is a flashing check engine light more serious than a steady one?
Yes. A flashing check engine light means an active misfire — your engine is misfiring badly enough to damage the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and call us. A steady light is less urgent but still needs attention soon.
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
If the light is steady and the car drives normally, you can drive carefully to a shop. If the light is flashing, the car is shaking, or you smell something burning — stop driving and call us.
Will the check engine light turn off on its own?
Sometimes — if the fault was intermittent, the light may clear after a few drive cycles. But the fault code is still stored. We recommend getting it scanned even if the light goes off, so you know what triggered it.
Can a loose gas cap cause the check engine light?
Yes. A loose or missing gas cap is one of the most common check engine light causes — it triggers an EVAP leak code. Tighten the cap and drive a few cycles. If the light doesn't clear, come see us.
How much does engine repair cost?
It depends entirely on what the diagnosis finds. A spark plug replacement starts at $79.99. An O2 sensor starts at $129.99. We'll give you a written estimate after the diagnostic scan — no work begins without your approval.
Do you do engine rebuilds?
We do not perform engine rebuilds. We diagnose and repair engine components — sensors, ignition, timing, mounts, and related systems. For a full engine replacement, we'll give you an honest assessment.
What does a P0420 code mean?
P0420 means the catalytic converter efficiency is below threshold. But it's often caused by a bad downstream O2 sensor, not the converter itself. We test converter efficiency with live sensor data before recommending a $500+ converter replacement.
How long does an engine diagnostic take?
The OBD-II scan takes about 15–20 minutes. A full engine inspection takes 45–60 minutes. Complex diagnosis involving live data and road testing may take longer — we'll give you a time estimate.
More About Engine Service
Check Engine Light On?
Free OBD-II scan · Written estimate · Same-day service available