Month: October 2021

What Does a Trifecta Warning Light Mean in Your Mini?

Posted on October 27, 2021 by - MINI Repair

Mini Cooper Car

Your MINI comes with the latest in German engineering, from adaptive cruise control to blind-spot technology. The MINI stands out among the leading compact sports sedans, but what happens when these top-of-the-line technical systems fail?

The “trifecta” warning lights in your MINI refer to three crucial driver-assistance system malfunctions. They include your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), your All-Season traction Control (ASC)/Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), and your flat tire monitor.

These three systems are intricately connected to each other, so when one fails, the two can follow suit. The “trifecta” warning can appear.

It’s essential to not only understand what these lights mean but also why they’re on. Sometimes when they’re all on simultaneously, it doesn’t mean that all the systems are down, but it does mean something is wrong with the interconnected systems. Keep reading for our quick explanation of what each warning lamp means and also what you can do about it.

The Meaning of the ABS Warning Lamp

You may know what ABS stands for, but you might not know its importance. As a driver assistance system, the Anti-lock Braking System assists with emergency braking in milliseconds. Hard braking can often result in wheel lock-ups and cause an accident when you’re trying to avoid one. To prevent a slide or spin, the ABS pulsates the brakes for each wheel when a lock-up is detected. This pulsating brake pattern helps your MINI regain traction on the road. Then, with the proper traction on your wheels, you can regain control of the car and avoid an accident.

The lamp will illuminate the letters “ABS” in yellow on your dashboard so long as the computer identifies a problem with the braking system. When the ABS warning light turns on in your MINI, it means that the system is not functioning correctly. You can still drive around without your ABS, but we recommend bringing your MINI into the shop to diagnose the problem and solve it.

The ASC/DSC Warning Lamp

Your All-Season traction Control/Dynamic Stability Control warning lamp refers to a problem with multiple systems in your car’s driver assistance kit. For clarity, we note that the ASC and DSC are the same things, but the DSC includes the ASC into its overall system. Your MINI can have one or the other, but the warning lamp is always the same.

The ASC/DSC includes braking systems like the ABS but isn’t limited to it. In short, these are the systems that prevent us from sliding out or spinning when braking hard, turning, accelerating, and starting from a stop. For those who like to “launch” their MINIs, you might notice these lights turning on from the moment you press your foot down on the gas pedal.

A system like this is essential to driving your car safely. They prevent traction issues many earlier car models suffered.

Your ASC/DSC can be damaged or malfunction over time for multiple reasons. If the ASC/DSC light fails to turn off after the engine is started, or turns on during driving, then the system is defective or was turned off using the ASC/DSC switch. It may be that the ASC/DSC’s stabilizing options are no longer available. However, the vehicle will remain fully operational without ASC/DSC.

As mentioned for the ABS, driving without this system is not recommended. Taking your MINI into our shop to diagnose the problems with your braking system is the best course of action you can take. Don’t risk an accident or your life. The repairs can be done affordably.

The Flat Tire Monitor Warning Lamp’s Meaning

This one is pretty straightforward. A flat tire monitor lamp will notify the driver that a tire is a flat or losing air. If it’s losing air, it will eventually become flat with use.

You should always be mindful of a flat tire indicator. Driving with a flat tire can damage your wheel and wear our tread significantly. Blowouts are also standard if a foreign object lodged into the tire’s tubing is causing significant pressure loss.

Keep in mind that even if the flat tire monitor lamp has gone out, it doesn’t mean your tire is no longer flat. Unless you’ve been able to refill the tire at a gas station or with your own tire pump, then chances are you still have a flat. If you still see the flat tire warning lamp after you’ve tried refilling the tire, then bring it in for an inspection from our mechanics, and we’ll help solve your problem.

Resolving Your MINI’s Trifecta Warning Light

Specializing in the MINI Trifecta Warning Light Fix finest European automotive engineering around, Carotech Automotive employs ASE-certified mechanics ready to take on your MINI’s problems. We service residents all around Los Angeles, CA, with honesty, quality, and customer service in mind. Call us today to schedule your service!

* Mini Cooper Car image credit goes to: Neydtstock.

3 Main Reasons for an Illuminated Check Engine Light In Your Audi

Posted on October 10, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi Illuminated Check Engine Light

You may have bought your Audi because you love high quality, luxury, and performance, but sometimes cars have issues. The way you often find out is when the dreaded check engine light illuminates on the dashboard. The Check Engine Light (CEL) is never something that should be ignored. This light means the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD-II) detects a problem in the ignition, fuel, emissions, and/or exhaust system.

In the United States, OBD-II was made mandatory for all cars starting in 1996, so if your car is from the year 1996 or later (up to present day), that is the system you have. The CEL’s code can be extracted with an OBD-II scanner, which automotive service centers will have. The codes inform you of the general problem but often cannot pinpoint the exact issue(s), meaning diagnostic work is usually still required.

The CEL is often a source of distress and fear of massive repair bills. To minimize the chances of an expensive cost to you, it is best to get your Audi inspected as soon as possible. Driving with the CEL on and ignoring it might lead to further damage, depending on what is wrong. Let’s look at the 3 primary reasons you might get a check-engine light in your Audi.

Three Causes of Check Engine Light Illumination

1. Spark plugs

Worn or damaged spark plugs can cause illumination of your engine light. Spark plugs are part of the ignition system, their job is to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. There is one spark plug for every cylinder in your Audi. Problems with spark plugs can also lead to the engine running rough, losing power, as it will not accelerate as easily or as well as it used to, or it could even misfire. This is due to incomplete/absent combustion in one or cylinders.

2. Catalytic converter

This is part of your Audi’s emissions system and helps reduce the amount of harmful pollutants produced while you drive your car. A catalyst within the catalytic converter serves to convert certain harmful gases into ones that are less harmful to the environment. If the catalytic converter is not working right or fails, your Audi will let more harmful gases into the environment than normal.

If you have to have an emissions test, you will most likely fail it. States have different requirements and regulations concerning emissions testing, so it is best to research your state’s rules to learn more. However, it is important to remember that while your Audi will still run without catalytic converters, is it illegal to remove them due to the hazards imposed on others and the environment by doing so. In other words, if the catalytic converter fails, repair and/or replacement is advised over removal of them entirely.

3. Oxygen sensor

These sensors are another part of the emissions system, and while the number of sensors varies by make and model, there is usually at least one in front of the catalytic converter and another in the exhaust manifold. The purpose is to monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases. This is done so too little or too much oxygen can be detected and the vehicle can correct for this. There is an optimal oxygen-to-gasoline ratio, and thus, the level of oxygen tells the car’s computer whether the engine is running lean, with too little fuel, or rich, with too much fuel.

If these fail, the vehicle cannot accurately monitor whether the air to fuel ratio is optimal, leading to poor engine performance as well as a likely increase in harmful emissions.

Carotech Automotive for Your Audi’s Service Needs

In business for over 50 years, and AAA approved, Audi Oxygen Sensor Check Carotech Automotive in Los Angeles, California is a premier destination for your car’s service, inspection, and maintenance needs. Our work comes with a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. You can be confident we will provide you with a professional diagnostic inspection of your Audi thoroughly so we can get you back on the road quickly and affordably.

We are located at 8687 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90035. Call (424) 283-4303 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online form. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:30PM. We look forward to earning your repeat business.