A check engine light isn't a mystery to us. Our technicians read the codes, then actually diagnose the cause, so you fix the real problem, not a guess.
A glowing check engine light sends most people straight to worry. At TAB Motors it's just the starting point. Reading a trouble code is easy, anyone with a $20 scanner can do it. The skill is in diagnosis: knowing that a "P0420" might be a catalytic converter, but might just as easily be an upstream oxygen sensor or an exhaust leak. Our technicians test to find the actual cause so you're not paying to replace parts that were never bad.
One Arlington customer came to us after a dealer quoted "thousands of dollars" for an electrical problem, our technician Jose found the real fault quickly and fixed it for a fraction of the price. That's the whole point of a proper diagnosis: it protects you from the shotgun approach of throwing parts at a problem until something works.
Once we know what's wrong, we give you an upfront price and, in most cases, fix it the same day, whether that's a sensor, an ignition coil or spark plug, a cooling component, or a fuel system repair. If the light was standing between you and passing emissions, we'll clear that path too.
It could be anything from a loose gas cap to a failing sensor or misfire. The only way to know is to diagnose it properly, which is exactly what we do.
There's a diagnostic fee that covers the time to actually find the fault (not just read a code). If you have us do the repair, we'll tell you upfront how that's handled. Call (703) 243-3080.
If the light is steady and the car drives normally, usually short-term yes, but get it checked soon. A flashing light means stop driving; that's an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.
Yes, we work on foreign and domestic vehicles, including European makes. One of our technicians is a master on BMWs.
Yes. If your car failed or has a warning light, we diagnose the cause so the repair gets you a pass.
Virginia inspection, oil, brakes, tires and more on Old Dominion Dr. Free air, free coffee, and a straight answer every time.