Can AutoZone Check the Check Engine Light for Free

Can AutoZone check the check engine light? Yes, AutoZone offers a free service where they can scan your vehicle’s OBD-II port to retrieve diagnostic codes that explain why the check engine light is on. While they can’t perform repairs, this quick scan helps identify the issue so you can take the appropriate next steps.

Most drivers have experienced the check engine light turning on, and it’s never enjoyable. The light can indicate dozens of potential issues. It’s hard to tell if it’s a serious problem with the engine or something minor, like a loose gas cap. The uncertainty can be frustrating.

While it may seem like a huge inconvenience, there is a way to check what the light is for and it may not even cost you a dime. You may not know this, but AutoZone runs a free diagnostic service that tells you what the check engine light is for. But, is the service worth the time?

You can make this decision after reading this article. It explains the steps of AutoZone’s diagnostic service and helps you decide your next step after receiving the AutoZone diagnostic.

What is the Check Engine Light?

The check engine light is a warning light located on the dashboard of the car. It alerts the driver of issues within the engine or things that may be related to it. The check engine light can be triggered for a range of reasons, some of which may be serious, while others may not be as big of a deal.

Here are some possible reasons why your check engine light may be coming on:

• Damaged/Lost Gas Cap: A damaged or lost gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on because the car loses pressure which can be used to help it run properly and cause pressure to pull vapors out of the gas tank.
• Failed Oxygen Sensor: When Oxygen sensors fail the car loses the ability to adjust the fuel and air mixture entering the engine which will reduce fuel and air to help it run properly.
• Issues with the Catalytic Converter: Issues with the catalytic converter can reduce the performance of the engine and also can prove to be a very costly repair.
• Failed Mass Airflow Sensor: A failed mass air flow sensor can affect the operation of the engine because it can cause the engine to run improperly.
• Bad Spark Plug or Ignition Wire: Bad spark plugs or bad ignition wires can cause the engine to perform poorly and can also cause the engine to shake and idle improperly.

Your check engine light can indicate serious issues such as a bad transmission or engine control module. And on the other hand, there are times when it may signal a problem that isn’t urgent.

What is AutoZone’s Process for Checking Engine Lights?

As part of the customer-friendly approach, AutoZone checks the check engine light for free. This involves a simple diagnostic scan that retrieves codes to determine any issue.

In more detail, here’s how AutoZone’s process works:

1. Go to AutoZone

Your first step is to go to an AutoZone location. Luckily, there are thousands of AutoZone’s around the country. There is no need to schedule an appointment, as this is a first come first serve service. One of the technicians will help you as soon as they have time.

2. Plug-In OBD-II Scanner

At AutoZone, a staff member will plug an OBD-II scanner into your car’s diagnostic port. The OBD-II port is usually underneath the dashboard on the driver’s side, around the area where the steering wheel connects to the dashboard. In some vehicles, the port might be located under the center console or by the glove box.

OBD-II scanners capture the stored data in your car’s computer and the error codes linked to the check engine light.

3. Get Diagnostic Codes

The scanner will show a list of letters and numbers. These codes describe what is wrong with your car. The OBD-II scanner will show you codes linked to problems in the engine, exhaust system, and other car parts.

Examples include:

• P0420: Catalytic converter problems.
• P0300: Spark plug and ignition coil issues.
• P0171: Problems with the air-fuel mixture.

4. Recommendations

The tech will explain the codes to you and keep it as simple as possible. They will brief you on what the codes mean and give recommendations on what you should do after. They can recommend you to do a check on a part, replace it, or refer you to a mechanic to get a detailed diagnosis.

Technicians are not certified to explain the complexity of the problem. They will refer you to professional repair services if the problem is beyond what a technician can handle.

What AutoZone Scans Can and Cannot Do

AutoZone is a good first choice because their AutoZone Scans offer a look into what may be causing the check engine light to come on. But it is important to understand what the scans can and can’t do.

What It Can Do

Scans can do things such and give you an idea of what is triggering the problem and offer a way to suggest a repair. AutoZone scans can’t fix the problem, but do scans can give an idea of what to do next.

• Identify the Problem: The problem is OBD-II issues. AutoZone’s OBD-II scanners are the issue scanners, so they will be able to pinpoint what problem code is triggering the check engine light. Those are the codes that are triggered when there is a problem with the engine, exhaust, or other things.
• Provide Immediate Feedback: Because it is so fast, you get the outcome of the scan in such a short time, usually only a few minutes. That feedback can help you out on what can be done next.
• Recommend Fixes: AutoZone employees can recommend repairs based on the codes they get. If, for example, the scanner gets a code that relates to the oxygen sensor, they will recommend the sensor to be replaced with a new one.

What It Cannot Do

Despite the fact that AutoZone’s diagnostic scan is a good place to start to get a general idea of the problem, there are things that the scan cannot get to. It does not give a complete or thorough engine problem diagnosis. It does not give enough detail for more serious engine issue that are more involved.

• Perform Repairs: Even though AutoZone can identify your problem, they cannot do the hands-on repairs needed. For most things, you’ll have to go to a mechanic or a repair shop.
• Provide a Detailed Diagnosis: The diagnostic codes indicate something is contributing to the engine problem, but they cannot give the full details of the problem. This is why some mechanics have to do more tests to figure out the actual reason.
• Address Complex Issues: If the issue is more complicated like the issues of a non-working transmission or an engine control module that’s gone bad, the problem may be that AutoZone’s scan is not able to determine what the problem is. This type of stuff needs to be dealt with professional mechanics.

The Benefits of Using AutoZone’s Free Diagnostic Service

Car owners enjoy the following services provided by AutoZone’s free diagnostic services:

• No Charge: You do have to pay to have diagnostic scans performed, and AutoZone’s free service is significantly better than going to a traditional mechanic.
• Fast and Easy: No appointments are required. The service is designed to be simple, so that you can walk in to your local AutoZone and drive out in just a couple minutes.
• Informed Employees: Technicians are trained to interpret error codes and guide you through the process. They have the answers to your questions and can help you determine if the problem falls in the do-it-yourself category or if you need to seek professional assistance.
• Disposable: If you are doing AutoZone services out of necessity, or for your own personal reasons, you are doing diagnostics for the purpose of obtaining knowledge that many people do for free. No special knowledge is required to take advantage of this service.
• Helping You Empower Yourself to Make Repairs: If you get some diagnostic information, you can potentially address problems yourself, like a loose fuel cap or a bad spark plug. You can also save on labor costs by buying spark plugs, etc. yourself at AutoZone.

When Should You Visit AutoZone for a Diagnostic Scan?

You can go to AutoZone to get a scan done when:

• The Check Engine Light is On: If the light comes on, it’s time to get the car checked. While the issue might be minor, it’s always best to understand the cause before driving further.
• You Suspect a Simple Problem: If you think the issue might be something simple, like a loose gas cap, AutoZone can confirm this quickly.
• You Want to Understand the Problem Before Visiting a Mechanic: If you’re unsure about the severity of the issue, AutoZone’s diagnostic scan can help you decide whether you need to visit a mechanic or not.
• You Want to Save Money: Instead of paying for a diagnostic fee at a mechanic’s shop, you can get the scan done for free at AutoZone.

What Happens After AutoZone Checks the Check Engine Light?

When AutoZone scans and gives you the error codes, you can take a few different actions.

Do it Yourself: A simple fix like a loose gas cap, missing gas cap, or bad spark plug can be solved by you. Parts can be purchased from AutoZone to help you fix the problem.

Get Professional Help: If it’s a bigger issue than a spark plug, like a bad catalytic converter or transmission issue, you would need to see a mechanic to fix the problem.

Change Parts: If the code from the scanner points to a bad part like an oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor, AutoZone will suggest you to change it. These parts can be bought from AutoZone to be replaced by you or a mechanic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions about AutoZone and the check engine light

1. Do I need an appointment to check my engine light at AutoZone?

No, AutoZone has free diagnostics for check engine lights, and you do not need an appointment to get it done.

2. What do I do if AutoZone can’t figure it out?

You may not get a definitive answer at AutoZone, but they will provide suggestions and recommend a visit to a mechanic.

3. After the scan, can AutoZone do anything to the vehicle?

No, AutoZone only identifies the issue. Any repairs will need to be done by your mechanic.

4. How much do they charge at AutoZone for the check engine light?

AutoZone’s diagnostics services are free.

5. Will the check engine light go off after the scan?

The light won’t go off until the problem is solved. After the repairs are done, it is possible the light will go off on its own, but it may need to be reset.

Conclusion

Finally, AutoZone offers a wonderful free service to help you explain the check engine light AutoZone’s scanning service may not cover every possible cause, but it’s a decent start to figuring out the issue to your car. If the problem is easy enough, you can probably resolve it on your own. If the problem is difficult, the codes AutoZone gives you will help you decide whether to go those to go further.