What That Check Engine Light Might Be Telling You

May 20, 2025

That Light Isn’t Just a Glitch—It’s Your Car Asking for Help

We know how frustrating it is—you're driving through Merrick or stuck on Sunrise Highway and suddenly that little amber engine icon pops on. Your stomach sinks. Is it serious? Is it safe to keep driving?


We get it. It’s stressful. But here’s the truth: that check engine light is your car’s way of letting you know something isn’t right, and it’s time to take a closer look.


At Dr. Jack’s Auto Repair, we’ve been helping Long Island drivers figure out exactly what’s going on since 1976—and we’d like to help you too.


Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On

That light can mean a wide range of things. Some are minor, but others… not so much.

Here are a few common reasons we see all the time in our shop:

  • Loose or damaged gas cap – Surprisingly, this is one of the most common culprits.
  • Oxygen sensor failure – This can affect fuel economy and emissions.
  • Catalytic converter issues – This is a critical (and expensive) part of your exhaust system.
  • Spark plug or ignition coil problems – If your engine feels rough, this could be the cause.
  • Mass airflow sensor issues – Impacts engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Transmission trouble – Yes, your check engine light could be tied to shifting problems too.


Dashboard showing check engine light illuminated in a car and now needs service at auto repair shop on Long Island

Don’t Guess—Get an Expert Diagnosis

You could try guessing what the problem is. You could even go to a chain store that gives you a generic code reading. But that usually leads to more confusion than answers.


That’s where we come in.

At Dr. Jack’s Auto Repair, we use advanced diagnostic tools to scan your car’s onboard computer and interpret the codes accurately. More importantly, we match those codes with real-world experience to understand what’s really going on under the hood.


Whether it’s a quick fix or something more involved, you’ll get a clear explanation, honest advice, and repairs you can trust.


We Understand How It Feels...

You might be thinking, "I don’t have time for this," or "It’s probably nothing." But ignoring that check engine light can turn a simple issue into a major repair—and cost you more down the road.


We've had customers walk through our doors feeling overwhelmed. It filled us with pride to help them leave with peace of mind, knowing their car was taken care of by people who care.


Stop Guessing. Start Fixing.

If your check engine light is on, don’t wait. Let us take the guesswork (and stress) out of the situation.


📍 Stop by Dr. Jack’s Auto Repair,
57 Brooklyn Ave, Merrick, NY 11566
📞 Call us at
(516) 785-1444
🔧 Schedule your diagnostic today.


We’ll help you figure out what your car is trying to say—and get you safely back on the road.

Over 40 Years of Automotive Excellence

For the over 40 years we’ve been in business, we have been striving to provide our clients the best quality service possible to gain their full satisfaction. And they’ve shown their appreciation by coming back to us repeatedly.


We want to be the auto maintenance and repair facility for all your automotive needs.

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