Beginning in 1996, cars manufactured in the US have been required to provide a 16-pin OBD-II connector that allows us to tap into the onboard diagnostics system. We use it to address exactly this question.
Prior to that, automobiles had molded plugs or would simply blink a set number of times that would correspond with the problem. In the age of advanced technology, the OBD-II simplifies the process, allowing Oceanside Motorsports to easily diagnose the problem without unnecessary labor.
Most commonly your check engine light is on for one of four or five reasons. It could mean that it’s time to replace the oxygen sensor, your gas cap is loose or faulty, catalytic converter replacement is needed, a mass airflow sensor is faulty, or as simple as replacing spark plugs or wires.