Local driving, simple maintenance, and what we see in the bay.
\1North Beach · San Francisco · Auto Repair
When the CEL pops on during a quick run to Liguria Bakery, it’s never convenient. We’ve scanned thousands of Toyotas and Hondas in this neighborhood—the patterns are familiar, and the fix is usually straightforward once we see real‑time data.
North Beach · San Francisco · Auto Repair
A loose or failing gas cap is common—worth checking first. EVAP leaks also trigger CEL and can be minor or require diagnosis.
Aging O2 sensors skew fuel trim, hurting mileage. Short trips shorten sensor life.
Misfires can come from worn plugs, coils, or intake leaks—especially noticeable on hills under load.
Catalyst efficiency codes often trace back to upstream issues. Driving too long with a misfire can damage the cat.
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We start with codes, sure—but the gold is in live data. Short‑ and long‑term fuel trims, O2 behavior, misfire counters per cylinder, and EVAP system tests tell the story. Five minutes of smart data beats an hour of parts‑dart throwing.
Loose gas cap after a Costco fill‑up, then street parking on an incline. EVAP small leak code, light comes on two days later. We pressure‑test the system and cap, clear the code, and make sure readiness monitors complete so you can pass smog.
That’s different—usually an active misfire. Pull over if you can and call us. Driving through a misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, which is the expensive part of the chain.
Written by the Bob’s Auto SF crew on Columbus Ave — real stories from the bay, steep streets and all.