Smoke Machine Engine Diagnostics in Newtownabbey – Solving Engine Light & Limp Mode

Engine light on and power loss? Here’s what’s happening

When your car’s engine management light flashes and it suddenly loses power, it’s entering limp mode — a built-in safety feature that limits performance to protect the engine. Common causes include boost leaks, air mass sensor faults, or cracked intercooler pipes.

At 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey, our mechanics use specialist diagnostic tools including a smoke machine to pinpoint the issue quickly and get you back on the road.

How our smoke machine diagnostic works

This system lets us spot leaks that can’t be seen by eye. By pumping harmless smoke into the intake system, we can trace where air escapes under pressure — often from worn pipes, loose clamps, or tiny cracks.

In this Ford Kuga case, the driver noticed the car derating with the engine management light flashing. A quick scan showed an air mass meter fault, but readings looked normal. After cleaning and retesting, the problem persisted — so we used the smoke machine to dig deeper.

The smoke revealed a leak near the turbo where a worn pipe clamp had been overtightened, leaving small gaps that caused the air leak. Once replaced and sealed properly, the boost pressure returned, the engine light cleared, and the car ran perfectly again.

Why we use smoke diagnostics at 1Stop Motor Shop

Finds problems standard tests miss

Boost leaks, cracked hoses, or damaged seals aren’t always visible — smoke testing makes the invisible, visible.

Accurate, efficient repairs

We don’t guess or replace parts unnecessarily. The smoke machine helps us diagnose and fix only what’s needed.

Protects your engine and saves money

Fixing leaks early prevents costly damage to the turbo, intercooler, or sensors.

Common symptoms a smoke test can help diagnose

• Engine light on or flashing

• Car losing power or going into limp mode

• Whistling noise under acceleration

• Uneven idling or stalling

• Reduced fuel efficiency

If you’re noticing any of these, book your engine diagnostics in Mallusk today.

Book your smoke machine diagnostic in Mallusk

If your engine light is on or your car’s gone into limp mode, our experienced team will find the issue fast using advanced smoke diagnostics.

Call / WhatsApp: 07951 728365
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Email: OneStopMotorShop@hotmail.com
Website: Contact us via our website