WHAT Do You When Your "Check Engine" Light Comes On ?

[Joshua_me]

ACK !!!

 

[Lawnmowerman]

Um, well, check my engine?




Actually the first thing you can do yourself, is make sure the gas cap is on tight and the ratchet clicks. If not the emissions system will not read right and set off the light.



On a side note, 20 minutes ago I would've checked #4....

 

[hotdog1846]

I wait for a while to see if it goes off by itself. If it doesn't, I take the car in to be checked. It just means the computer has detected something out of the ordinary, and the diagnostic code in the computer can give the mechanic more information.

My Jeep's "Check Engine" light comes on when I'm going down a steep grade in the mountains in low range, first gear, and I'm using engine braking hard for a long period of time. They've never found anything wrong. I think the computer just doesn't know what to do with such an unusual condition.

But, I used to have a 1981 VW Rabbit and one time the "Check Engine" light came on and stayed on. It was a failed oxygen sensor. Is yours staying on?

BTW, I voted for #4.

 

[alley]

You could just take it to a oil change place and have them see what's causing the light to come on--most of the time it's routine maintenance.

 

[martin6]

Just ignore it. That's the best possible solution.

 

[looseliam]

I want you to listen carefully:

Go out to the car.

Open the hood.

Let us know if it's still there.

---

Now, have you recently filled-up the tank? Is the vehicle running any differently? How's your gas mileage been?

I am a proponent of dealerships just for the sheer knowledge, and resources available to the technicians.

If there's a reputable independent you know, it would also be a good solution.

Just because you go to a dealership does not mean it will be repair better, or quicker than an independent.

 

[RationalLunacy]

Check to see if I still have an engine, like the light says.

 

[JasunStrikesBack]

I open up the hood and check the engine. If it's something I can see and I can fix myself, I'll grab my tools and fix it.

If it's not, I take it to the dealer for the servicing package I paid for.

(why isn't fix it yourself an option?)

 

[giorgiobaby]

take it to be serviced

 

[Joshua_me]

I want you to listen carefully:

Go out to the car.

Open the hood.
.

ACK !

I'm a big ol' fag

I don't know what to do

 

[looseliam]

ACK !

I'm a big ol' fag

I don't know what to do

first step is admitting


Anyhoo, if the light is on solid and you don't really feel anything different in the way it is driving, you have some time.

If the light is flashing and/or the vehicle is running poorly, take it in.

Run the repair recommendations by me if you'd like. I'll let you know if something smells fishy.

 

[Edward Twinkletoes]

I ususally stop, get out and check the engine. I don't know what I'm supposed to see, since the only thing I can actually identify under the hood is the battery.

Edit - Incidentally, the battery in my newest car is not where it should be. I have no clue where it is but I did take note of the fact that my car doesn't seem to have a battery last time I checked my engine.

 

[martin6]

Fo shiz, that gas cap thing is the easiest thing to turn that light off... I had that prob in a car that wasn't mine and I didn't realize I hadn't been screwing the cap on enough.

Otherwise I'd just take it in to the dealer because lights on my dash bother me.

 

[Joshua_me]

I open up the hood and check the engine. If it's something I can see and I can fix myself, I'll grab my tools and fix it.

If it's not, I take it to the dealer for the servicing package I paid for.

(why isn't fix it yourself an option?)

Yeah, I know, Jasun,,,,,,,,

 

[Yooper]

On these mod-ren cars, somewhere hidden in the innards of the thing, there's a computer type device that checks stuff.

It also remembers what it found wrong for a while.

Auto Zone (and I think the other chains too) will read the code for free for you.

My old clunkers have a way to read them myself without the readout gadget, so then I go to the web and find the codes.

 

[Kester]

I'd call my dad and get him to sort it out for me.

 

[Lukeee]

I don't know a thing about cars and I can't drive them but here is what I would do...

Firstly I would scream, thinking that a terrorist has planted a bomb in my engine. Then I would calm down and get out of the car. Next I would try to open the engine door but fail because I can't even open the shopping bag door. I suppose after that I would call my Mum and she would send a car person to fix it.

Dumb question: Where is the check engine light?

 

[Triple G]

Get my handy-dandy OBD code reader. It will tell me the problem, then I fix it. I fell so studly when all greasy.

 

[cityboi]

I know enough now to do nothing. It only has to do with the emissions control system which the government is concerned with. It has nothing to do with the ability of your car to get you from here to there. That light in no way has anything to do with your car being close to breakdown.

 

[Kyanimal]

"Check Engine" light = "You're Fucked!" And, it could cost LOTS!! (Unless You're still under warranty!)

I just know this from when I was in the "Car Biz"!

Of course ... no matter what ... get out you check book ... and ...

Keep smilin'!!
Chaz