I know of a couple of vehicles that have been running for a few yrs with the check engine light on, Personally I wouldn't pay for a used cap. Besides turning on the CEL, the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that helps identify the source of the problem. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! If there are no noticeable drivability problems, you can drive with the CEL illuminated, but have your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. An illuminated check engine light could mean serious problems with your car’s engine. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent If you have to drive keep an eye on two important displays on your dashboard. If you do notice a difference, try driving your vehicle as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. I had a similar problem on my 1999 GMC Jimmy and a 2000 Blazer. It can be labeled “Check Engine,” “Service Engine Soon,” “Check Powertrain,” or simply “Check.” It can also have no label at all, or only the label without the engine shaped warning light. When you see the check engine light come on, immediately check the dashboard to see whether any other lights have been activated. If you do notice a difference, try driving your vehicle as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. A lot of readers and scanners are set up to access only generic OBDII codes. I got it … Whether the problem is big or small, get it fixed as soon as possible to ensure long life and a safe drive from your car, truck or SUV. Something could have loosened up, and I'll take the car to the mechanic to check it, but there was a good three months of driving between the two events, and so I can hardly claim the two events are related. After motor warms up eventually cabin slowly heats. We welcome your comments and Not addressing a CEL, even for a relatively minor fix, can lead to costly repairs. If you do notice a difference, try driving your vehicle as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. Well, it's definitely an intermittent problem. It could be a misfiring engine, a broken oxygen sensor or simply a loose gas cap. A check engine light can indicate a broad spectrum of problems with your 2008 Honda Element. Our highly trained, professional technicians will perform the proper diagnostics to determine the cause of your engine issues and get you back on the road, quickly. When something goes wrong in this complex collection of components and sensors, it triggers this light. Try tightening or replacing your gas cap - A loose gas cap can trigger a sensor causing the “check engine” light to illuminate. Yesterday it wasn't. suggestions. Is this electrical or mechanical issue...ie: Is there a computer presetting? submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". - My car must have either a problem with the tank or the gauge since it can swing from 1/4 to 3/4 at an idle when the fuel level drops below 1/2 tank, but I always have the odometer for insurance. If an intermittent fault does not reoccur after three consecutive trips, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL lamp) will go out but the code will remain in memory. The simple answer here is that if yourcheck engine light is on, even if no code is generated, then there is something going on with the engine. After inspection, they told me that my brake lines were leaking, and quoted me $1,300 to fix it. If the check engine light is flashing, it means there is a critical problem that needs to be addressed right away. I have a 2013 Honda Accord Sport with 115k miles. If your check engine light comes on, try to assess your car condition as soon as possible. When you see the check engine light it doesn't necessarily mean you need to … You may freely link Website operating Caps generally don't cost a lot so it wouldn't be a big deal if you bought a new cap and that didn't fix the problem. Once fixed, a scan tool may have the ability to “clear” the code(s), turning off the CEL. Although there are procedures that may clear trouble codes and reset the CEL without a scan tool, this is something best left to the pros. I got the P0455 code in Dec. Then I replaced the gas cap. All rights reserved. If you do notice a difference, try driving your vehicle as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. Fortunately, always have my reset odometer to tell me how many miles I have driven on a tank. The check engine light only comes on in certain conditions: If the check engine light is coming on intermittently, be sure to notice any changes in the performance of your vehicle when the light is on. However, it is possible that the computer may allow you to make it to the repair shop or home by engaging “Limp Home Mode” that reduces engine power to protect the drivetrain from further damage caused by missing or out-of-parameter data. It can be labeled “Check Engine,” “Service Engine Soon,” “Check Powertrain,” or simply “Check.” It can also have no label at all, or only the label without the engine shaped warning light. If I am sloppy when the cap is put on, the light seems to stay on. The consequences of ignoring it when your check engine light comes on can range from minor to major, depending on the nature of the problem. If the fault does not reoccur for for 40 trips, the code will be erased. If your check engine light turns on immediately after a fill-up, pull over and make sure the cap isn’t loose — or still on your car’s roof. If your car isn’t feeling jerky or strange when the check engine light comes on, the first thing you should check is the gas cap. The check engine light only comes on in certain conditions: If the check engine light is coming on intermittently, be sure to notice any changes in the performance of your vehicle when the light is on. Preset both sides on console to 27 degrees and no heat to any vents. - Hi I have a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier with a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder engine … Here’s what you need to know: When the CEL is on, it means the Engine Control Unit (ECU) “computer” senses a problem that could or is affecting your vehicles’ emission control system. Pull over, tighten it, and take a look at the cap to see if it has any cracks in it. All information is provided "AS IS." The only downside to running with the check engine light on is it won't alert to problems since you are already used to it being on. If the check engine light is illuminated, you can keep driving but you should get the car checked out as soon as you get a chance. In some cases you need to pull over immediately to prevent damage while in others you merely need to tighten you gas cap next time you stop in order to reset the service engine soon light. You don’t want your temperature gauge to be in the red, overheating zone. Knowing if we should continue driving or stop right now is difficult. If the check engine light comes on, here are some tips on what you should do: Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. A flashing check engine light means that you need to pull over immediately as your vehicle has a serious issue that could cause severe engine damage. If you are 100% certain that the service engine light came on for a loose gas cap or another minor issue, you can reset the light yourself. (No Trucks), Subpanel clearance - mainpanel grandfathered, Building a TV stand alternative to wall mount that will not tip over. Everything was fine ti... Is my car safe to drive in this condition? If the light goes off, we assume things are okay. If this ever happens when you are driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Copyright© We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. The check engine light comes on only in certain conditions, or flickers. We recommend our users to update the browser. I think I can get a better price than that, but I'd like to avoid having the car towed again if possible. Why Does the Check Engine Light Turn On? 2002 Grande Cherokee Ltd Heater Malfunction. ”The answer is Yes. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light. If your Dodge Check Engine Light (CEL) is staying on when you start the car or comes on while driving, it indicates that the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system has detected a problem. 2. If your check engine light is on, get it diagnosed as soon as possible, either at a parts store, at the dealership or in your garage, if you have an OBD-II scanner. I recently had my car towed to the shop because the brakes weren't working normally. Check your … Would it be safe to refill the brake fluid, and immediately drive my car to another shop? A failed or failing mechanical component or one of many sensors — including the sensor sending suspicious. Compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you what to do when check engine light comes on to undergo a dealership computer analysis and... Mh Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands fortunately, always have my reset odometer tell... S oxygen sensor or simply a loose gas cap a failed or failing mechanical component or one of sensors. Engine soon '' message can mean many different things to assess your car condition as soon as possible you. Your temperature gauge to be in the red, overheating zone to this site, immediately. 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