I have a 03 chev monte carlo the light came on for like 3 day's then it went off again. The like almost a week and a half later it comes on again. Does that men yor car's in trouble?
2006-06-26 12:21:42 · 23 answers · asked by missredheadd 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not necessarily. BUT It does mean time to spend money. You have to go to a garage and they put your car on a computer and then reset the light. I think it is more of a scam than anything, BUT I don't have the computer to reset it.
2006-06-26 12:26:37 · answer #1 · answered by GRUMPY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check Engine light
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A "Check Engine" Light or Service Engine Soon is an indicator of the internal status of a car engine. It is found on the instrument console of most automobiles. When illuminated, it is typically either a red or amber color.
The "Check Engine" Light, also sometimes known as a MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp), can illuminate for any of a very large number of reasons. Typically, the reason is not serious enough to affect drivability of the vehicle. Common causes include: loose gas cap, vehicle due for scheduled maintenance, or problems with the emmision control system (i.e., charcoal canister or oxygen sensor).
This light became required on passenger cars due to emission control legislation in California, with the intention that the light would illuminate if there was a problem which would cause the vehicle to have excessive pollutant emissions. The owner would be aware that the emission control system needed to be serviced, and would be prevented from renewing their registration in the state of California. [citation needed]
The "Check Engine" Light can also illuminate for reasons which may affect drivability, so it is advisable that one have the vehicle examined by a mechanic at one's earliest convenience. A preliminary diagnostic check can be performed by retrieval of the "trouble code" which has caused the light to illuminate. The cost of hooking up a diagnostic computer to retrieve said code varies greatly. Many dealerships charge $99 for this service.[citation needed] Private mechanics typically charge between $50 and $75[citation needed] while AutoZone offers the service for free.
Once a "trouble code" has been pulled, the technician will have a better idea of what the problem may be. These codes are seldom specific, but instead tend to relate to a system of complex parts, thus requiring further diagnosis. Said diagnosis will require paying the hourly labor fee of a skilled technician.[citation needed]
2006-06-26 19:23:43 · answer #2 · answered by W(aL)D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The check engine light could mean a number of things. Go to Auto Zone they will check what it is for free. They have this little hand held machine they hook up to your car and it can tell them exactly what is wrong
2006-06-26 19:26:25 · answer #3 · answered by dido45dido 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Ford Explorer did the same thing. They ran it through the computer and it was fine. Something was wrong with the switch for the light and it had to be replaced. You will need to go the a service department to get it checked out.
2006-06-26 19:27:19 · answer #4 · answered by noseygirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take you car to Auto Zone and they can run a system diagnostics test to find out what it could possibly be. The test is FREE! It could be something as simple as your air filter being dirty. If Auto Zone tells you its your O2 sensor, check the air filter first before replacing the sensor. That was the problem with mine. Good luck
2006-06-26 19:43:34 · answer #5 · answered by Ashley M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have a ford escort and the check engine has been on since the 2ed day i owned the car. at first i thought there was some problems so i too it to the shop several times and nothing, so i put a picture over the light and just cruz! good luck. i suggest you get someone to look at it before you ignore it though
2006-06-26 19:29:02 · answer #6 · answered by SHELIA S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can range from a random misfire.....on cylinder fires when it shouldn't........to a small pinhole in the evap system. auto zone will say well you have a code P04016......do you know what its means? I have a book that has a list of codes. anything could give you the light, with the exception of oil changes, that why you have a change oil liight in the car. We call them idiot lights. YOU WILL NOT BLOW UP YOUR ENGINE!! You'll just run like a junker
2006-06-26 20:14:52 · answer #7 · answered by firestoneasetech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check all the fluid levels - that is a good starting point. Check to see if there is anything else that is obvious. If nothing stands out, get the owner's manual out and have a good read - the answer will be in there.
2006-06-26 19:29:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The check engine light could mean one of a hundred things. check to see if you are leaving your gas cap loose that's almost what it sounds like, there are few things that will let the light reset itself that is the most common.
2006-06-26 19:36:22 · answer #9 · answered by jimmac7777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
like the first person said could be an o2 sensor everytime you turn your key the engine does a check on itself and the o2 sensor isnt tested all the time thats why it could have turned off...but really the sky is the limit better get it checked out
2006-06-26 19:26:15 · answer #10 · answered by big_daddy99_38 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋