I drive an automatic Toyota Corolla and last week the engine light came on, is it sumthing serious or will it go away. Oil and water levels are fine, so i dont think its really that serious.
I'd like to know a mechinical or auto-electric explanation and a tried n tested solution.
2006-07-07 00:43:56 · 22 answers · asked by medhruv 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I know a sensor has picked up sumthin, i got that much brain.
Sum1 mentioned an error code? Where can i get that from?
If i pull the battery terminal off, does it reset the computer box immediately or do i have to wait a whole day or a few hours?
2006-07-07 01:03:25 · update #1
i'm in africa, we dont have autozone's or any fancy diagnostic repair shops or experienced mechanics who can give me sound advice.
thats y im askin u guys and i expect a solution that works for all cars, not just guess work.
if u dont know, dont leave an answer!!!
i know its a just warning light and it could b serious!!!
2006-07-07 01:17:45 · update #2
isnt there any1 who can answer confidentely and say, do this and it will be solved??????????????????
2006-07-07 02:10:59 · update #3
Its an orange / amber light, that looks like a drawing of an engine.
Emission levels? u mean im using wrong fuel or dirty fuel or wat? do i change the fuel filter? spark plugs? wat?
2006-07-07 02:46:15 · update #4
The "Check Engine" light is an indicator that the engine computer has detected a fault with the engine or transmission electronics. It means that a sensor is out of normal range or your tailpipe emissions are over 1-1/2 times the federal limit. Without knowing what the fault code is, I can not tell you anything about what the problem might be, but you should have it checked by a mechanic ASAP. It may be something minor that won't do any damage, or it could be something that may cause Catalytic Converter failure. Get it checked!!
2006-07-07 00:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by lugnutz59 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem is it is basically an "idiot light" that indicates when something may be wrong but not what is wrong. The light comes on when the computer detects certain conditions as programmed into it by the designers.
For example, in my case, I changed to a locking gas cap. Shortly thereafter the light came on. I was very worried about it as it is a new vehicle. So I had a mechanic friend look at it. He put a computer analyser on the computer and it ran its diagnostic check. The computer reprted a pressure problem with the fuel system. The mechanical checked out the system and figured out the gas cap was to blame. The computer runs a fuel vacuum sensor check when ever the engine is started AND it reads at least 3 degrees drop in engine temperature...in other words the first start of the day after sitting all night. The gas cap was not vented to factory specs so a vacuum developed as gas levels dropped in the tank. The sensor picks it up and turns on the check engine light. Once I removed the cap and gave the computer time to recheck conditions the light went out on its own.
This is just one of 100's of possible malfunctions that would trip the light and the ONLY way to know is to have a mechanic connect his analyser to the computer.
2006-07-07 00:54:11 · answer #2 · answered by The Grand Inquisitor 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The automative industry's way of making sure you make it back to fund the retirement fund... lol. No, just kidding
However, what i've learned is that each car has the "Check Engine" to automatically come on at a specific number of miles. usually it's 60K and another milestone. While it most likely is nothing serious, it's a good idea to have your car tuned at those times when the light comes on. Plus a mechanic is the only person that can turn the annoying light out...
2006-07-07 00:51:29 · answer #3 · answered by NotanExpert 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get it checked. It's a WARNING device and it's there to WARN you of a potential problem with your engine. Take it to the mechanic. You could have any number of issues, from a damaged head gasket to a water leak into the engine. There's a reason manufacturers put WARNING lights in cars: to tell you when to get things checked out! If you get it checked now, it might cost you a couple of hundred dollars, and prevent a big problem later... or if you leave it, the whole engine could blow up and cost you thousands to repair...
I know what I'd be doing if it was my car and my money, cos I'm intelligent...
2006-07-07 00:47:42 · answer #4 · answered by b_r_o_k_e_n_g_i_r_l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn,t mention the color of the light. If it is the engine light and red in color you need to have your car looked at right away or risk engine damage due to a possible overheating condition or low engine oil pressure either one of which could destroy your engine very quickly. If the light is amber in color then it is related to the emission system and not as serious.As a long time mechanic I have heard the line"I didn,t think it was serious" turn out to be very serious if left unchecked. Good luck.
2006-07-07 02:40:40 · answer #5 · answered by Iknowthisone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you need to do is go to an AutoZone (I don't know who else offers this service). They can do a free scanning and thus give you the error codes for why the check engine light is on. Don't be stupid and not think it's anything big. It could be as simple and easy as a sensor gone bad, or you could have major problems. Check that as soon as possible. It's your engine... I wouldn't leave it to chance
2006-07-07 01:12:40 · answer #6 · answered by mommy_mommy_crappypants 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the car but it usually means nothing if it come on by itself. I call that light the "Al Gore" light because it usually indicates that something is awry with the emissions/anti-smog system.
Someone with a code-reader can plug into the car an figure out what is the offending emissions component...usually the oxygen sensor or a leaky vacuum hose. The car will run OK indefinitely, but you might have less performance and you won't pass the emissions inspection...if your state requires it.
(I put black electrical tape over the light when it comes on until I get a chance to figure out what's making it come on.)
2006-07-07 00:51:42 · answer #7 · answered by 4999_Basque 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The engine light means something. Dont ever let anyone tell you different. It could mean a number of things. Could be a engine manifold problem,transmission issue,your engine block could be clogged,broken tempertature gauge(internal), or many other things. With foreign motors,it could be a host of problems. I would take it to a foreign motors specialist, or some you can trust. Your engine could go up soon if you dont get it serviced. Make sure you get a engine diagnostic test ran. That usaully can detect a cars problems.
2006-07-07 01:58:06 · answer #8 · answered by titantakeover03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "Check Engine" light is very important!!! For some reason your computer has detected a problem. It could be a very small sensor problem, too something more critical. Take your car to a Autozone or other free diagnosis center.
2006-07-07 00:48:41 · answer #9 · answered by boz25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The service engine now gentle is drawing close bec the automobiles comp modual=ECM has detected a fault and it would have a fault code now kept in it. maximum significant is that if the gentle comes on then is going off presently afterwards thats a delicate code and also you do not pick to hurry to get the vehicle checked and problem about it, yet when the gentle under no circumstances is going off then its a problematical code and also you pick to ascertain what codes are in ECM asap. telephone round and also you'll locate theres places that with verify for the codes or test for codes free of cost. desire that enables and larger of success.
2016-11-06 00:55:07 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋