Check Engine Light?

Question

The Check engine light came on in my car last night. It is a 1997 Ford Aspire. The oil is fine and my car is not overheating. I have no idea what could be wrong. There is no smell and I have run it a little bit with no problems. I don't know if the problem is serious or not, but I would like to know what problems are going on in the mechanics of my car when the Check Engine light comes on. I am very nervous about this. If I can actually have a list of possible problems and ways to check them, that would be great.

Also, I'm very hard up for cash right now. I just got a job, so if there is somthing wrong with my car, I can get it fixed after I get paid, but until then, I at least need a temporary solution to tide me over. I have to drive a 50 mile round trip to work, so I definately need a car that works, though.

Answer 1

Could be a number of things such as a missfire, Vacuum leak, Gas Cap, or Filling up w/ engine running.
There are also sensors, etc that will set a code if they fail like an O2 Sensor, IAC, TPS, DPFE, TCCS, Speed Sensor(Trans & Wheel).
You can either go to a place like AutoZone and have them pull the code (free) or go to your Mechanic who will most likely charge you a Diagnostic fee.

Answer 2

When the check engine light comes on there could be a host of reasons, not necessarily the most obvious like overheating or low oil . Yoy need to take the car to a repair facility where it can be hooked up to a computer analyzer. This will be the only way to determine what the problem is. Many times it could be just a bad sensor that needs to be replaced. Either take it to your local Ford dealer or another garage that does engine analysis.

Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself!

Answer 3

Congratulations, welcome to the world of "I have you by your genitals, car dealership and car factory system of auto problem diagnostics and repair." You pretty much have to go to a mechanic with a check engine light code deciphering tool. Since your car is a 97 any good auto mechanic should have the tool to read the code and tell you what the problem is. But the idea is to force you to go to the dealership. Dealerships will read the code and then not tell you what the problem is forcing you to have them making any repairs at $90 an hour. But a good honest garage mechanic will read the code, tell you whats wrong and leave it up to you where or if you want to get it fixed. Might be something simple like a plug misfire meaning new plugs or wires. Some car's check engine lights go on if the gas cap isn't tightened enough. My light goes on whenever it rains, indicating a misfire due to moisture or something. But then it goes out by itself. Some car's lights have to be manually reset. Don't lose any sleep over it. Its probably minor. If it was really serious your car would be acting up. If it don't go out find a good mechanic you can trust and have him diagnose it.

Answer 4

Don't have a panic attack! Usually if the problem is serious, you would notice it in the way your car drives.
The engine light will come on for over a thousand different reasons. But on just about all vehicles i've come across, the EGR system will manfuction and set a code. With out knowing what type of car you have, I'd say 8 ot of 10 times this is your problem.
If you start to notice anything different in the way that your car acts, I'd have it checked out. But I wouldn't worry about it if it's not showing any signs of problems.

Answer 5

You can take you car to autozone and they can read the codes for the check engine light, alot of times its just an Oxygen Sensor, if it is its not the end of the world so dont worry too much some of them are a little pricey but thats about it just have it replaced if it turns out to be one of them, but autozone can read the codes if it will help ease your mind. P.S. the check at autozone is typically free you might even call some other parts stores near where you live and ask if they can hook up a code reader and check it hope this helps. good luck

Answer 6

You need to check the coolant level as well. If it is ok too, it could be your O2 sensor, your sending unit, or something as simple as a vacuum leak , the best way to find out for sure is take it to A FORD dealership and have them run a Computer diagnostic check on it, it costs 100$ but it will pinpoint any and all problems quickly and accurately.

Answer 7

no longer something to do with fluids. Flashing means you're misfiring and that's something which would be intense. A test of the code at this element will basically enable you be conscious of what cylinder is misfiring and that i wager there is greater advantageous than one. Did you positioned decrease grade gas? That and the warmth ought to reason this. it may additionally be a bad gas clear out, undesirable spark plugs or undesirable injectors. happens lots because of the fact the climate starts to get warm out. i could circulate have the motor vehicle regarded at because of the fact there are a number of conceivable motives and it ought to get high priced changing factors that may no longer restoration the situation. you will get fortunate even nevertheless that's maximum suitable to have it dealt with and supply up utilising if it maintains as misfiring can injury the engine somewhat.

Answer 8

Take it to autozone. They check it for free. They will put a computer on it and tell you exactly what is wrong.. And if it is nothing, like my car is doing, They will just reset your check engine light to shut off.

Answer 9

make sure gas cap lid is a least to the first click then if no help take to a parts store some of them around here can tell what cause it.

Answer 10

Whens the last time you have chnged your spark plugs? Do you have oil un the car? check those things out.