Obviously I will add oil before driving it again...it happened on my way to work. We maintain it every 3,000 miles and it's not due for another oil change until September. It's odd that we've never had to add oil since we leased it...it's a 2003 Grand Prix, also odd that the engine light came on.
2006-08-17 03:37:58 · 7 answers · asked by DJ 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Obviously, check the oil and top it up. If the light stays on, you will have to take the car to a shop/dealer to get the computer reading and learn what the problem is. You can get a reader yourself at an autoparts store for $100-150, and it will have the ability to tell you what the fault code is and turn off the light.
A 2003 car should not be using much oil unless you are really flogging it on the highway or a racetrack. However, the manufacturer will probably tell you that anything less that one quart in 1,500 miles is normal. In other words, your car could consume two quarts of oil in 3,000 miles and the dealer will call that "normal."
Hey, I don't make the rules, I'm just sayin' what they are!
2006-08-17 03:49:37 · answer #1 · answered by pvreditor 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming that you check the oil before you just dump a quart in, right?
If the oil level is OK, check the oil pressure- I'm pretty sure that GP's have a guage- if that's OK then you're probably just looking at a bad sensor and it's giving the computer bogus information, hence the "Check Engine" light.
Anyone who owns a car with a computer should invest in a code reader and a service manual. They can help you diagnose a lot of problems yourself, saving big bucks on taking the car to a shop.
You can pick one up at an auto parts store for $20 to $50. The manual will set you back $20 to $25. You won't regret buying either.
By the way, changing your oil every 3,000 miles is nothing more than your mechanic wanting to see you more often. Check your owners manual- it will tell you recommended intervals for how and where you drive. As long as you use quality oil, changing every 3000 miles is usually unnecessary.
2006-08-17 10:57:07 · answer #2 · answered by mgrenia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the obvious solution is the best one. You have a pretty new car still, and it may be a cost effective move to take it to the dealer or a trusted repair shop so they can hook it up to electronic diagnosis to see what the problem might be. Prolonging this preventative measure may result ultimately in a higher cost of repair, if repair is needed. Like me, you hate to spend money on a diagnostic check if there's nothing significant wrong, but with both lights coming on like that, I think wisdom would coax you to get it checked.
2006-08-17 10:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by nothing 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Disconnect the battery for about 10 min, reconnect and let it idle for 5 min. This should give it time work out all the kinks. If the light is still on, take it to a good mechanic and have the computer reset.
2006-08-17 15:57:56 · answer #4 · answered by Joe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the check engine came on, there is a problem with the computer system. More than likely, a sensor. You will need to take it to a reputable repair shop and have them run a scan on it in order to know what codes are set and where the problem lies.
2006-08-17 11:20:08 · answer #5 · answered by Cal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is still under warranty take it back to the dealer. Could be any number of things.....from the harmonic balance to sludge
2006-08-17 11:08:08 · answer #6 · answered by bobsled 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the older a car gets, the more oil it uses, as well as how you drive a car. tear it up on the road and you will use more oil.....i do!
2006-08-17 10:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by brandiejs1979 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋