Check Engine Light came on?

Question

Can anyone help me on this. My 1999 Maza Millenia car displayed Check Engine light on all of a sudden. I took to have this checked by a local mechanic who told me to take this to the dealer. Is this true and if it is is this very expensive to fix this. He mentioned that there could be something defective with the sensors. HELP with your answers is most appreciated.

Answer 1

First of all check engine light has to do with em missions. If the check engine light is on solid not flashing it's okay. The first thing you should do is check your gas cap. Is it on properly? Does the car drive alright? Is there ant hesitation or problems on acceleration? Take it to the dealer or somewhere that can scan the codes in the computer. It may be just a misfire code or you have faulty sensor.

Answer 2

Go to an Advace auto parts store. They will hook up a scanner to the car and tell you why the light is on. It's called and OBD2 scanner. All cars manufactured after 1996 have these type os syatems. It may mean nothing and just tripped for a recommended service interval. In which case the code can be erased and the computer reset.
Auto parts stores offer this diagnostic test for free and won't charge you because if you do need a sensor or part they want you to purchase it from them.

Answer 3

The Check Engine light can be anything from a loose gas cap to a bad transmission.
If your mechanic doesn't have the capacity to check for codes (it requires a $300 scanner) find one that does.
The dealers have the computers, but may be more expensive than an independent shop.

Answer 4

If you live near an Auto Zone ask them to run a scan test, it is free. I believe that Advanced Aotu does it too. Check engine lights can come on for a variety of reasons from a sensor going bad to engine problems to even the gas cap being left off for an extended period. Hope this helps

Answer 5

I'm sure you've already checked your gas cap.
I have to agree with your mechanic. As far as cost, there is no way of knowing what is wrong without a diagnostic, so I can't tell you how much it will cost.
For the information of all concerned: The "check engine" light is just that, a device in your car telling you that your engine needs to be checked by a qualified mechanic with the proper (dealership) diagnostic equipment. There ain't no way 'round it!!

Answer 6

the best thing to do is take it to Autozone or some place like that. They can hook your engine up to a machine that tells you what is wrong with it, (something the dealership will do and charge you up your ***) Autozone does this at no cost I believe.
My light was on for about 2 1/2 weeks before it finally shut off....so it is possible your car could be fine, but id still get it checked to be sure.

Answer 7

I had a CEL (check engine light) come on in my 2000 Mazda. I took it to AutoZone and they identified the CEL code number.
I went to a Mazda forum and looked up the CEL code and found that a wire had come loose from a purge valve.

The purge valve was still working, the computer just couldn't sense it anymore because of the broken wire.

CEL codes are used to identify many different problems from very minor to very major. You'll have to identify the code and have it translated.

Answer 8

Check gas cap to be sure it is tight--if a has a nick it can cause light to come on ----if that does not help tape a piece of cardboard over it and ignore it

Answer 9

could be anything hard to give an estament yes take to a dealer could be as simple as a bad fuel cap