I started my car and noticed the check engine light on. I've never seen this light before so I'm very concerned. I got to my destination and noticed that the gas cap was not screwed on tight and the gas door was ajar. I tightened it but the light stayed on. The car is still under the factory warrenty, but I can't bring it in for 2 more days. Is it safe to drive? How can I tell if that infact is the reason for the light?
2007-01-06 11:37:56 · 14 answers · asked by Christine C 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Yeah its okay to drive. You have a check engine light on that is emmisions related. it will reset itself after about 50 key cycles. you shouldn't have to take it in.. Just make sure the cap is on. I used to work for toyota and we got cars ALL the time with people accidently doing this. It's completely normal. Don't worry about it your car won't catch fire or start driving itself.
2007-01-06 11:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is what the Dipstick is for. You open the hood. That is with the engine is off, and the first thing you do (on any car you will ever own.) on flat ground and you check to see if there is any lubrication (oil). I don't care it is so clean you can't see it(more like a 2013 car) , you do your best to see the level. A 1999 is gonna be black oil on a silver dipstick. The car needs oil when it is below the bottom line. It will take a quart. Do not overfill otherwise the engine forces oil past other seals that were only meant to hold the oil in with 0 pressure. Too much oil gives the oil pressure and it blows gaskets and it leaks like the grease coming out of a stuck pig. . That is what the service station attendant did in days gone by. "Check you oil, water, and tires"? was the standard questions. But now that is your job. The car wants and needs have not changed - just the service. Up to date except that the oil level was not checked. . You say you bought the car and now you need an oil (and filter change)? Meaning you have driven 3 or 5000miles on it and all you ever did was stuff in gasoline. . You have not checked to see if the engine might need something. This is why cars seize up on the side of the road...they did not check either. . Yet, you make sure to have your pants on, a shirt on, and shoes before you go driving. The engine asks no more than simple maintenance otherwise it will cost you big time. I don't need a computer to tell me a 1999 vehicle is burning some oil and possibly leaking some oil as well. This is called an "idiot light". When the red lights come on, it is the only way the engine can tell you that it is not up to snuff in all departments. You never want to see that light. Red means stop and when it is coming from the engine that means the engine must stop running. Fix the problem (in this case probably a quart of oil) is put into the engine. ..and it is happy again. I don't care if you are planning an oil change in the next couple of hours...the thing is the engine needs it right this instant. Call it a baby. But baby will die and cost you in being stranded on the side of the road as the engine stops completely on its own + the cost of a tow truck + the cost of a mechanic and maybe you need to replace the motor which is $$$
2016-05-23 01:00:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure it is fine. I have '03 beetle and have seen many warning lights, never a huge issue, usually had to go back at least 2 or 3 times before they really fixed the problem thought. That is probably just a coincedence and not the reason for the light.
2007-01-06 11:40:51 · answer #3 · answered by strtat2 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I do not think that that would be the problem. A low fuel light would come on instead. It could need oil or be a oxygen sensor in the emissions. Check the oil level and the air filter to make sure it is not real dirty. It should be safe to drive, but you should have it checked out immediately.
2007-01-06 11:41:30 · answer #4 · answered by Biker 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i would not think the cars computer would have any way of telling if someone had siphoned gasoline out of the cars tank.
how many miles are on the vehicle?
some have check engine reminders at various mileage intervals.
I would not think it would be harmful to drive the vehicle.
also you can take it to auto zone or most any retail auto parts store and they can check the computers codes and most will do it for free.
2007-01-06 11:44:36 · answer #5 · answered by big hammer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't think so. The check engine light POSSIBLY may have been caused by the fact that the gas door was ajar? Maybe not. I wouldn't worry too much, just take it down to a mechanic.
2007-01-06 11:40:29 · answer #6 · answered by kcdude 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
the cap being loose is all it takes to turn the light on. The light is a smog-control device under OBD-II rules, it has to go on if their is a vapor leak in the gas tank.
2007-01-06 11:40:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes if the gas cap was left off it will set a evap code.if it was drained low enough it will set a lean condition code and/or a random misfire code.you cannot clear codes on this car by disconnecting the battery.
2007-01-06 12:01:22 · answer #8 · answered by brian l 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not. So far as I can tell, the only instrument that monitors your gas tank is the fuel guage.
I would check the other fluid levels. As for safe driving, I can't help you.
2007-01-06 11:41:14 · answer #9 · answered by Ben G 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you are safe to drive it for a few days, but take it in as soon as you can. Since it is under warranty, I would let the dealer handle this.
Good luck!
2007-01-06 11:47:11 · answer #10 · answered by BlankProfile 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋