I have a 2001 Hyundai Elantra and every now and then the check engine light comes on, for no apparent reason. This has happened several times and each time they find nothing wrong with the car. I will be driving just fine when the car will jerk and the light comes on. It still drives but it doesn't shift gears (it's an automatic). Once I turn the car off and turn it back on the light goes off. What could be the problem?
Sorry if you already answered this...I accidentallydeleted it.
2007-01-09 10:16:35 · 4 answers · asked by JC 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Oh, and lowroad...I forgot about the bastard kangaroos...they get me all the time!
2007-01-09 10:17:18 · update #1
There are over 1000 reasons why that could happen, and mechanics love to take advantage of women, from what I hear.
The "check engine" light is tied to the on-board computer, and that computer has an OBD-II compliant interface hookup someplace under your dash. You can go to a mechanic as others have said to get the saved code read, but they could give you an expensive explanation. If you're feeling adventurous you can get an OBD-II code reader from eBay for under $50 and read the code yourself. If you can use an iPod, you can use an OBD-II reader. I have one. I know. Still trying to figure out the iPod... ;-)
If you read the codes yourself, and then you go to the mechanic, and they say you need a new "Piston Return Spring" (fictional part) for $5 million (I'm exaggerating), you can say, "but I when I read the code, it said 'P0120 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Malfunction'. Sounds like a switch to me..." followed by "I think I'll get a second opinion... BYE!"
Empowerment, it's a great thing!
2007-01-09 10:46:22 · answer #1 · answered by SoCalSkierGuy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if it hasn't been done a fuel filter,maybe an o2 sensor . Ive even gotten bad gas, that has made the light come on and go off,this time of year they use the winter stuff and it even drops the mileage. I really dont know if the trans is involved but an error code should have been stored and can be read. Autozone does it for free
2007-01-09 10:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by vincent c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant say what your problem is but if at all possible,next time the light comes on,take it somewhere that can check it with a OBD ll...The light will need to be on when it is being tested so it will give a correct reading..
2007-01-09 10:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by Harley-HST 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be your transmission. a repair place should be able to determine it.
2007-01-09 10:23:46 · answer #4 · answered by currious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋