"check engine light"....can you rely on that nasty little bulb to tell the truth?

Question

I have a 1995 Chevy Lumina with less than 54,000 miles on it. In the last 6 months, the "check engine light" has illuminated off and on....not steady, just every once in a while FOR A FEW SECONDS. I took my darling vehicle to a good mechanic for a tune up and check up 2 months ago; I was told all was well except for the need for a new water pump (which was replaced). However, since then, the "CEL" has illuminated about 4 times....not steady, but sporadic (again, only for a few seconds); and for the last 2 weeks, it hasn't reappeared. The ABS light had gone on a year ago but upon scrutinty, all was well. My question is: how much faith should I put into those "hazzard" lights? I don't want a mechanic to take advantage of me (yes, I am a leary female), but I don't want to neglect a potential problem. WHAT TO DO?

Answer 1

First off do you always turn of you ignition switch when you open the fuel tank? That will throw a sporadic fuel pressure code in newer cars (not sure about the 95). Second when the tune up was done was the light turned off? That is a federally mandated light to make sure that your emissions are checked periodically, you can thank the EPA and DOT. Third NEVER ignore the brake light, it could be a parking brake sensor but it might be total brake failure.

Answer 2

If you want piece of mind, go to AutoZone and have them scan it. They will do a diagnostic scan for free, and tell you what code is popping up. If the employee doesn't know what the code means (some don't), write down the code number and call a mechanic or a dealership's service department. Once you know what the code is, you can go about correcting the problem.

Hit up AutoZone first though. They do the system scans for free. Dealerships will charge you about $65 dollars to tell you the same thing. If the scan results in no codes, then it is probably an electronic glitch, and you just have to live with that. My sister had that problem in her '91 Pontiac Grand Am.

Answer 3

First of all, those lights are put there to scare you (works doesn't it?) Basicly the check engine light means your engine is not living up to its fullpotential. Meaning fuel mileage/performance. If its blinking once in awhile i think its an electronic clitch. Really nothing you can do about it until the light comes on steady and sets a code. Then the dealer can pull the code and tell whats wrong. My daughter dodge set the light and she had not tightened the gas cap enough. My wifes town and country set the same light and it was the ox sesor going bad. Also my daughters car (05) started running terrible and oil guage started to scream. She called me and i had her shut it off and restart it. everything was fine then. dealer could do nothing and called it an electronic clitch. go figure. more than you wanted to know?

Answer 4

ok, first. the water pump will NEVER make your CEL go on. there are sensors hooked up that light and the light goes on for a reason...could be a simple misfire or bad sensor or something more. Your "mechanic" should be able to put a scanner on your car and read why that light went on. every time that light goes on, its for a reason and your computer in the car logs that info. your mech. should be able to pull all the info off the computer and tell you if it is a egr valve problem, bad sensor, misfire, bad gas cap, etc.

REMEMBER... the light goes on for a reason.

Let me know if you have any other questions or need anything else.

wayne - logixautoparts.com

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Answer 5

This may sound silly, but if it is the problem you will save a ton of money. Does this only happen when you are driving into the sun. I had S-10 Blazer and when it was sunny the sun came in through openings in the dash and it looked like the CEL was on. Good luck.

Answer 6

you may be able to go to a parts store and have the codes read some will do it for free. (the computer stores info on what the light came on for) Or go to the dealer you will pay more but there is less chance of them taking advantage of you. If you have not noticed any real problems or a drop in gas milage you are probably OK.

Answer 7

My 'ABS' and 'airbag' lights have come on repeatedly in the last year but upon inspection, I was told there was nothing wrong with my car. They replaced some sort of sensor but the lights came back a few months later.
I don't think those lights are all that reliable.

Answer 8

This could be a simple computer glitch, or a major problem. There is really no way of knowing, unless it is checked out. Talk to a service writer at the dealership, and get an opinion. Most dealerships are reputable, as they want your repeat business.

Answer 9

they go on in some vehicles when they hit a certain number of miles as a reminder to go in for general service. usually, though, it's cause something is wrong. try hooking up a diagnostic tool, they sell 'em everywhere for $50-100. Walmart even has them. that will tell you whats wrong, if anything, and allow you to reset the light.

Answer 10

That light is reliable but you have to remember that it will come on for any little reason, not just major problems for example your oxygen sensor will cause your light to go on speratically like your vehicle is doing. That is not a major problem, but it will ruin performance and gas mileage.