I was driving my van and i got just a second of a spped burst ,like someone tapped the gas pedal,and then my service engine light came on.I`ve checked the radiator is full and i just had an oil change.What could be causing the light to stay on?
2007-01-12 16:33:28 · 5 answers · asked by Richard L 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It sounds like a problem with the throttle positioning sensor, but the only way to be sure is to have the computer scanned for trouble codes. Many auto parts stores will do this for you for free! (such as AutoZone)
See what code is set, and use that information to have the proper repairs made!
2007-01-12 16:44:07 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your car is managed by several computers. They don't talk, and you don't communicate in "1s" and "0s".
That "Check Engine" light is the car's only way of communicating to you that it has detected a problem with one of the systems or circuits it monitors.
If you have a flat tire, it is obvious and you get it repaired. Most often if there is a circuit failure, you wouldn't notice it. That light will come on when the computer detects a failure or fault that will likely cause emissions to rise to an unacceptable level.
You should take your car to a trusted REPUTABLE repair facility or the dealer.
If money is an issue, you could ask the nice fellows down at the discount parts store if they would retrieve the trouble codes for you. Chances are that it won't mean anything to you.
But if you have any mechanical ability, and can follow instruction without jumping to conclusions, you can then refer to a repair manual (sold at the same store for <$20.00) for the proper diagnostic procedures, or go to the library and use the repair information you can find there.
Happy Motoring
2007-01-12 18:07:08 · answer #2 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take it to a mechanic. I work in a garage, and a scan tool is nothing more then a wrench or a socket. All it does is pull a code. from that code it give the technician a place to start. Say the code that comes up is P0300, that is a random misfire code. now what could be causing that code could be bad spark plugs, bad wires, bad distributor cap or rotor, bad distributor, bad knock sensor, and so on, from one code there are many possibilties of what it could be. Take it to a technician and have the problem diagnosed professionally, you will save money in the long run an you won't be buying parts that the vehicle may not need.
2007-01-12 17:32:10 · answer #3 · answered by gregthomasparke 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
first you need a code reader---sounds like the O2 sensor, but can be a lot of things. rather than spin your mind in circles---just get the code read. Many auto parts stores have a loaner at no cost---- because if they educate you, you may buy the tool--or at least the parts from them.
2007-01-12 16:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by redrepair 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First things first- you know your check engine light is on get it checked- don't jump to conclusions before you get it checked.
2007-01-12 16:53:50 · answer #5 · answered by my61buick 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋