I have a dodge intrepid 96 that always worked well. However, the "check engine" light on while I am driving in this morning. The only thing I did yesterday was added around half tank of gas. Normally, I choose #89, but yesterday I added #93. Could it be possible the reason for the light on? or I need to take it to some store and check? Could I still drive the car?
2007-02-12 03:19:39 · 9 answers · asked by David Z. 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Dodge
Ya That Happens When You Hit A Certain Amount Of Miles, Dont Worry About It, Just Make Sure You Keep All Your Fluids Topped Off And CHange Your Oil/.
2007-02-12 03:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by John Rybarczyk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a difference between a "Maintenance needed" light that comes on after a certain mileage, and a "check engine" light, so reject the first answer. NEVER take your battery cable off to reset a check engine light. At best you will have to reset your clock and radio presets, at worst the security system will shut down the whole car, and it will come back on again if the problem still exists so it's an exercise in futility anyway, so reject the second answer.
Since you added fuel, chances are the gas cap is just loose. Go turn it until it clicks, and I'll bet you a dollar the light will go off. Not immediately, but after a day of driving. Go back to 89 at your next fill, but it won't hurt you to drive the car.
In the event the light does stay on, just take it in and have them scan for error codes and advise you from there.
2007-02-12 03:32:53 · answer #2 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually you can drive a car for a while with the check engine light on. It's when the check engine light is flashing that you need to get it to a mechanic right away. One thing you may want to try is filling your tank with gas (any grade), then put the cap back on and make sure it clicks three times. Our brand new Explorer got a check engine light because the gas cap wasn't working properly. So try that first. If you still have the check engine light, you should get it checked out, but be ready -- the dealership will have to check it for you and they'll probably charge you $75.00 or so just to hook it up to the computer and find out what error code the computer is putting out.
2007-02-12 03:29:12 · answer #3 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just sold my intrepid, it was a great running little car, run like a bat outta hell, but I'm in construction and need a truck. Come to think of it my husbands truck light stays on as well. Another way for the automotive industry to make money. The check engine light had been on for about 5 years, I took it to the dealer on several occasions and they would hook up all the diagnostics and get the light to go off, but as soon as you turned the key the light would come back on. There was nothing wrong with the car, just the damn light wouldn't stay off. Check all of you fluids and don't worry about it.
2016-05-24 00:54:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can still drive it, but I would have it diagonosed at Advance Auto parts. They check "CHECK ENGINE" lights free of charge. I had a check engine light on my 2000 Dodge Neon and I took it to see what was wrong and the code came back as a misfiring cylinder. Being a handy man, I changed all plug wires and spark plugs one at a time... ALWAYS change plugs one at a time if you do it yourself. If the problem is small like that, simple maintenance will be enough. However, keeping that engine light on may cause damage to the engine. Also another common Check Engine is the fuel cap being loose, and an Oxygen sensor faulty. Also it could be the grade of fuel used and the engine is burning it too righ or poor. My Father's F-150 was burning too rich and the engine light went on. Check your manual for the proper grade of fuel used. In my car it will tell me I need Maintenance required with a Mant Req light and all it's saying is change the oil. Definately check back with the techs to see if the results corrolate. You don't wanna ruin a good car.
2007-02-12 03:35:04 · answer #5 · answered by hawqis1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be the gas but not likely, some times car have a hard time adjusting to the higher flash rate of higher octane gas. but you can still drive it, Don't worry unless it starts flashing. If you want you can take the battery terminal off for 20 min and it should reset everything so if it was the gas it will not be on any more. Worth a try to save 30 bucks to have someone reset it. Good luck and I hope this helps
2007-02-12 03:24:49 · answer #6 · answered by Dina B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take off your gas cap an put it back on,then start the engine.See if light comes on.
Most cars have a gas cap sensor that will cause engine light to come on when cap isn't on tight or corresctly.
If that doesn't cure it,try a local auto parts store.Most will check underdash computer for codes.
Pep Boys & Auto Zone do it for free.
2007-02-12 07:40:55 · answer #7 · answered by freebird_237 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you forget to put the gas cap back on, or is it loose?
That would make it turn on too.
No biggie though, unless it's flashing.
2007-02-12 03:30:45 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't worry yo can still drive your car
2007-02-12 03:28:48 · answer #9 · answered by sammy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋