Is it illegal to disconnect a car "check engine" light to deceive a buyer.?

Question

I bought a car that has a problem with the check engine light. It does not function at all. It is never on and the car failed emissions due to this problem. It does not come on when you turn the key to start or any any other time. What is the problem?

Answer 1

I would think that goes under the category of fraud. Yes, it's illegal. Just get the wiring fixed.

Answer 2

Disconnect Check Engine Light

Answer 3

If the vehicle is a 1996 or newer and you are in the U.S. then Federal law prohibits the disconnect of the Check Engine Light. Proving that someone disconnected it is something else thou.
I would threaten legal action and a report to the EPA demanding return of the car and your money back.

Answer 4

The only problem with everybody that has said that it is illegal, is HOW DO YOU PROVE IT?

More than likely the bulb is burned out, or there is a loose connection somewhere..

If you bought it from a private party, most are sold 'as is' unless a contract is actually signed by both parties.

If you got it from a dealer, most states have 'lemon laws' which protect buyers like yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 5

It sounds like a previous owner disconnected the light. I would get the car scanned with an OBDII scanner and fix the problems, which would be sensors..... and then get the light fixed. So whoever sold you the car did this on purpose, I would call the police and report him, send him to jail!

Answer 6

properly you have the rights right here. Used autos offered from human beings are bought "as is" except the broking provides a guaranty. So whether that's real and you probably did no longer provide a guaranty you bought the automobile "as is". She ought to have taken it to a mechanic in the past she offered it. this is her signature on the bill of sale and she or he's an proprietor. She additionally ought to have recommended you and tried to artwork this out with you in the past hand. If she offered the automobile Friday whos to declare she did no longer reason the difficulty over the weekend. tell her your no longer coming to get the automobile and you will your lawyer. you have complete spectacular right here and she or he has to pay. verify with the community PD as she would have made a criminal act via combating charge of the verify. especially circumstances this is seen procuring belongings via fake pretense. The criminal themes variety state via state. additionally reckoning on the size of the verify she must be in complication returned. do no longer go get the automobile! tell her she is an proprietor and you would be taking all criminal path of action obtainable to you to recoup the money she owes you and the money it fee you to get very final charge.

Answer 7

Before you spend a lot of time or money. Try replacing the gas cap. 90% of the time that is the problem that keeps the light on. Check the bulb or fuse for the light itself.

Answer 8

not only is it deceitful im pretty sure its against the law and they could come back and hit with that 1800 lemon law thing let alone that god forbid there really was a problem with the engine and say they crashed and someone was seriously injured or killed they could come bakc to when they find that wires been disconnected and sue you

Answer 9

The light bulb might be burned out -- some simpler explanation than a seller's conspriacy.

but... yes it is illegal to do that.

.

Answer 10

I think it is illegal, if not it should be. THe problem may be mechanical, have a tech check the connections