what does it mean when your "check engine" light comes on? what exactly does it need?

Question

it never comes on, but yesturday when i drove for 20 minutes, it stayed on all the way home! help please!

Answer 1

It can mean many things. From needing a new gas cap, to a bad catalytic converter. You can go to someplace like Auto Zone, rent their diagnostic machine, and it should tell you what is wrong, or you can take it to the dealership and they can do the same thing for more money.

Answer 2

You might have a problem or you may not. You didn't mention the age or mileage on the car. Some cars believe it or not are programmed from the factory to have the check engine light come on every X amount of miles.The dealer has to get some more money somehow. If you're a little handy disconnect the POSITIVE battery cable ONLY. Be careful not to touch it against anything. Leave it disconnected for a minute or so...just stand there and hold it is the easiest thing I have found to do. Reconnect and don't forget to tighten it. Start your car and go about your business. If the light doesn't come back on in a day or so you have tricked the computer into thinking you took it to the dealer and spent $150.00. Yeah for you !!! If the light comes back on, then YES you have some sort of problem. Then your best bet is doing what others have suggested..go to Auto Zone and have the codes checked and then fix the problem.

Answer 3

The check engine light covers anything that is wrong with the engine. It could be a multitude of things. Go to Auto Zone (If you have one in your town) and they will do the diagnostics for free. It will print out a sheet stating what is wrong. Once you know what's wrong, you'll be able to know how much it will cost to get it fixed... Ironically, my check engine light came on today too! Anyway, check with your owners manual regarding the check engine light. On my car if it blinks on and off, you don't want to drive it over 45 MPH...If it's constantly on, you are probably ok for a little bit. Just don't wait too long. Hope that helps!

Answer 4

It just means that there is something going on with the car. It could be something small as the exhaust or o2 sensors. You have to take it to the dealership or sometimes places that sell parts and they have to hook a machine up to it and it will tell them exactly what is the problem. I t costs to hook it up but at least you will know exactly what the problem is instead of guessing. It is usually nothing major, but get it done soon. Good luck

Answer 5

It means:
1. You didn't tighten the gas cap until you heard at least one click. OR
2. You have an emissions-related problem, like bad oxygen sensors, etc. OR
3. You have a mechanical problem.

You can go to Autozone and have them read the code off the car's computer for free, provided the car is OBD-II-compliant (1996 model year or later).

Answer 6

My mom's Chrysler city & u . s .'s verify Engine mild has been on 2 years immediately now and her motor vehicle is working merely effective, it ought to easily be a wiped out sensor, in case you're hectic approximately it take it to a mechanic because of the fact if there's a difficulty you should take there in any case.

Answer 7

You might start by checking the oil and coolant levels....dont recommend driving a car with the check engine light on, could cost you a bundle. Towing could end up being the cheap way out, especially if its an oil or coolant problem.

Answer 8

see a mechanic or take it to an auto store, there could be many reasons, did you screw the gas cap on tightly after getting gas? maybe you need to have a filter changed or something of that nature.