2007-03-20 16:01:37 · 13 answers · asked by Bella 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well, if the engine still seems to be running properly it is probably still safe to drive it. However, I do recommend taking it in to a qualified mechanic as soon as you can to get it checked out. If there is something wrong maybe you can avoid further damage to your engine by getting it reapired. Often in the later model vehicles, the check engine light is programmed to come on when your car reaches a certain mileage to remind you to take it in for service.
Good luck to you.
2007-03-20 16:05:54 · answer #1 · answered by I know, I know!!!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please do not listen to the previous answers. No one, and I mean no one, can diagnose a check engine light from the code alone. They may be able to guess, but it would be a guess. The check engine light indicates that the powertrain control module feels, from its sensor inputs, that there may be a problem that may result in emission levels being one and a half times the legal limit. It may or may not have a noticeable affect on performance. No one can say what kind of affect it is having on the car without a proper evaluation. Also, the scanners typically used at the free check places are usually very basic and cannot give you data streams or freeze frame data, all of which is used by a professional technician to determine the cause of the problem. In addition to not being able to access this information, alot of times they will erase the information so that when a real technician tries to determine the problem, the data is gone! I recommend checking the oil level in the car as well as anything else that was done at the oil change facility. If the oil level and condition looks good, and the check engine is not flashing, and you do not notice any performance problems, then I feel that it would be okay to drive it to a repair facility. If any of these problems exist, please have it towed to the facility. You can find shops rated in the top 3-4% of all facilties nationwide by visiting ASE.com. Look for a Blue Seal rated shop. Hope that this helps you.
2007-03-20 16:11:52 · answer #2 · answered by Mtech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was light on before due to low oils levels, if so may reset itself within 15 miles or so of driving, or reset by taking off the battery cables for a minute and rehook up, but do a fluild check before driving to ensure nothing is leaking out and low and that caps are snug
Another thing check the gas cap if not fully seated light will come on, it is usually the first check I make if the light is on, a hole it the gas line tank will also cause to come on
If misfiring the light will check engine light will flash and should not be driven other than to the very nearest service station if a short distance awayu, solid light you can drive a bit but should take in to have checked out soon
The car manual will have a little bit of info on the check engine light, though not much unfortanately about causes
2007-03-20 16:17:30 · answer #3 · answered by OntarioGreys 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it just came on after the oil change then at least drive it back to the dealership or place where you usually get your car fixed. As long as it isn't a timing belt, which you could tell if your RPM went up really high when you started your car or you have checked the oil dipstick and you have plenty of oil in your car, it should be safe to drive.
2007-03-20 16:05:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the oil plug is in correctly. My cavalier died when they forgot to tighten the plug. If all runs well, I'd say It's OK to drive it. The CE light is sensitive, look for elect. plugs in the engine that may have been knocked loose or even the statrer cable may be touching a plug wire. Look for obvious stuff and if the engine sounds normal, drive it in to get checked out.
2007-03-20 16:08:29 · answer #5 · answered by OLLIE 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it should be safe to drive. The place that changed your ol may not have reset the light. I would take it back and have it hooked up to the machine to find out what is making the light come on.
How many miles on the car? There are mile markers that are setup by the manufacturer to trigger the check engine light to come on.
2007-03-20 16:04:14 · answer #6 · answered by UOPHXstudent 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check Engine lights were just created to annoy people and trick them into spending a lot of money just to find that nothing is wrong. Ok, seriously, it should be ok to drive, but have someone hook it up to a diagnostic computer to find out why it's on. It could be just a bad sensor, I've even read that exhaust from a bad gasoline mix can set those lights off. Most likely it's not anything too bad.
2007-03-20 16:06:45 · answer #7 · answered by apsuz73 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The check engine light is mostly dealing with emmissions, unless it is flashing then it has a misfire. You can drive it safely with the light on.
2007-03-20 16:06:33 · answer #8 · answered by JENELLE B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably, but it is good to get it checked out as soon as you can. Could be you need an oxygen sensor. Check you owner's manual and see if there are any scheduled maintenance items for your current mileage.
Could be something as simple as leaky gas cap. Better safe than sorry.
2007-03-20 16:05:47 · answer #9 · answered by Cotton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure that it's safe to drive, but you should take it either to the dealer where you bought it, or an independent. You can go to any auto parts store and have it cleared, but you should make sure thats its nothing serious. Better to check now and it be cheaper than waiting after they clear it and it be expensive.
2007-03-20 16:35:37 · answer #10 · answered by emmaroserauwerdink1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋