It came on all the sudden today. I had been driving it about an hour, during this time I filled up with gas, everything seemed to be fine. I went home, then about 30 minutes later left again and the CEL stayed on after cranking and has been on ever since. The only problem I know the car has is a problem with the brakes, I think it is the calipers but haven't gotten it checked out yet. Would this make the CEL come on like this (I thought the CEL only came on when there was a problem with the emissions) or can there be another problem. I drive a 99 Ford Taurus.
2007-04-07 17:31:53 · 10 answers · asked by ltlluci 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Aside from the previously mentioned gas cap, they neglected to answer your query as to the brake.
No, brake issues will not indicat a fault through the CEL.
There are many components that work together in the engine to maintain optimal engine performance and economy.
A service engine soon, or check engine light indicates that there is a sensor that is reading a condition that is "out of range".
Simply resetting the light does not solve the initial cause of the problem.
Replacing a number of parts trying to troubleshoot the problem in the hopes of getting the light to stay off is a tremendous waste of time and money.
The simplest, and most economical way to alleviate your issue, is to have an engine diagnostic done by a reputable shop to determine what caused the computer to signal you to begin with. Just reading the computer codes may not find the "cause".
That being said, if per-chance you feel the need to reset the light in the hopes that it was a "glitch" of some kind, you could disconnect the negative battery terminal for a couple of minutes to clear the check engine light.
Oh, you should get your brakes checked out soon too..
2007-04-07 17:43:32 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the CEL comes on. It has set a code because it detected a fault. It can set over 200 different codes. Each code can set for any number of reasons. Bad sensor, switch, actuator, wire, connector, fuse, etc etc etc.
Your car needs some diagnostic test performed on it before the cause of the problem can be determined. Most problems are diagnosed in 1-2 hrs of time. Some times less, some time more. Find a good shop in your area.
Also I would think the brake calipers are NOT the cause.
2007-04-07 20:08:27 · answer #2 · answered by akicestorm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CEL is a "heads up" sensor warning, usually about something in the emissions system. The first place to check is your catalytic convertor.
But instead of testing a bunch of things at different times to track the problem down, get a full computer diagnostic done by your mechanic. I think it costs about $100.
2007-04-07 17:43:23 · answer #3 · answered by gone fishing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great that you mentioned the filling up with gas. You need to check and make sure you have it tight. When you put the cap on it should make about 1/2 or 3/4 of a turn and then click. If you do not hear the click then your cap is not on tight. Go out double check the cap and the check engine light will turn off in about 25 miles.
2007-04-07 17:38:47 · answer #4 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The CEL is'nt only for emissions problems. It can be almost anything on a computer controlled vehicle. Like Ben said, youre best off going to a mechanic and getting a computer diagnostics test done to know for certain what it is. It's only about $60.00...Good luck.
2007-04-07 17:40:24 · answer #5 · answered by Faceman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no longer something to do with fluids. Flashing means you're misfiring and that is something which will be severe. A experiment of the code at this aspect will in simple terms allow you to know what cylinder is misfiring and that i guess there is more advantageous than one. Did you positioned decrease grade gasoline? That and the nice and cozy temperature could reason this. it would also be a nasty gasoline clear out, undesirable spark plugs or undesirable injectors. occurs plenty because the elements starts to get warm out. i could go have the vehicle looked at because there are one of those a threat causes and it may get severe priced replacing aspects that isn't restoration the priority. you would get fortunate notwithstanding that's healthier to have it dealt with and end driving if it maintains as misfiring can harm the engine fairly.
2016-11-27 02:50:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2002 Ford Ranger, the check engine light has been on for a year. Needed a new battery last week, so i took it out. The next day I put the new battery in and the light is no longer on. Just try unhooking the battery cables for a few hours.
2007-04-08 02:06:25 · answer #7 · answered by justme 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The same thing happened to me too. I took my car to the dealer and they told me not to worry. It is programmed in the car so you will take your car in for a check up. So they just entered a code and the light shut off.
I don't know how old your car is but having it checked just in case is not a bad idea.
2007-04-07 17:58:30 · answer #8 · answered by adryanna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its probably your gas cap that is the most common reason the check engine light comes on
2007-04-07 17:34:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can have a FREE diagnostics test ran at Auto Zone. But it probably is your gas cap.
2007-04-07 17:56:25 · answer #10 · answered by jescalex 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋