what could cause engine ligt to come on?

Answer 1

It can be emissions control problems - usually simply solved by filling up your tank and replacing the gas cap securely.

It can be several other minor things as well.

It can be an indication of serious car trouble as well, so don't play around with it. The owner's manual of my Nissan says to fill up the gas tank and tighten the gas cap and take a couple of short trips - to work, to the store, etc. and if it goes off, that it was an emissions thing. But if it doesn't go off - TAKE IT IN IMMEDIATELY.

If it were me, I'd take it in immediately in the first place just to be certain. Because if it is one of the bigger problems, it'll only get worse by continuing to drive it.

Answer 2

There are a few things to say here. First off is why do you, who knows nothing about cars want to lodge a complaint because the mechanic told you your car was as good as new? It wasn't the mechanic that ran the car low on oil. And the oil thing, it's got nothing to do with what is wrong with your car, you just wanted someone to say it was the wrong oil and then you would lodge a complaint about the guy who recommended the oil. And then we come to the sudden stop that lead to this, A sudden stop will not make the compression go away, could knock the wire off the coil though. And you fell for it and had the car towed, now they have another story, no pressure and they have your car. See what that will cost you just to get it out of there. You might want to start the complaint now, take a tap recorder with you so you get the story straight.

Answer 3

Well you haven't given much info to go on but, there are any number of check engine lights that can come on. Normally if it's not an oxygen sensor or a clogged catalytic converter other symptoms while coincide. The make may have access to the on board computer through a plug under the dash. Have the vehicle checked to see which codes are coming up and, have it towed if the temperate Gage is reading abnormal.

Answer 4

Check engine light can come on from any sensor not functioning properly or any engine problem that registered with the computer. You must get the engine scanned with a mechanic and determine whats wrong.

By the way Ron Paul 2008!

Answer 5

well like most everyone has mentioned it could be a series of problems. firstly the loose gas cap, secondly if your running low on gas the light depending on the model will come on other models have a gas light indicator.. thirdly in your engine you have a series of sensors they sell a machine at canadian tire i think it depends on the model of your vehical but you plug that puppy into your computer usually under the dash of your car and it gives you a series of codes which you look up in the manual that comes with the electronic device and tells you the prob.

I would personaly look into the cost of getting it checked at a garage who can turn around and tell you anything to make some extra cash, and compare it to the cost of the device which can be used if this ever happens again and you can get a real 100% answer. and it could be something really small that u could do yourself... its up to you..

Answer 6

The Electronic control module which manages the engine through a series of algorithms. It senses a parameter from either a sensor or actuator out of tolerance, so it switches a transistor which provides ground the circuit coming from the engine light, which in turn, turns the engine light on.

Answer 7

What type of car is it? I heard that some lights can come on if the gas cap is not on all the way. Bring the car in to your local parts store like Auto zone and they sometimes check warning lights problems for free or give ya some kinda of idea whats wrong.

Answer 8

this light causes a bunch of problems. Here is what I do. I keep a constant check on my fuel milage at every fill up and if it stays close to 30 mpg for my car I know everything is ok. if it would suddenly drop to say 20 mpg then I know I have a major engine problem. this excludes engine fluids of course they still need to be checked.

Answer 9

A number of things will make a engine light come on , You need to have the codes read and it will tell you which component is bad or failing, good luck

Answer 10

When the engine light comes on, usually the ECU in your car has detected a irregularity in one of the sensors on your motor. Pending on what car you have there is usually about 15 electronic sensors to monitor and make your motor more efficiant. Take it to a shop with a OBD reader and they can tell you what sensor could be bad.