what does it mean when the check engine light comes on in car?

Question

I have 61000 miles on 1998 neon.It idles high sometimes, the other day it completely cut off after I started it. Check engine light stays on now. It's been 3wks now.

Answer 1

it could be a number of things- I had the same prob- they said it was either a bad starter, needed a new alternater or it could be a bad timing belt. My moms 97 neon's light will come on simply if the gas cap isnt screwed on tight enough. my problem was the alternator and it cost about 80 to replace

Answer 2

Doomed is going down a five mile 7% grade with no brakes and dead engine. Your exhaust situation is likely to blame. You didn't mention the year of the car but there's likely an O2 sensor on either side of the Catalytic converter and the escaping exhaust gases can mean a false reading on one O2 sensor. Not to mention the exhaust gases can burn through wires and heat up the floor boards to where the carpets could catch fire. Some cars have oil level sensors and when you are down a quart of oil the "service soon" or "check engine" light comes on. Add oil and it goes away. Can also mean coolant level is low in the overflow bottle or the washer fluid bottle or even the powersteering fluid reservoir. Good luck!

Answer 3

The only reason the check engine light comes on is to tell you something is wrong with the emission system of your car.Please take it to your local dodge dealer not to make a good guess which will cost you more money in the long run but to fine the problem and fix whats wrong.Your dodge dealer knows your neon better than anyone.

Answer 4

Your car is equipped with "OBD II" diagnostics, it needs to be scanned with a code reader or Computer scan tool, remember the code that is stored in memory does not necessarily tell you what part is causing the problem but will identify the problem area/system/circuit, some codes are specific to a part failure, only a trained technician can properly diagnose a non specific failure code, otherwise you might just be throwing parts at the problem.

Answer 5

It could be a number of things. I would take it to your local Autozone store. Where I am from they will hook it up to a computer and code it for free. When the code it , they will be able to tell you what is wrong with your car. More than likely I would think you have a sensor going bad

Answer 6

Check the engine. Hook up a code reader.

Answer 7

I had this problem a couple of months ago. the problem was simple, my gas cap was loose, just tightened it and the problem was solved, good luck!

Answer 8

It means some one had better look under the hood for something wrong.

Answer 9

take the car to autozone...they can run a test on it and tell you what the code means.

Answer 10

o wow it means something is not right in your engine take it to a mechanic