my engine light just started coming on and after I shut the engine off and restart the car, no engine light! What can this be? A few weeks ago I had a new upper radiator hose replaced and lost some of the antifreeze and didn't add more to replenish...could therre be a connection?
2007-07-26 12:50:57 · 6 answers · asked by sorri 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
An engine light that comes on and stays on while you drive but shuts off after turning off the car and restarting is called a soft code. It is intermittent. That means the problem isn't serious ...YET! its not that a mechanic forgot to throw a switch...>rolls eyes< An intermittant problem is classified as a soft code. Something like the alternator not charging would be a hard code and the light would burn constantly. Whatever the code... you need to have the codes read or buy a code reader and do it yourself. If your car is 96 or newer, you will need a OBD-II code reader from any local Auto Parts store. They range from $30.00 to $200.00 . If your car is 95 or older you will need an OBD-I reader. A bit tougher to find these days but they are out there. I know O'Reilly Auto Parts still carries them. I doubt that the new upper radiator hose and the coolant spillage has anything to do with the intermittant or soft code you are experiencing.
2007-07-26 13:26:22 · answer #1 · answered by Gobyknows 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be connected. Go to Auto Zone or Advance. If your car is newer than 1995 or so they have a reader that will read the code off your computer. After the light goes off, the computer stores the code for at least 3 starts, sometimes more. There's no charge for this service.
2007-07-26 19:57:55 · answer #2 · answered by Rich 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a mechanic but I had a similar problem after taking my Dakota in for service. The mechanics simply forgot to throw a switch or something. If the engine light started coming on after your service, it could possibly the mechanics forgot to switch it off. A reputable shop will fix it and not charge you.
2007-07-26 20:02:15 · answer #3 · answered by Rusty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
generally that is symptomatic of your oxygen sensor getting ready to go out. keep a close watch on it and as the other suggested take it and get the codes read. If no codes come up or your engine light comes on steady take it to a shop. good luck
2007-07-26 20:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by jack w 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you purchased gas lately? Your check engine light will come on when your gas cap is off or not tight. Check that first.
2007-07-26 20:07:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
have this condition diagnosed by a qualified technician... not the kind that do it for free. get it fixed or you will be sorri..... wait you already are. lol
2007-07-26 19:55:57 · answer #6 · answered by tsh_66 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋