I drive a 2001 Mercury cougar, and I'm having a problem with it. I was driving around today and the check engine light came on. Then a little exclamation point inside a circle starting flashing under the speedometer, and the brakes were kind of squealing. Also the car was driving funny, it kind of felt like it "chugging". Does anyone know what could possibly be wrong with it? I'm taking it over to a mechanic tomorrow, but in the meantime I'm getting worried. Does anyone have an idea what could be wrong? I hope it won't be expensive to fix.
2007-12-13 14:38:43 · 7 answers · asked by estrella 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
My best guess would be the oxygen sensor. It can cause the car to stumble and you would have to press the gas pedal all the way to the floor, to get it up to speed. It could also be a bad catalytic converter which is causing the oxygen sensor to give bad readings to the computer. You can take it to your local auto parts store and get a free diagnostic check. Then you will have a better idea of what the problem is before you see a mechanic.
The price for a new oxygen sensor can run from 75-150 depending on the brand. It should only take 2 hours at most to install it.
The price on a new catalytic converter runs between 100-200 depending on which kind you get. It should only take about 30 mins to install.
2007-12-13 15:16:25 · answer #1 · answered by WRX_RIDER 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The brakes shouldn't have anything to do with a check engine light.
There are dozens of things that could cause the "chugging." When you go to your mechanic, they will pull the code from the computer (the computer stores a code when the CEL comes on...or rather, the CEL comes on when the computer has a code), and that will PROBABLY tell you what's wrong.
Until you do that, though, you're just taking shots in the dark.
2007-12-13 14:45:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Like Mikey and frank f have said. You didn't get the whole story. There is NO WAY the police or anyone but the owner of the car is going to have to pay for damages and like stated here is why. If spikes are used on a vehicle, it was most likely in a pursuit. This means that the driver is breaking the law for not pulling over. (Even if it was the wrong car) At this point the driver is going to be arrested and is committing a crime. The police use spike strips to stop the vehicle, and driver is arrested. Any damage to the vehicle that is caused is the responsibility of the driver or owner at this point.
2016-05-23 11:41:48 · answer #3 · answered by amada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go get the Check Engine Light code read at your local auto parts store. It's FREE! However, check engine light means that you have a problem with your emissions (smog)and your car is not burning clean. The best thing to do is go get the code read at an auto part store and go from there.
2007-12-13 15:16:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
most new cars go into a lower power mode if there is a problem "limp mode" as I call it have it checked right away your local autoparts store usually can plug into the computer and give you a rough idea where the problem may be IF THIS IS AN ABS PROBLEM (antilock brakes) BE CAREFUL. And do not drive it any further than necessary.
2007-12-13 14:44:48 · answer #5 · answered by yodamandemonoid 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check engine light can be many things, the exlamation point is low tire pressure, and the brakes can be many things. I would say easily a few hundred dollars for diagnostics and brake repair if not more.
2007-12-13 14:45:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hard to say. The mechanic will pull the codes from the computer and then you should know what the problem is.
good luck.
2007-12-13 14:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋