Do it Yourself: Re: [DIY] Check Engine Reset:

25 April 2013

Re: [DIY] Check Engine Reset:

My dealer said that an intermittent light should be checked when you get a chance; a solid light is as soon as possible, but a BLINKING light is take action immediately. Guess some car brands use different systems.

We bought a check engine device on eBay for less than $30, including shipping. It's easy to use and includes a book that translates the codes. You can also do an online search for the codes and find out how to fix them yourself. Before that, we were paying at least $25 to get a mechanic to check the code, until we discovered a car-parts place that would loan one.

Apparently, the additive they put in gas (sorry, can't remember the name, makes the gas hard on mowers and such) damages the emission control system. I had mine replaced twice under warranty, then ignored the lights after the warranty ended, so I got real familiar with checking my car!

At 06:58 AM 4/24/2013, you wrote:

To add to Dales comments, an *orange* check engine light is usually related to the emissions system and can be something as simple as a poor sealing or open fuel cap. Driving with an orange check engine light isn't fatal...although don't be surprised if you notice your mpg suffering (for example, my RX400h hybrid, on the way back from Columbus Ohio, suddenly had it's orange check engine light come on and my mpg went from 27 to 16!! Once I got home, I had our local dealer check it out and discovered a faulty charcoal cannister..replaced under warranty).

However, if a RED check engine light comes on, something really BAD is happening to your engine and you should safely and IMMEDIATELY pull over and turn off the engine. Often, by the time you get a RED check engine light, it's already too late so time is critical to pull over as fast and safely as possible and do NOT restart the engine. Call a tow truck and get it checked out by a competent mechanic.

-aki

On Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 10:24 AM, Dale S <dalu@hbcomm.net> wrote:

I have often questioned whether the "check engine" light was a consumer service or an automotive service terror device. If all of the fluid levels are OK, my first solution before going to one of the parts houses to have the code read has been to disconnect the battery for about 2 minutes to allow the computer to reset. Many times the light goes out never to return, as many conditions such as ice and mud build up as well as temperature extremes can cause to light to come on and depending on the nature of the alarm stay on until reset. Some check engine alarms can only be reset by disconnecting the battery, so why not try that first before succumbing to the panic mode? Just thought I'd throw that out for those who might not have thought of this simple check, besides at 22° it is too cold to do much else.

--

Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."