Go to Life in the fast lane--where's the on ramp?
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- Go to Check Engine...
LMAO!! My - the post is dramatic enough - I hate driving a vehicle with any kind of warning light on. But the comments crack me up!! Though Food-4-thought seems to know what he's talking about.
posted by
adnohr
on May 23, 2012 at 7:37 PM
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I had one of those happen to me on my last car. I got all upset about it and called in to work and took it to a garage. They told me they fixed it (I forget what they charged), but as soon as I pulled out of their place it came back on. I said phooey and drove it for five more years, with the check engine light on.
posted by
TAPS.
on May 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM
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there we are, you have already been to the shop which is a relief for me
because I would have suggested sticking tape over the sign and keep driving. If I can't see it, it isn't there. That is how I do a Uturn on the road. Close my eyes and turn. that way I can't hit something that I can't see.
posted by
Kabu
on May 23, 2012 at 9:26 AM
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Re: food4thought -- what else to check...
Thanks for the tip. Your msg is right on. Took Ruby T. by the shop, & it turns out your thing about the gas cap could be part of it. They think it's a minor leak in an emissions hose. Of course they blow right past me with all that tech talk. :)
posted by
Pat_B
on May 23, 2012 at 8:09 AM
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Well Pat I probably would not notice if it was on, but then I have radio somewhere and a roof that opens somehow and a navigation unit that is out of date. Take the advice of any one but me,
posted by
C_C_T
on May 23, 2012 at 7:47 AM
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Pat...
First, are there any other lights on? Engine temperature and oil pressure lights are indicators that something major may be wrong. Most likely it is an emission system exceeding its parameters. Notably, oxygen sensors can turn the light on and no serious damage will result. Look under the car for signs of major leaks, oil or coolant puddling under the engine is bad. The car will continue to run ok since the computer can compensate and keep it running. Only if its a serious failure will the system go into "limp home" mode and you will notice a decided lack of power and it will not go very fast. Some auto parts stores will read the code for free, but the first thing a code reader manual says is, "don't replace a component just because it is listed in a trouble code." That is because loose wires and hoses can still cause old fashioned problems.
Make sure the technician thoroughly explains the problem and make sure your gas cap is tight, that can set off a light. Good luck and post the story of what happens.
posted by
food4thought
on May 23, 2012 at 7:40 AM
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Pat
In my experience, the 'check engine' light means sort of, 'It might be a good idea to have a mechanic look at this at the next opportunity'.
In most cases it does not mean, 'Stop! Get out! Run and take cover in the ditch!'
So I would drive to the shop...Mind you, this is advice from someone totally unqualified to give any...
posted by
Nautikos
on May 23, 2012 at 6:41 AM
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