Check Engine light

[tontod]

I just had the check engine light come on in my car. I know some people drive with this light on for a while. Is it usually something small? I'm going to have it checked out this weekend. Oh, and the car just turned 50k if that makes a difference.

 

[ElFenix]

it means that you are not emmissions compliant. there are various reasons this could be, from the gas cap not being on all the way to cylinders mis-firing.

 

[crazyx26]

my check engine light has been on for the past 5000 miles. when the service light comes on is when i worry

 

[jpsj82]

<< it means that you are not emmissions compliant. there are various reasons this could be, from the gas cap not being on all the way to cylinders mis-firing. >>

right - i know with volvos the only way to shut it off is to bring it into the dealer/repair shop. They can tell you what is wrong.

 

[stonecold3169]

Did you literally JUST cross 50,000 miles? Many car models pop the check engine light on when you cross boundary points, I know my car hit at 50,000, 75,000 , and then 100,000. You'd just take it to a shop and they'd flick a switch and all was good.

 

[tontod]

Yeah, I JUST crossed 50k, its like at 50020 now.

 

[HappyPuppy]

The light came on in my car awhile back. I tightened the gas cap a little more and it went out. It could also be something as simple as the engile oil filler cap not being screwed on all the way or the engine oil dipstick not being inserted completely.

 

[cipher00]

Well, maybe you could check engine.

 

[XZeroII]

Depending on the car, it could mean many things. On my car (167,000 miles Grand Am) there is a control thing below the steering column and you can check why it came on from there. You just need a jumper wire. Go to your local auto store and get a Haynes auto repair book. It will tell you in there what it means. It also tells you exactly how to tear down and rebuild your engine

 

[tontod]

HappyPuppy: Thats what I did, just tightened the gas cap and the light went away.

 

[Tominator]

***REPOST!***

 

[sten]

It means you need a piece of electrical tape...

 

[amdskip]

My light comes on all the time, probably the oxygen sensor but I don't really care