check engine light

[kasparov]

I have a toyota carolla 2001, which has been running fine. The check engine light turned on last night... I have not noticed anything wrong car. Do I have to take the car to a mechanic right away in order to get it checked out? Do I even have to get it checked out?

moving to garage
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[AbsolutDealage]

Go to autozone and ask them to tell you what the error code is.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
Go to autozone and ask them to tell you what the error code is for free.

 

[njmodi]

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
Go to autozone and ask them to tell you what the error code is for free as long as you are not in california.

 

[Mxylplyx]

Originally posted by: njmodi

Originally posted by: rh71

Originally posted by: AbsolutDealage
Go to autozone and ask them to tell you what the error code is for free as long as you are not in california.

What, does that state have a diagnostic code reader usage tax? Wouldnt really surprise me.

 

[alpineranger]

No, they just won't do it for you. But they'll lend you the reader for a deposit and you can do it yourself.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

maybe your car is telling you it's time for an oil change. look/feel around for a button under the wheel or near the pedals. if the light goes out after pressing the button, tada!

 

[ayabe]

I think 9/10 it turns out to be a bad O2 sensor.

 

[MixMasterTang]

Originally posted by: ayabe
I think 9/10 it turns out to be a bad O2 sensor.

Or a gas cap that's not fully tightened.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: ayabe
I think 9/10 it turns out to be a bad O2 sensor.

O2 sensor was the case for us. I wish it was more obvious.

 

[Strk]

I'd check the gas cap first (just remove it and put it back on). If that doesn't clear it, it's likely an O2 sensor. The check engine light usually refers to emissions equipment.

 

[njmodi]

It could be one of the gazllion sensors on the car - what is most common on one car may or may not be common on another... there are 50+ reasons that light is on - get the codes - if you can't find someone to help you with it - buy an OBD-II scanner for 50 bucks and retrieve the codes yourself... there is no way to "guess" why that light is on...

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: alpineranger
No, they just won't do it for you. But they'll lend you the reader for a deposit and you can do it yourself.

depends on autozone. Just dont have the guy cart out the whole battery charger assembly and have it fall over on your car.