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YACT: Check Engine Light Q

Murpheeee

Diamond Member
Okay, so my check engine light went on on Saturday while I was out running errands.

I thought I better stop by Autozone so they can tell me wazzup.
But in the time it took me to finish my errands (switching on and off car several times in the process) - the light went out again.

I just got the car 2 weeks ago, so I really want to know what it was so I can bitch at the dealer if its serious.

Is there any kind of onboard log they could tap into?

If not Autozone, how about the dealer?
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
Uhm, make model year helps :roll:
Yeah, make and model and some detail about what you've bought... I mean, is this a new car, or is it used? Warranty?

If it's warranted, you should deal with the dealership, of course.

And, yes, the computer remembers the error codes that have set off the "check engine" light until the computer is reset (usually by disconnecting the battery).
 
Take it to Autozone first and get the code. In my experience, dealers will not let you know what code it was and will try to gank you for large repairs.

CELs can pop up for something as minor as a loose gas cap, so as long as the car is running fine there is no reason for immediate alarm.
 
On the other hand, if he bought it two weeks ago why wouldn't you go back to the dealer? That is, unless it was used without warranty but even then you may be able to get them to fix it.
 
The code will be stored.

Usually a minor CEL will go out after 3 or 4 cycles (turn car on and off = cycle)

If you take it somewhere they'll likely still be able to read the code.
 
Originally posted by: NutBucket
On the other hand, if he bought it two weeks ago why wouldn't you go back to the dealer? That is, unless it was used without warranty but even then you may be able to get them to fix it.
Even under warranty, I would go to Autozone first because the dealer will likely not give him the code. I like to know what's going on.
 
my dealer let me know the CEL code....i would goto the dealer...its under warranty if its a new car, so they should fix it free of charge
 
I know about autozone and getting the code for free, but how does it work ? They go out to your car with you or do they give you a device to stick somewhere then you come back and determine what it was yourself ?
 
They come out to your car with the scanner doo-hickey and stick it into your cars OBD port and read it themselves.

They do not give the OBD scanner to customers.
 
Originally posted by: Vic
Take it to Autozone first and get the code. In my experience, dealers will not let you know what code it was and will try to gank you for large repairs.

CELs can pop up for something as minor as a loose gas cap, so as long as the car is running fine there is no reason for immediate alarm.

:thumbsup:
 
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