Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
If my check engine light came on this evening, does that mean, check it right now? Could I drive it a couple more days? I'm very busy and really don't need this.
my check engine light has been on in my Truck for over 2 years, lol.... mine is just a bad sensor so theres no reason to even fix it
That's the thing, I hear these stories of "oh, I drove it like that for a week" or "for months" ... I just don't want it to blow up and have a worse problem.
Better to get it looked at but your Owners Manual may have some info as well. One of my cars manuals indicate that it the check engine light is flashing it needs immediate attention, if it's solid it should be looked at in a timely fashion.
On newer vehicles, once the light comes on, it typically stays on. Usually when it flashes, it does this because of a serious problem.Ive had check engine lights come on and stay for a long time. I think someone else mentioned that the trouble is when it is flashing. Check the oil and fluids and you should be fine for a couple of days. The only reason I would fix them is if it had to pass smog. Then again, it cant hurt to run it by a Autozone or Pepboys and have them check it.
She would notice if it was misfiring. They dont come on for water pumps and things like that. So I think she should be fine.On newer vehicles, once the light comes on, it typically stays on. Usually when it flashes, it does this because of a serious problem.
The only time Ive ever seen it flash was when the engine is misfiring. Ive had a coil fail on my F-150 a couple times and when the engine was missing really bad (such as when under heavy acceleration), the light would flash.
Like I said, as long as the engine is running good, have it checked at your earliest convenience. Be it the end of the week or this weekend or whatever.
It could just be a sensor, it could be an idle air control valve, it could be a PCV valve; it could be a pinhole in a vacuum line. It could be any number of things and reading the code will lead you in the right direction.
:confused2:
Sounds like its time for a new mechanic. CELs dont come on for no reason.I agree Bake; I will take mine in to get it checked (or have our mechanic here hook up the diagnostic) but my personal truck's check engine light comes on every 300-500 miles for no reason. It's been on and off for over two years now! My mechanic checks and resets it every time I take it in for an oil change.
True, but by just disconnecting the battery you dont really know what the problem is, so you are just guessing.And you would go through the same thing if you had to replace the battery anyway.