Check Engine Tip O Da Day

By -
So you are driving down the road and all of the sudden you see an extra light on the dashboard…darn, it’s the check engine light. Now what? A trip to the dealer is a $100 loss when you pull into the parking lot and that is not on the top of my list of things to do. So, how about a trip to the nearest Advance Auto Parts or Auto Zone? These places have the diagnostic computers compatible with most cars and, get this - they will do it for free! Yep, you walk out of there with the secret little code to tell a mechanic so they know the problem area. Nice huh?

Comments

Stephanie said…
That is the COOLEST thing to know! Thanks, jMo!

Along the lines of car tips, I sent my last payment to Honda today, which was very exciting!
24 January, 2006 11:36
Jay said…
If you're an übergeek, you can also buy your own car code diagnostic device.
24 January, 2006 12:52
Jay said…
OH, CONGRATS, Steph! That's amazing! (Can't wait for that day, personally)
24 January, 2006 12:53
Anonymous said…
lol

Check engine light usually means that youve gone 5000 miles since your last oil change (or you forgot the reset the counter) or that your oxygen sensor is going bad.
24 January, 2006 13:55
Jay said…
Looks like we got our first comment spam! Thanks, LennyFisher!
24 January, 2006 15:44
Pete said…
Actually it was out 2nd. The first was a few weeks ago. They have both been BALETED!
24 January, 2006 15:46
Kris said…
I noticed that first Spam a while ago. I'd had a few on my site. Perhaps you guys could write a tip on how to get rid of them...I haven't figured that one out yet.
Oh, Check Engine on my car meant that my gas cap wasn't tight enough...it's the Maintenence Required light that means oil change.
24 January, 2006 23:20
JCo said…
I learned so much about my car with this check engine light thing. I now know where the egr flow valve is located and that you have to take the intake manifold off to totally access it. It is simply an emissions thing and will not hurt your car to not fix it (aka, clean it) but you will not be aware of any other problems that may arise that involve your check engine light because there is not way to disconnect the valve from the light to get the silly light off, you must clean it up.
25 January, 2006 08:57
Pete said…
It seems to me, that check engine lights seem to be more trouble then their worth.
25 January, 2006 10:25
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