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Check engine light on? Find out whats wrong, free!

GasBuddy Blog -- Perhaps millions of motorists are driving across the United States and Canada with a bright yellow light illuminated on their dashboard warning them to check their engine. What's the light mean? It could mean hundreds of different things, but thanks to code scanners that are free at many auto shops, you can find the code and understand the problem.

As I arrived home for the Labor Day weekend and I began striking up conversations with my family, my dad had told me his check engine light was on just a few days after leaving the local Mazda dealership in Grandville, Michigan. I suppose it was a good thing that I come from an auto background and own my own code scanner. A code scanner plugs into a vehicle's diagnosis port, called On Board...

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Submitted Sep 11, 2012 By: PD

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Snowchoux Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,003 Points:145,635 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 4:39:00 PM Ignore Snowchoux Report Abuse Just take the fuse out.
pricewar Champion Author Ogden Posts:1,935 Points:273,265 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Sep 26, 2012 12:38:27 AM Ignore pricewar Report Abuse oh is that what that means. i check the engine and it was still there, looked ok. thought the light was cool looking [Edited by: pricewar at 9/26/2012 12:39:42 AM EST]
dcone2 All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:914 Points:83,660 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2012 7:43:42 PM Ignore dcone2 Report Abuse ok
bull2010 Sophomore Author Houston Posts:137 Points:455,680 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2012 7:08:24 PM Ignore bull2010 Report Abuse oreilly auto parts has them & is also free.
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:751,730 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Sep 25, 2012 12:17:10 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse good info
pricewar Champion Author Ogden Posts:1,935 Points:273,265 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Sep 22, 2012 2:32:01 AM Ignore pricewar Report Abuse Sometimes it can be a few things. Particulary if you drive around With the light on for a few months. Soon you will be an expert on code Reading
honeyb817 Rookie Author Fort Worth Posts:7 Points:570 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Sep 19, 2012 3:54:26 AM Ignore honeyb817 Report Abuse Youtube
Bookieecon Veteran Author Georgia Posts:286 Points:107,825 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Sep 18, 2012 6:10:01 PM Ignore Bookieecon Report Abuse Any auto parts store will be glad to check it for you.Warning! The clerk behind the counter is not a ASE certified mechanic, once they check the engine code; the clerk's sole purpose is to encourage you to buy a part to fix it. Don't buy anything if you don't feel 100% it will fix the problem. The code reader is like getting your vital signs read at the doctor's office before you see the doctor. Get a copy of your codes and go see a mechanic of your choice. You could spend hundreds of dollars trying to fix it yourself when it could be $2.00 worth of vacuum hose. Remember, the OBD-2 light is an indication that your sensors are detecting something wrong with the fuel and emission control system. This can also indicate a mechanical issue. OBD-1 readers for models earlier than 96 are available at most of the auto parts stores depending on year and/or you can order them online. Always get a second opinion. Your wallet depends on it.
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:751,730 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Sep 18, 2012 2:09:40 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse great for them
alphanyr Champion Author Connecticut Posts:4,820 Points:674,775 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 17, 2012 11:15:23 AM Ignore alphanyr Report Abuse no
MrPony Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:421 Points:392,135 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Sep 16, 2012 5:38:34 PM Ignore MrPony Report Abuse How do you find these free places to explain the codes. My station will do a check but it's $25 normally.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Sep 16, 2012 12:54:10 PM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse theres always a reason
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 11:39:26 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse should check it out
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,121 Points:292,685 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 10:27:46 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 15, 2012 12:14:29 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse surprised so many ppl don't know about OBD readers. Wowser. [Edited by: honda0105 at 9/15/2012 12:15:21 AM EST]
Ann1962 Champion Author Denver Posts:1,266 Points:243,205 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 11:08:51 AM Ignore Ann1962 Report Abuse that would be handy to have
JCClark2012 Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:1,399 Points:394,920 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 3:54:34 AM Ignore JCClark2012 Report Abuse How much?
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 14, 2012 12:28:43 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse gaskater: about 200 for the better ones. But it only works if you have an OBD-2 system. I have an older truck... OBD-1 is no longer sold in most places (and non-dealership repair places often no longer carry them either).
gaskater Champion Author California Posts:5,239 Points:1,041,845 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2012 6:49:45 PM Ignore gaskater Report Abuse how much is a new scanner?
Gma02 Rookie Author Fort Wayne Posts:31 Points:8,930 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2012 1:36:02 PM Ignore Gma02 Report Abuse My check engine light came on when I did not have the gas cap tightened all the way
mrjames1818 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,540 Points:1,997,120 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2012 6:23:44 AM Ignore mrjames1818 Report Abuse Auto parts stores will do it for free so will Aamco Transmissions. Meineke muffler wants $90 - for that price I can buy my own scanner.
mrjames1818 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,540 Points:1,997,120 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Sep 13, 2012 6:23:29 AM Ignore mrjames1818 Report Abuse Auto parts stores will do it for free so will Aamco Transmissions. Meineke muffler wants $90 - for that price I can buy my own scanner.
Cheepo Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,889 Points:3,128,005 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 7:20:50 PM Ignore Cheepo Report Abuse My check engine light is on for more than 2 years, no problem!!!!!!!!
garywa01 Sophomore Author Alberta Posts:130 Points:379,165 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 5:38:09 PM Ignore garywa01 Report Abuse good information
GatorGuy Champion Author Columbia Posts:2,225 Points:1,206,310 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 5:15:49 PM Ignore GatorGuy Report Abuse Some cars will also tell you the code by turning the key on/off 3 times.
nickatnite Veteran Author Indianapolis Posts:370 Points:277,965 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:40:35 PM Ignore nickatnite Report Abuse This is very good info.
jpj23 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:5,700 Points:1,097,750 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:25:28 PM Ignore jpj23 Report Abuse You don't necessarily need to go to an auto shop to use a scanner. You can buy one on eBay or elsewhere through the Internet.
nru Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,741 Points:982,250 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:24:31 PM Ignore nru Report Abuse Any auto parts shop will lend you a scanner and you can do it for free.
mdskier Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,930 Points:1,781,635 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:14:11 PM Ignore mdskier Report Abuse My wife's Saturn's "check engine" light was on for 5 years till we got rid of the car. A shop replaced computer boards -no help. The dealer says throw $3000 at us and we will open the transmission. Since the transmission was acting perfectly normal we put black tape over the "Check Engine" light for 5 years. No troubles followed.
mdskier Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,930 Points:1,781,635 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:09:03 PM Ignore mdskier Report Abuse Just before a drive from Maryland to Colorado in a Prius my "Maintenance Required" idiot light came on. The Toyota Dealer had just changed the oil and forgot to reset the light (as it did not light till 50 mi later) I found directions online and reset the light myself. All was fine during the long drive. "Check Engine" often means check emission controls for some trivial problem.
ace12012 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,660 Points:323,860 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:04:33 PM Ignore ace12012 Report Abuse wonder how many check engine lights are being ignored right now.
twinfanMN Champion Author Minnesota Posts:1,623 Points:455,205 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 3:02:17 PM Ignore twinfanMN Report Abuse My check engine light has been on for a 150,000 miles. I got it fixed once and it came back on a couple of weeks later so I said the heck with it. [Edited by: twinfanMN at 9/12/2012 3:02:51 PM EST]
wild3bill Champion Author New York Posts:2,546 Points:1,686,615 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:57:56 PM Ignore wild3bill Report Abuse For many simple issues the MIL= Malfunction Indicator Light is supposed to go out if the problem does not reoccur in several cycles of start run, shut-off.Other codes need to be reset with a scanner.I reset one before inspection of my 97 Diesel pickup several years ago.I don't remember and the light stayed out.The service soon light came on in my 2911 BMW on the way home from service Oil change and State inspection. It went out by itself a day or two later before I had a chance to schedult another visit to bthe dealer.I know the dealer had to hook up to tell the On Board Computer Oil was changed and State inspection done.I assume the dealer's mechanic may have touched something triggering a false alarm while inspecting or oil-changing.The light went out by itself so I am no longer worried..With the computers in my BMW, They SHOULD be able to decode the error code into German, English, French, etc.But they like to get me in there to sell me some Non-covered service like changing the air in the tires to Nitrogen, snaking the drains of the Sun roof ;-}
DeeLA Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:4,807 Points:1,363,380 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:53:07 PM Ignore DeeLA Report Abuse Thanks, good to know.
bbthegun Champion Author San Diego Posts:5,978 Points:1,680,215 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:44:54 PM Ignore bbthegun Report Abuse ZeroBoxes - funny!
1Casey Champion Author Albany Posts:6,523 Points:1,791,210 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:43:06 PM Ignore 1Casey Report Abuse o.k.
ZeroBoxes Champion Author Mississippi Posts:1,069 Points:211,390 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:42:28 PM Ignore ZeroBoxes Report Abuse Hmmm...now i'm confused...I drive a Chevy and my engine-light-on code translated into: "buy a FORD!".....:)
timesaverinc Champion Author Wichita Posts:1,468 Points:293,640 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:42:26 PM Ignore timesaverinc Report Abuse Everybody knows that
manbig13 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,431 Points:556,725 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:40:54 PM Ignore manbig13 Report Abuse old
Ken2OD Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:9,062 Points:1,969,990 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:40:21 PM Ignore Ken2OD Report Abuse My check engine light always costs me more money.
Discovery02 Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:2,540 Points:308,715 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:39:30 PM Ignore Discovery02 Report Abuse Good info...didn't know that. I'll keep Auto Zone and the others in mind next time the Check Engine Light comes on.
dougtaylor1 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,751 Points:446,575 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:38:54 PM Ignore dougtaylor1 Report Abuse Usually very un-important, but if you let it go it could turn into a big problem.
MRHONEST Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,212 Points:1,674,930 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:37:32 PM Ignore MRHONEST Report Abuse I drove with my light on forever!
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:7,243 Points:1,618,100 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:36:05 PM Ignore srchr Report Abuse code scanners started in the mid 80's with the availability of tiny computer chips - microprocessors. each mfgr had their own unpublished proprietary codes and readers that the dealers used. auto buffs passed around copies of typewritten sheets with codes they had managed to get from friends in the auto industry or had figured out by trial and error. there was some standardization with OBDI but the current full set of codes and common connector wasn't standardized until OBDII in 1996. my low end 2007 ford focus doesn't have all the neat readouts built into more expensive car models (instantaneous and average mpg, engine rpm, gph, intake temperature etc, plus error codes) so i bought a little OBDII scanner that displays 4 readouts simultaneously and mounts nicely just above the steering wheel column - about $180.
99church Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,816 Points:361,065 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:34:00 PM Ignore 99church Report Abuse good article
wshutton Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,662 Points:923,970 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:32:55 PM Ignore wshutton Report Abuse K
firefly09 Champion Author San Diego Posts:2,497 Points:716,700 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:32:50 PM Ignore firefly09 Report Abuse Interesting.
fowlcan Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,105 Points:683,090 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:32:04 PM Ignore fowlcan Report Abuse I have used AutoZone several times to diagnose the issue. They also sell the common parts.
suzyq2007 Champion Author Dallas Posts:7,159 Points:1,648,975 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:31:32 PM Ignore suzyq2007 Report Abuse this is why I really do not trust them
Settjec Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,974 Points:686,770 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Sep 12, 2012 2:25:03 PM Ignore Settjec Report Abuse Great article.