Mayday! Mayday! This is the Lied family auto, the check engine light came on and we are all gonna die! Is anyone out there? Help! we are going down! That dreaded, nasty light on the dash or information center display. We all hate it and some even fear it. This does not mean the end of the world, or that you are stranded along side the road.
Most of the time, and I do mean the majority, the light comes on for a sensor malfunction or even leaving the gas cap loose. A small vacuum line leak is another mayhem maker. These are not terminal and you are not stranded by any means. If the problem was terminal, today’s modern vehicles would be shut down by their on-board computer or ECM as technicians call it. These tiny computers do allow for “limp mode” in most cases as well. That means you will be able to drive for a limited amount of time at a reduced power output level. My personal record is 12 miles at 32mph ( approximately, the gauges quit working ) in a 2001 Ford Mustang. Then it shut off for good.
Here is what to do instead of panicking:
1 – pull over as soon as you can, safely out of the flow of traffic.
2 – check engine oil level and color. Clean oil is a transparent yellowish color while old oil is a blackish color.
Make sure it is between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick.
3 – check the engine coolant level, look at the overflow tank to see if any is even in it. DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP!! Hot coolant could gush out and severely burn you. Just see if the tank level is near the low mark but preferably at the full mark.
4 – If these fluids look good, and the engine still runs fine, by all means drive the vehicle to the nearest destination of your choice. You can always stop at Advance Auto Parts or some other parts supply store and have the code read for free. Or call your mechanic and see what they say. If you use the same shop and/or mechanic, they will know you and your vehicle well enough to advise you on what to do next.
Happy motoring with the check engine light on,
Troy
Blue Car Garage-Myth,Majik,and Dreams 