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PD Moderator	Message Posted: Nov 23, 2009 9:33:22 AM Ignore PD Report Abuse I've noticed a growing number of people I know that are driving with their check engine light on, too broke to have their car checked out. A growing number of Americans drive with their check engine lights on, apparently with the belief that if the car still runs, it's "OK". While much of the time, that may be the case, you'll end up spending more on gasoline until you get the vehicle fixed. Many times that pesky check engine light can mean your car is using fuel at a higher rate, which is why it becomes important to have your vehicle repaired. In some instances, when the check engine light is illuminated, your car could be as much as 50% less fuel efficient. This happens as a precaution to protect your engine. If an oxygen... Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

Moderator

Message Posted: Nov 23, 2009 9:33:22 AM

Ignore PD Report Abuse

I've noticed a growing number of people I know that are driving with their check engine light on, too broke to have their car checked out.

A growing number of Americans drive with their check engine lights on, apparently with the belief that if the car still runs, it's "OK". While much of the time, that may be the case, you'll end up spending more on gasoline until you get the vehicle fixed.

Many times that pesky check engine light can mean your car is using fuel at a higher rate, which is why it becomes important to have your vehicle repaired. In some instances, when the check engine light is illuminated, your car could be as much as 50% less fuel efficient. This happens as a precaution to protect your engine. If an oxygen...

Visit GasBuddy Blog for full article

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AceHiOil Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:1,635 Points:345,415 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jul 18, 2012 12:22:19 AM Ignore AceHiOil Report Abuse My light is not on.
99dakota Champion Author Providence Posts:8,107 Points:2,171,725 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jul 17, 2012 5:35:36 PM Ignore 99dakota Report Abuse As long as it still gets you to work...
great2byaya Rookie Author Fort Collins Posts:1 Points:325 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Jul 17, 2012 1:54:40 PM Ignore great2byaya Report Abuse Clean out your EGR and most of the time problem solved
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 17, 2012 8:33:23 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 14, 2012 8:21:48 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 13, 2012 8:00:10 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse should bye a cheap obd2 reader and check it out
dockersbin Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:407 Points:259,635 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jul 13, 2012 7:57:03 AM Ignore dockersbin Report Abuse Sometimes it pays to get the maintenance done.
AceHiOil Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:1,635 Points:345,415 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jul 13, 2012 7:38:12 AM Ignore AceHiOil Report Abuse Sounds like a good plan.
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 12, 2012 7:11:47 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
Tehbob Champion Author California Posts:2,286 Points:455,655 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jul 11, 2012 10:49:23 AM Ignore Tehbob Report Abuse k
GBMAX Champion Author Phoenix Posts:4,648 Points:1,900,630 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 3:38:33 PM Ignore GBMAX Report Abuse all right
yesrod47 All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:999 Points:154,465 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 2:45:01 PM Ignore yesrod47 Report Abuse OK
CapriceWagon All-Star Author Washington Posts:934 Points:478,095 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jul 10, 2012 11:48:03 AM Ignore CapriceWagon Report Abuse Yeah, it really sucks when your car won't leave the rich mode, when I got mine figured out my economy jumped from 15 to 22 mpg in my '90 wagon
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,238 Points:328,285 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 12:54:00 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse No
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,121 Points:292,685 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 6:40:35 AM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
GasPriceHelp4u Champion Author Dayton Posts:2,682 Points:567,825 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jul 9, 2012 5:46:05 AM Ignore GasPriceHelp4u Report Abuse Most some its right and but sometimes its just a nuisance!!!
jlf599 Veteran Author Kentucky Posts:339 Points:126,925 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 2:33:50 PM Ignore jlf599 Report Abuse In my car, the light came on when I accidentally put 87 in instead of 93. I decided to wait a few days since the only noticeable thing was the turbo lagging a little. I ran it down to about half a tank, filled up with 93 and the light went off and all was well. I guess sometimes it pays to wait and see.
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 12:44:27 PM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse Good point. Keep your car serviced. Most engine lights have to do with smog control devices that have failed.
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 11:01:05 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
photobuddy Champion Author Washington Posts:1,620 Points:370,255 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jul 8, 2012 8:58:05 AM Ignore photobuddy Report Abuse It feels like the light is set to come on every month to help car makers keep the profits high.
exyouen Veteran Author Philadelphia Posts:309 Points:400,965 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jul 7, 2012 5:47:40 PM Ignore exyouen Report Abuse $400 bill by the auto repair shop hurts a lot more than a few cents saved here and there
Donnerino Sophomore Author Maine Posts:155 Points:249,400 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 3:57:31 PM Ignore Donnerino Report Abuse Black Sharpie works well. :)
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:751,730 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 11:17:41 AM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse check your engine when your check engine light goes off unless you want to pay more later.
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 3, 2012 8:25:20 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse ok
stonecold5005 All-Star Author Waco Posts:817 Points:20,240 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 2, 2012 7:16:30 AM Ignore stonecold5005 Report Abuse now what
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 10:05:25 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse what ever
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 9:09:09 AM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse My GM dealer's service manager told me that most of their "check engine" lights are caused by drivers overfilling their tanks. "Give that pump one more little squeeze...it ain't full yet"....type of deal. Something I've been guilty of in the past .... but no more. Overfilled tanks spew a little gas into the overfill line contaminating the activated charcoal filter (smog device) ruining it. Of course they have a sensor for that. On goes the light.
gasokie Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:3,442 Points:1,323,805 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jul 1, 2012 9:09:03 AM Ignore gasokie Report Abuse My GM dealer's service manager told me that most of their "check engine" lights are caused by drivers overfilling their tanks. "Give that pump one more little squeeze...it ain't full yet"....type of deal. Something I've been guilty of in the past .... but no more. Overfilled tanks spew a little gas into the overfill line contaminating the activated charcoal filter (smog device) ruining it. Of course they have a sensor for that. On goes the light.
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 30, 2012 8:57:12 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse now what
clpassenubye Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:3,359 Points:751,730 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 29, 2012 1:51:01 PM Ignore clpassenubye Report Abuse very true get it checked out because it will cost you more later to fix than if you handled it when first noticed.
Edpap Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:4,324 Points:505,950 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jun 27, 2012 1:22:23 PM Ignore Edpap Report Abuse Auto Zone reads the error codes at no charge in PA. I just throw a $2 bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the gas tank and the light goes out within 20 miles.
D61 Rookie Author British Columbia Posts:90 Points:82,575 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 10:11:11 PM Ignore D61 Report Abuse Just put alittle tape over the light, Fixed. Engine noise,turn up your radio,fixed.next week,brake trouble & platform shoes,give it some thought.....questions?...anybody?....hello?
Daddybud Champion Author North Carolina Posts:6,286 Points:1,363,805 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 5:01:55 PM Ignore Daddybud Report Abuse ok
Donatelo Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,121 Points:292,685 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 1:47:40 PM Ignore Donatelo Report Abuse ok
albert2008 Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:7,347 Points:1,480,035 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 7:27:15 AM Ignore albert2008 Report Abuse should have built in obd2 tester incars
BBHybrid Champion Author Pittsburgh Posts:6,465 Points:1,294,070 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: May 29, 2012 6:12:11 AM Ignore BBHybrid Report Abuse usually a sensor has gone bad and there is no mechanic problem
Dee_Kay Veteran Author Pittsburgh Posts:494 Points:71,800 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Feb 1, 2011 6:47:05 PM Ignore Dee_Kay Report Abuse My mechanic said he could not inspect my car while the check engine light was on. He said it was just replaced, go up onto the hwy and go 60 mph for 15 min and then the light should go off. I tried it and it worked? So when I pulled in his garage, he seen it was off inspected & emissions stickers applied. I started it up to pull out of the garage, there is the light on again?
Wolfwings Champion Author Delaware Posts:8,735 Points:1,775,490 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jan 29, 2011 2:59:09 PM Ignore Wolfwings Report Abuse I have driven with my BRAKE light on for more than three years, and have passed my state's required brake test each year. In one instance the inspector told me my brakes were too tight, yet my mechanic says there is no problem.
badbonita Champion Author Syracuse Posts:6,219 Points:1,352,735 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jan 29, 2011 2:15:12 PM Ignore badbonita Report Abuse Last time my check engine light came on, I turned the truck off and back on which didn't clear it. I listened to the engine to see if I could hear anything and watching the gauges intently, I drove the 2 miles to my regular mechanic - who checked everything out and tightened the gas cap. The light went off and I got teased that the next time to come in with a real repair. Which was about 4 months later - NYS inspection, oil change and replace a door hinge. Previously, I would have to go back at least 10 years to the last vehicle and I don't even remember what it was.
csh7586 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:4,782 Points:847,970 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 25, 2011 7:47:53 AM Ignore csh7586 Report Abuse I have had my local mechanic scan and clear a code, and the light stays off for a long time.
jim27106 All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:770 Points:781,210 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jan 23, 2011 12:06:15 AM Ignore jim27106 Report Abuse I've driven with the light on for extended periods. It is a lot of gas to cover a new oxygen sensors. (They wanted to replace two or three of them at $100 a pop.) I had not noticed a decrease in gas milage in any event. I suspect they didn't really know what was wrong. I think it was two years later someone finally said they knew how to fix it for sure and I paid them $150 to do it.
Nicanite Champion Author Flint Posts:4,915 Points:986,770 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Nov 24, 2010 8:34:48 AM Ignore Nicanite Report Abuse Most of your small auto parts stores will scan your engine light for free.
gashoggAB Rookie Author Calgary Posts:4 Points:660 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 14, 2010 4:47:53 PM Ignore gashoggAB Report Abuse yah my vehicle check engine light is on and its from a gas lesk it say a changed my gas cap it went off for week or so then came back on,got the free diagnotic test at PART SOURCE and bought the gas cap there they replaced it 2x then i just went to the servive dealer and they said it might be a faulty gas cap and its better to bye it from the! guess what the gas cap is more there so i cant afford it right now but will get one from there or maybe a pick your part place that sell newer model vehicle's.
toto123MA Rookie Author Boston Posts:1 Points:1,290 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Nov 12, 2010 5:06:59 PM Ignore toto123MA Report Abuse Thanks for that info. I drive for a living, delivering meds to Nursing Homes. Yes, my Check Engine light is on & yes I'm too broke to fix it. It's bad enough the gas prices are going higher but your post gives me more motivation to get my car fixed. Thanks for the info. Toto
fill-her-up Champion Author Ontario Posts:31,153 Points:3,233,625 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2010 3:30:50 AM Ignore fill-her-up Report Abuse not too smart
EVBuddy Champion Author Nevada Posts:16,685 Points:3,030,620 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 10:04:51 PM Ignore EVBuddy Report Abuse Driving with the light on means at the very least polluting the air.
NekoSJG Champion Author San Jose Posts:5,168 Points:974,600 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Sep 3, 2010 6:03:25 PM Ignore NekoSJG Report Abuse If your local library had a code reader would you check it out and read your engine diagnostics?
shepNV Sophomore Author Las Vegas Posts:150 Points:56,035 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Sep 3, 2010 3:19:52 PM Ignore shepNV Report Abuse I will never risk the long term possible damage to the car. I will take the car back to a dealer for that defect.
mweyant Champion Author Maryland Posts:5,528 Points:982,245 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2010 1:07:13 AM Ignore mweyant Report Abuse I've noticed that if I go slightly past the time appointed to get the oil changed, the maintenance light comes on( if the oil is lower than it should be). It does not go off if I simply add some oil. The dealer has to turn it off manually after the car is serviced.
dacofa Champion Author Nevada Posts:5,373 Points:1,148,820 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Jul 22, 2010 10:57:14 AM Ignore dacofa Report Abuse It's a scam to get money from you and down load your car's puter.