Are Cars Still made so that their "CHECK ENGINE" light Automatically comes on??

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Retired; APRIL 2014 Thank You Gambling
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I know many of the cars in the 80s had the automatic check engine lights, the automakers wanted to SCARE you into comeing into the shop to get service,,,

do they still do that? My check engine light came on at a conspicuous 54,200 mile mark, but everything is perfect,,,,

the Idle is fine, its not Hot,, I had to drive it several times since, and not a single prob,(I have a 2nd car, so Ive been useing it mostly)
WTF??:icon_conf

thanks to all that have thoughts,,
tater
 

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Its realated to your exhaust emmissions. Not uncommon if you have a cattlitic converter thats not always working properly. Not a big deal at all.
 

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With my 2000 S4 Audi, I call it the "$800 light"

Damm light has come on 3 times over the past 8 months, each time costing me AT LEAST $800! wtf. 2 sensors + labor,$831; new brakes (must have new rotors with Audi's you can't cut their "space age material", $1,100. I believe I am being taken to the cleaners. I may owe another German car in my lifetime, but I WILL NEVER OWE ONE PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD AGAIN.
 

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My check engine light has been on for 3 years running!!!........should be burning the bulb out soon.

:lolBIG:

DON'T SWEAT IT!
 

Triple digit silver kook
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Often the check engine light will be on if you didnt tighten gas cap.

Try that, if still on for a few days, it could be whats known as an oxygen sensor.

Part of fuel injection system. Not a big deal, but you arent getting optimal gas mileage if this isnt properly working.

Very inexpensive to fix.

Of course, cost depends on the ride.
 

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Like I said, I got taken

2 "oxygen sensors" parts $541, Labor, $307 to replace. I hate not knowing a damn thing about cars.:Sad Face:
 

Triple digit silver kook
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Drive an inexpensive car and repairing this will be less than 60 bucks.

Know how to fix or know someone that does, costs less then 10 bucks.

He didnt say the make/model of the car.

Next time, remove gas cap for a few minutes, return cap tightly...wait a day or so...more than likely the check engine light will go away.

If its a piece of crap car...ignore it...if its an expensive car, it probably isnt a wise decision to ignore warning lights.

People that dont know a good mechanic or have their own skills, probably shouldnt drive used expensive models beyond warranty.

500 bucks for two oxygen sensors for a used Audi? Wow, that is robbery. $300 labor? Again, robbery. $5-10 part for many cars.
 

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In some states you can't pass inspection anymore with the light on.

I spent $800 because mine was on and the computer said it was a bad catalytic converter.

Got a new one put in, and my check engine light came back on in 2 days. :pucking:
 

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pokherplyr said:
Damm light has come on 3 times over the past 8 months, each time costing me AT LEAST $800! wtf. 2 sensors + labor,$831; new brakes (must have new rotors with Audi's you can't cut their "space age material", $1,100. I believe I am being taken to the cleaners. I may owe another German car in my lifetime, but I WILL NEVER OWE ONE PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD AGAIN.

My 99 A6 had the same issues, I bought an extended warranty which saved me about 3 grand in issues from 50k t0 98k miles. Got rid of it right before that warranty expired.

If the light doesn't go off after replacing the gas cap you may have to take the neg wire off your battery for 20 minutes to reset the computer...
 
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Mine came on about nine months ago; it never affected the car but it did cause me to fail the smog check (Nevada). It turned out to be a faulty knock sensor; cost me $205 for diagnosis and replacement. That's for a Subaru Impreza.
 

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pokherplyr said:
Damm light has come on 3 times over the past 8 months, each time costing me AT LEAST $800! wtf. 2 sensors + labor,$831; new brakes (must have new rotors with Audi's you can't cut their "space age material", $1,100. I believe I am being taken to the cleaners. I may owe another German car in my lifetime, but I WILL NEVER OWE ONE PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD AGAIN.

warning
you have been scammed BIG-TIME:smoking:
 

Respect My Steez
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On most cars the oxygen sensor is easy to get to and simply screws right in and out
 

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If your car is an older model you could reset the check engine light by simply disconnecting the battery while the car is running(Do not do this if you have a newer model cause you will blow your car electrical "Brain"). I have had my check engine light on for 1 year straight on my Rodeo. Most of the time the light is on due to bad emissions and dirty gas will cause it to come on as well. Costa Rica has really poor quality gas and my light is on all the time. If it ever turned off I might get worried....:lolBIG:

FI
 

Rx Senior
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My 2001 Audi a4 Check engine light was on none stop. I put like 3000 over a year and a 1/2 to keep it off and it still stayed on. I just sold it b/c it was a maintance nightmare... I hate Audi now and would never buy 1 again...
 

head turd in the outhouse
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Fishhead said:
My check engine light has been on for 3 years running!!!........should be burning the bulb out soon.

:lolBIG:

DON'T SWEAT IT!

Until your state decides to have vehicle inspections like we do in N.C. This was the first year that your car wouldn't pass if the light was on in the county i reside in, needless to say it cost me over 700.00 for my truck to pass inspection. Fcking truck ran fine for the two years the light had been on, now two months after the inspection and the damn things on again!!!
 

WVU

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drive on. If something was seriously wrong you will know it.
 

Honey Badger Don't Give A Shit
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Any disturbing noise(s) from the engine area are easily muffled by just cranking up some good rock n roll on your sound system.

:think1:
 

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I saw this not long ago and I think its a good idea if you are into mechanics and/or have issues with 'check' lights....(I am always paranoid when it lits and the car might be trying to tell me HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP)

BIG DISCLAIMER: I HAVEN'T BOUGHT IT SO I CANT GIVE YOU ANY FEEDBACK

http://www.skymall.com/webapp/skystore?process=prodDisplay&action=&pid=102110254&catId=10130

this one is the cheapest I have seen as they are normally very expensive
 

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Stop by Auto Zone, they will run a diagnosis for free and you can probably fix it yourself.


VVV
 

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pokherplyr said:
Damm light has come on 3 times over the past 8 months, each time costing me AT LEAST $800! wtf. 2 sensors + labor,$831; new brakes (must have new rotors with Audi's you can't cut their "space age material", $1,100. I believe I am being taken to the cleaners. I may owe another German car in my lifetime, but I WILL NEVER OWE ONE PAST THE WARRANTY PERIOD AGAIN.

I feel your pain pokherplyr, my Audi is the worse car I owned. If you want a German car, get a BMW, my wifes has no issues. As for me, Im going back to Acuras.

Tate I wouldnt sweat it, Ive driven with the check engine light on for almost a year one time. It usually has to do with air sensors.
 

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