in the Honda, the "check engine light" goes on automatically when it's time for one of the standard maintenance items, like a tune up or oil change, so, check you manual and look at your milage. Another one of those strange messages popped up came on in my car, but, all it indicated is that I had switched off a button that normally stays on....too many buttons, too much electronics....never fails, as soon as the warranty runs out or you pay off the car, some strange noise or rattle shows up...I think they're time that way.
I'm know some cars have only one, but my 1999 Saturn has both "check engine" and "engine maintenance" lights - the former means something is wrong, most likely with the exhaust/smog system; the latter, change oil/check plugs/check air filter. I like this system.
My 1995 Miata has only "check engine" - that tends to come on once it has eaten another O2 sensor. I think living in smoggy SoCal kills those in Miatas. Unfortunately, the first time this happened, my ijit mechanics didn't figure it out until AFTER my entire catalytic converter turned to dust. Much bigger bill. Fortunately the ijits didn't get the money cuz my I had an automobile-handy sweetie by then who helped me install a new one.
I have a separate idiot lite for that. In fact I just had that done a few weeks ago. I wonder if they did something to one of the sensors while they were doing stuff during the oil change?
Do you have one of those Engine Code readers? Your mechanic certainly does, but might charge $60 or more to use it on your car. Sometimes it's good to know what the computer says BEFORE going to the mechanic, IMO.
My car is too old to use the code readerS has, so we have to stick a paper clip in the code computer and then read the "blinks" (like Morse Code) to figure out the errors - PITA.
Glad you are done with Doggy Ranch... hope car is happy again soon!!
The trac/VSC lights flash on whenever you have an ECU error code. in the scion case there are probably other things attached to it as well, as noted by stylis.
yup, so whats the list so far thats connected to the VSC/TRAC
1.) MAF sensor 2.) knoc sensor 3.) tailights not connected right 4.) loose gas cap 5.) shorted out relay 6.) abs wire
Yep, it finally dawned on me to call Chris, who went online and found that exact list of symptoms. I printed it out to take to my guy tomorrow.
Chris sez he has a code reader, but I don't think he can get over here to hook it up. [shrug] They'll prolly charge me to hook it up even with the list, but maybe not. These people seem to be decent and fair, and my dealings with them so far have been reasonable.
But I thank you very much for the info! I feel a little less worried that the Grinch is gonna Steal Christmas with a ginant auto repair bill!
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My 1995 Miata has only "check engine" - that tends to come on once it has eaten another O2 sensor. I think living in smoggy SoCal kills those in Miatas. Unfortunately, the first time this happened, my ijit mechanics didn't figure it out until AFTER my entire catalytic converter turned to dust. Much bigger bill. Fortunately the ijits didn't get the money cuz my I had an automobile-handy sweetie by then who helped me install a new one.
Reply
I have a separate idiot lite for that. In fact I just had that done a few weeks ago. I wonder if they did something to one of the sensors while they were doing stuff during the oil change?
[smooch]
Reply
Do you have one of those Engine Code readers? Your mechanic certainly does, but might charge $60 or more
to use it on your car. Sometimes it's good to know what the computer says BEFORE going to the mechanic, IMO.
My car is too old to use the code readerS has, so we have to stick a paper clip in the code computer and then
read the "blinks" (like Morse Code) to figure out the errors - PITA.
Glad you are done with Doggy Ranch... hope car is happy again soon!!
Reply
The trac/VSC lights flash on whenever you have an ECU error code. in the scion case there are probably other things attached to it as well, as noted by stylis.
yup, so whats the list so far thats connected to the VSC/TRAC
1.) MAF sensor
2.) knoc sensor
3.) tailights not connected right
4.) loose gas cap
5.) shorted out relay
6.) abs wire
Reply
Yep, it finally dawned on me to call Chris, who went online and found that exact list of symptoms. I printed it out to take to my guy tomorrow.
Chris sez he has a code reader, but I don't think he can get over here to hook it up. [shrug] They'll prolly charge me to hook it up even with the list, but maybe not. These people seem to be decent and fair, and my dealings with them so far have been reasonable.
But I thank you very much for the info! I feel a little less worried that the Grinch is gonna Steal Christmas with a ginant auto repair bill!
[smooch]
Reply
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