Check Engine light came on...How soon do you get it checked out?

[Anonymous]

The car is otherwise running fine. Car is 7 years old european suv. The check engine light came on last week on the first day of this cold spell (I think it was about 18-20 degrees).

I'm going to have checked out tomorrow or Thursday. Just wondering what other folks do.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with mechanics and just stop by the auto store and have the code read. Depending on what it says, I’ve left it alone for years before.

If the light flashes, that’s when it’s an immediate issue.

[Anonymous]

We have one of those little code readers so we just plug it in and see what it says. Sometimes it doesn't matter at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have one of those little code readers so we just plug it in and see what it says. Sometimes it doesn't matter at all.

this

[Anonymous]

Before you bring it in, make sure that the gas tank is closed tightly. If it's loose, that can cause the check engine light to go on.

[Anonymous]

Orange? Or red?

If the red light comes on, stop driving it and get it to a mechanic asap.

[Anonymous]

Auto Zone or most local garage gas stations have code readers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Auto Zone or most local garage gas stations have code readers

OP here, thanks DCUM. Code is orange. I did not know Autozone had readers. Leaving work right now to get it checked. (Autozone around the corner.)

[Anonymous]

Also some cars let you put it into diagnostic mode and show the code on the on-screen display. Google around. The code reader costs about $50 so handy to have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Before you bring it in, make sure that the gas tank is closed tightly. If it's loose, that can cause the check engine light to go on.

Yep, I'd check this first.

[Anonymous]

Did you put gas like hours or a day before the light came on? Open and put the gas cap on properly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Orange? Or red?

If the red light comes on, stop driving it and get it to a mechanic asap.

Check engine lights are never red, no? I thought that was the oil pressure light. In which case yes, you should pull over immediately or your engine may seize.

[Anonymous]

I'd probably have it looked at pretty soon, because I'm paranoid. But I'd check the gas cap first.

Some cars have certain lights triggered to go off at various mileage intervals, and the techs are supposed to reset it when they're doing the service. But I think that's a different light.

[Anonymous]

Definitely check the gas cap first - and FYI it doesn't turn the light off immediately, you have to drive around for a while before it takes effect. So I would refill the gas tank if it's near empty, re-seat the gas cap and wait a couple of days to see if that fixes it.

....As long as everything is normal. If the light is accompanied by funny noises, abnormal oil temperature or pressure, or running rough, I'd get it checked out sooner.

[Anonymous]

Is it a mercedes? Did you just get gas? Make sure you check and do 3 clicks or whatever it says.

I just had my check engine light on and it needed some sort of computer update. It was $150. I was talking to a neighbor about it before I brought it in, and she had a slightly older model and her charge was in the thousands. No way to know unless you buy the thing to read the codes yourself.