Just when I'm getting my anxiety issues under control, MY CAR'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON!!

[Siwsan]

So, of course, I called my mechanic who USUALLY says 'bring it right in and I'll run a diagnostic'. But NOOOO. Now he's saying 'Bring it on on THURSDAY at 9 and I'll run a diagnostic.' Well, I figure they must be busy, which is good since it's a locally owned business.

Fingers crossed it's just a whonky light. That's happened before but I just don't want to risk anything. I love my Saturn.

Anyway, damn. Fortunately I don't need anything and don't have to go anywhere.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

1. Check your gas cap

I’ve found that usually a loose gas cap or a bad seal on one causes the check engine light most often.

[rzemanfl]

3. +1 n/t.

[Siwsan]

9. I just tried - it was fine.

I last bought gas a while back.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

18. They're subject to a pressure test, I'm pretty sure. NT

[ramblin_dave]

2. I take mine to AutoZone for free diagnostic

They can get the error code and print a report. No obligation. Of course they hope you'll get parts from them if you decide to do work yourself. But you don't have to.

[rzemanfl]

4. +1 n/t.

[Siwsan]

6. The Autozone, by me, is actually much further away than the mechanics I use

I've used these guys for years. They are honest, do good work and much know my car, top to bottom.

Every time I've taken it in, even for just an oil change, other customers always ask them about the car. It's a 2002 gold Saturn Wagon, in near pristine condition, with less than 100,000 miles on it. If I wanted to sell it, I have NO doubt they could find someone to give me a great price. BUT I really love that car. It would break my heart if it reaches that point where I have to replace it.

[abqtommy]

23. I always get my first engine light checkup at Auto Zone. It's free and fast and gives me a good

idea of what I need. But suit yourself.

[Siwsan]

24. My mechanics have never charged me for doing a diagnostic check

And if something needs to be taken care of ASAP, they'll have the car. Hopefully it's just a light glitch and I can be on my way, after exchanging a few pleasantries.

[abqtommy]

25. That's good. You're not in New Mexico where mechanics are totally unregulated, are you?

[Siwsan]

26. I'm in Michigan.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

5. What year/model Saturn? NT

[Siwsan]

8. 2002 LW 200

My mom bought it from a man who used it as his Florida car. Once she got it she said she found all of the controls to be too confusing. This was about the time Alzheimer's was starting to set in, unbeknownst to us. So, I bought it from her and sold my Saturn sedan to my brother, whose own, much older Saturn had just given up the ghost.

[Freddie]

11. My daughter drove a Saturn for 10 years

1997 coupe we bought used. Part of that time she was commuting to college 45 min each way. Would have kept it longer but she got married and had a baby, and I think you’d have to be a contortionist to use a car seat in that back seat (she bought an Equinox then). But the little silver Saturn was a great car for years.

[Ocelot II]

12. I had a Saturn sedan for a long time, then bought a Vue in 2009,

which I still have and which still runs very well and has been almost maintenance-free. I was really disappointed when they stop making Saturns.

[Siwsan]

13. I was absolutely heartbroken at the demise of Saturn

The dealership was right up the road. I'd swing by for oil changes on my way home from work. They were unfailingly courteous and fast at getting the work done.

This is my 3rd Saturn. I leased one and when that lease ran out decided to buy a newer one. That's the one I sold to my brother. It was the same year as the one I currently drive.

My hope is I never have to buy another car.

[Ocelot II]

19. My old Saturn (a 1998 model, I think) had a check engine light

that came on intermittently but there was nothing wrong with the car. So I just put a strip of electrical tape over the light so it wouldn't bother me. I don't necessarily recommend this, though.

[Siwsan]

20. Fingers crossed it's either nothing, or something relatively inexpensive

The check engine light on my niece's car does the same thing. They've had the car checked and there's nothing wrong, so she just ignores it. Me? I'd do what you've done.

I've barely driven my car, at all, over the past year or so. Mainly just on store runs, and I live close to them, and dentist/doctor appointments. I rarely put more than a couple of miles a week on it, if I don't have any appointments.

Oh well. To be on the safe side, though, I've already lined up a ride home, should the mechanic find something.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

14. Notorious for electrical issues.

Take it to two Auto Zones, or an Auto Zone and and Advance Auto. You'll get different codes every time, more than likely. Sometimes dozens will pop up. It can be something as easy as a bad ground.

Are you a member of the Saturn Forum?

http://www.saturnfans.com/

Excellent technical advice.

I have a 2000 LW wagon with the six-cylinder engine. I've had a check engine code in it that I can't get rid of. It runs just fine.

HTH

[Siwsan]

15. I did have one electrical issue that my mechanic identified and fixed

I've had to replace aging parts but all in all, it's still been MUCH cheaper to pay for upkeep repairs/replacements than what I'd pay to replace it with something newer. It is just a great car, and that's coming from someone who really does not enjoy driving. At all. Not one little bit.

I'll check out that forum.

[Goonch]

7. Universal OBD2 Scanner Car Code Reader

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-MS300-Diagnostic-Vehicles/dp/B001LHVOVK/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=Check+Engine+Code+Reader&qid=1626793639&sr=8-8

[Siwsan]

10. I was just googling that very item!

I should get one.

[kimbutgar]

16. I brought one of these after taking my car twice to the dealership and getting charged

$170 each time. It was the gas cap wasn’t tight enough. Ordered a new gas cap and the light went out.

[onethatcares]

17. some of the codes don't clear

until after 10 on/offs of the ignition switch.

I bought the code reader too and it saved a bunch of money.

[XanaDUer2]

21. I have bad anxiety

and car issues set me off! Here's hoping it's nothing

[Siwsan]

22. Thanks.

The last time it happened, it turned out to be nothing. That was a couple of years ago. The weird thing is, I never heard a chime sound and it seems like most of those alert lights do chime when they come on, to make sure you notice.