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The Second Stone

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28. It depends. You can buy a code reader on Amazon.com or get one at the local auto parts store

Mon Nov 23, 2015, 08:23 PM

Nov 2015

with a book for what the code means. You can look up the code in the book. Youtube will show you how to use the code reader, it is as simple as plugging in an old computer printer.

Do these things before you take it into the mechanic, tell the mechanic what you found the code to be and you will be letting the mechanic know that you know what's what. Life will be easier. For about $25.

Once you have the codes, you can also find out what from the internet what repairs cost before you start calling mechanics.

Newer cars have the code reader built in, and your owners manual may have a word or two about that.

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My check engine light is on. What does this mean? [View all] cwydro Nov 2015 OP

Sometimes it's just a fault in the light. The Velveteen Ocelot Nov 2015 #1

That's a great idea lol. cwydro Nov 2015 #2

I'd find a real garage, not a quick oil change place. Paper Roses Nov 2015 #5

Oh, the only reason I'm going there first is because they're the ones who did the oil change. cwydro Nov 2015 #24

Check to see if your gas cap is loose. n/t PoliticAverse Nov 2015 #6

If you have an autozone nearby, they'll check the codes for free. opiate69 Nov 2015 #23

You can buy your own diagnostic computer for a third of that. krispos42 Nov 2015 #35

Well I tried the trick of turning the key on and off three times, cwydro Nov 2015 #43

Mine Came On ProfessorGAC Nov 2015 #63

I'd take it in and have it looked at. MrsMatt Nov 2015 #3

Whoa! cwydro Nov 2015 #4

Yes, sure wish my husband had insisted on the diagnostics MrsMatt Nov 2015 #8

Not good to let the oil/check engine light tell you when to .... Hotler Nov 2015 #30

You may be able to easily read it yourself. bluedigger Nov 2015 #7

Very cool, I will try that! cwydro Nov 2015 #12

Last time it happened to me, it was the catalytic converter that had failed. Ptah Nov 2015 #9

See, now I've heard of the catalytic converter. cwydro Nov 2015 #11

It's a component of the exhaust system that reduces the toxicity of emissions. Ptah Nov 2015 #13

But does it affect the day to day operation of the car? cwydro Nov 2015 #15

I didn't notice any poor performance. Ptah Nov 2015 #19

I think that is one of those things that TBF Nov 2015 #60

The sweet fellas at the oil place attached one of those code reader thingies. cwydro Nov 2015 #61

Excellent! nt TBF Nov 2015 #62

My thoughts exactly. n/t Paper Roses Nov 2015 #25

Go to an auto parts store where they'll read the diagnostic codes NightWatcher Nov 2015 #10

I did tighten the cap a couple times, but thanks. cwydro Nov 2015 #14

I just had that happen NJCher Nov 2015 #16

Even if you fixed it, they'll need to reset it NightWatcher Nov 2015 #20

Yes- this is a great idea. Then check the code online. we can do it Nov 2015 #17

Good idea - however, be careful NewJeffCT Nov 2015 #59

Mine was on for a year once bigwillq Nov 2015 #18

Your gas cap is probably lose. MosheFeingold Nov 2015 #21

I'll join the "get it checked" crowd. cemaphonic Nov 2015 #22

I would check the oil (with the dipstick) first before taking it to a mechanic. TexasTowelie Nov 2015 #26

I have an OBD scanner that I bought from ebay Major Nikon Nov 2015 #27

so it hooks to a laptop - does one end plug into the car somehow? cwydro Nov 2015 #39

Yes Major Nikon Nov 2015 #40

Thanks! cwydro Nov 2015 #41

If that doesn't work you can always go to an autoparts store Major Nikon Nov 2015 #42

It depends. You can buy a code reader on Amazon.com or get one at the local auto parts store The Second Stone Nov 2015 #28

This is great to know! cwydro Nov 2015 #38

that should take care of it. ashling Nov 2015 #29

Ha! cwydro Nov 2015 #33

Close the gas filler door. trof Nov 2015 #31

Lol, cwydro Nov 2015 #32

When checking your engine.. aidbo Nov 2015 #34

It's a reminder to put a small piece of electrical tape over that light. Kaleva Nov 2015 #36

Nicely Done!! ProfessorGAC Nov 2015 #64

It means you need to replace the sparkplugs in your vacuum cleaner. Snobblevitch Nov 2015 #37

get it checked. if it's a honda civic, it may just be that the O2 sensor died. otherwise it could be magical thyme Nov 2015 #44

Make sure gas cap is on tight. GeorgeGist Nov 2015 #45

+1 - This is often the fix. And it's cheap. JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2015 #49

It means check your self before you wreck your self. Tommy_Carcetti Nov 2015 #46

Ignore the dumb light. I always do. panader0 Nov 2015 #47

Use electrical tape. JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2015 #50

In my truck, LWolf Nov 2015 #48

Look on the bright side DFW Nov 2015 #51

This is true. cwydro Nov 2015 #52

You must be one of those Stateside types that actually drives his car around DFW Nov 2015 #53

Yes, I'm a "stateside type" who lives in the country on a farm cwydro Nov 2015 #54

did you get gas and not screw the cap on tightly? Liberal_in_LA Nov 2015 #55

Tightened over and over again since this began lol. cwydro Nov 2015 #58

all of our older junkers have those lights on Kali Nov 2015 #56

It's probably a loose wire but get it checked anyway. AngryOldDem Nov 2015 #57

Have no idea. But... madamesilverspurs Nov 2015 #65

The Big Bang Theory - Check Engine Light Xipe Totec Nov 2015 #66