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madamesilverspurs

(16,513 posts)

65. Have no idea. But...

Wed Nov 25, 2015, 11:58 PM

Nov 2015

my engine light came on so I took it to the shop that always does oil changes, etc. After charging me $85 for the diagnostic process they told me that the power steering box was leaking on the axle, and it would cost $1400 to fix. Since their fee took all that was left of my social security check for the month, there was no way I could pay for any repairs. I had no choice but to keep driving it until I either won the lottery or the car died; that was two years ago. Anyhoo.

Hope you figure yours out!

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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