"Check Engine" Light Came On. What Could It Be?
12-21-2006, 03:58 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
Guncho wrote:
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>>Guncho wrote:
>>
>>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Guncho wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>"Guncho" <cgunter@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>If your "Check Engine" light is not on, the mechanic will not be able
>>>>>>>to read the error code, as there isn't one.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The computer holds the codes for some period of time.
>>>>>>http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener...bldef_154a.htm
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>I stand corrected.
>>>>>
>>>>>Personally though, if the light has gone out by itself, I'm not paying
>>>>>someone $60 to find out why it was on.
>>>>
>>>>That is your choice, but keep in mind that some failures can cause
>>>>expensive damage, in particular damage to the catcon. If you'd rather
>>>>spend $800 to replace the catcon than $60 to find out which sensor is
>>>>getting flakey, that is your choice.
>>>>
>>>>Matt
>>>
>>>
>>>I guess I'm hesitant to shell out the cash for a check engine light
>>>that has gone off on it's own accord considering that this happens to
>>>me at least once every few months if I don't crank the gas cap after
>>>filling up.
>>>
>>>Older cars are different so maybe it's worth it.
>>
>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>
>>If you are sure that something like that is the cause, then I agree it
>>is wasteful to spend the $60. However, if something else is wrong and
>>you are dumping too much fuel into the engine, you can easily toast the
>>catcon and that is a very expensive repair generally.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> I know you don't believe me but if I don't turn the cap til I hear like
> 12 clicks, the light will come on. Is the problem my gas cap? Would a
> new gas cap solve the problem?
Yes, I would think something is defective with your gas cap. I turn
mine until it clicks and then stop. I probably get 2-4 clicks just from
inertia, but I don't attempt to turn it beyond the first click that I
hear. If the cap isn't cross-threaded, it shouldn't take more than a
one click to seal as the torque should not increase behind the first click.
Matt
> Matt Whiting wrote:
>
>>Guncho wrote:
>>
>>>Matt Whiting wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Guncho wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>"Guncho" <cgunter@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>If your "Check Engine" light is not on, the mechanic will not be able
>>>>>>>to read the error code, as there isn't one.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The computer holds the codes for some period of time.
>>>>>>http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener...bldef_154a.htm
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>I stand corrected.
>>>>>
>>>>>Personally though, if the light has gone out by itself, I'm not paying
>>>>>someone $60 to find out why it was on.
>>>>
>>>>That is your choice, but keep in mind that some failures can cause
>>>>expensive damage, in particular damage to the catcon. If you'd rather
>>>>spend $800 to replace the catcon than $60 to find out which sensor is
>>>>getting flakey, that is your choice.
>>>>
>>>>Matt
>>>
>>>
>>>I guess I'm hesitant to shell out the cash for a check engine light
>>>that has gone off on it's own accord considering that this happens to
>>>me at least once every few months if I don't crank the gas cap after
>>>filling up.
>>>
>>>Older cars are different so maybe it's worth it.
>>
>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>
>>If you are sure that something like that is the cause, then I agree it
>>is wasteful to spend the $60. However, if something else is wrong and
>>you are dumping too much fuel into the engine, you can easily toast the
>>catcon and that is a very expensive repair generally.
>>
>>
>>Matt
>
>
> I know you don't believe me but if I don't turn the cap til I hear like
> 12 clicks, the light will come on. Is the problem my gas cap? Would a
> new gas cap solve the problem?
Yes, I would think something is defective with your gas cap. I turn
mine until it clicks and then stop. I probably get 2-4 clicks just from
inertia, but I don't attempt to turn it beyond the first click that I
hear. If the cap isn't cross-threaded, it shouldn't take more than a
one click to seal as the torque should not increase behind the first click.
Matt
12-21-2006, 09:00 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
> correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
ever foisted on the driving public.
Self serve in my town in CT is 2.579, but I bought full service in MA today
for 2.329. It is probably even cheaper in NJ. Last time I was there I paid
1.939. I'll be damned if I'm going to freeze my *** off and pay more for
the privilege.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/
12-21-2006, 09:07 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
The reason gas is cheaper in NY and NJ has much more to do with the state
gasoline tax than who is pumping. I'd be interested in seeing a
cost-comparison chart by state if we normalized the data to remove taxes.
Unfortunately, I'm not up for spending the time to put it together.
gasoline tax than who is pumping. I'd be interested in seeing a
cost-comparison chart by state if we normalized the data to remove taxes.
Unfortunately, I'm not up for spending the time to put it together.
12-21-2006, 09:29 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>
>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>
>
> You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
> forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
> than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
> ever foisted on the driving public.
Actually, I prefer to pump my own gas just as I prefer to change my own
oil. That way I know that the gas cap was replaced correctly and the
drain plug for the oil likewise.
It isn't forbidden to pump your own gas in NY. I live in PA and work in
Corning, NY and they have lots of self-serve stations, actually I only
know of one or two that still pump gas for you. Maybe you are thinking
of NYC.
Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the
person pumping the gas is working for free?
> Self serve in my town in CT is 2.579, but I bought full service in MA today
> for 2.329. It is probably even cheaper in NJ. Last time I was there I paid
> 1.939. I'll be damned if I'm going to freeze my *** off and pay more for
> the privilege.
That certainly isn't the case around here. I don't mind pumping my own
even at below zero temps. Maybe you should move south where it is
warmer. :-)
Matt
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>
>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>
>
> You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
> forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
> than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
> ever foisted on the driving public.
Actually, I prefer to pump my own gas just as I prefer to change my own
oil. That way I know that the gas cap was replaced correctly and the
drain plug for the oil likewise.
It isn't forbidden to pump your own gas in NY. I live in PA and work in
Corning, NY and they have lots of self-serve stations, actually I only
know of one or two that still pump gas for you. Maybe you are thinking
of NYC.
Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the
person pumping the gas is working for free?
> Self serve in my town in CT is 2.579, but I bought full service in MA today
> for 2.329. It is probably even cheaper in NJ. Last time I was there I paid
> 1.939. I'll be damned if I'm going to freeze my *** off and pay more for
> the privilege.
That certainly isn't the case around here. I don't mind pumping my own
even at below zero temps. Maybe you should move south where it is
warmer. :-)
Matt
12-21-2006, 11:08 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>
> Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
> than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the person
> pumping the gas is working for free?
In MA, each town fire marshall determines if the motoring public can safely
pump their own gas. In the towns that are full service, the price is the
same, sometimes a penny or so cheaper, than the self serve. They still
manage to pay that (usually a high school kid) pump jockey a wage and make a
profit. In my CT town, the self serve is competitive, but if you want full
service, they charge you 20¢ a gallon more for the kid to come out and pump
for you. They are really saying they don't want to do it. That is a scam
if the guy up the street can pump it for the same price. We were told by
the big oil companies that they were offering self service as a cost benefit
to the buyer. The fact is, they kept the self service price the same and
artificially raised the full service price well beyond what it should be. ,
>
> That certainly isn't the case around here. I don't mind pumping my own
> even at below zero temps. Maybe you should move south where it is warmer.
> :-)
No reason to move; too many bugs in the south. I just have to be thoughtful
as to where I buy my gas. In 45 years of driving, only once was the cap not
tightened properly. The town where my office is has self service, but the
next town over where the warehouse is, has full service at the same price or
a penny less. So, I just buy my gas the next town over when I go there.
Keeps those kids out of trouble and they can earn some beer money.
12-21-2006, 11:15 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Re:
"hyundaitech" <notpublic@not.public.com> wrote in message
news:3528b8b116e93897fbcc9e3896412df7@localhost.ta lkaboutautos.com...
> The reason gas is cheaper in NY and NJ has much more to do with the state
> gasoline tax than who is pumping. I'd be interested in seeing a
> cost-comparison chart by state if we normalized the data to remove taxes.
> Unfortunately, I'm not up for spending the time to put it together.
Toss zone pricing into the mix and you'd need a Cray computer to sort it all
out. In 25 miles, my trip to work, four Shell stations will vary up to 35¢
from top to bottom and they usually maintain the same differential between
them as prices change. On another route I frequent, three Mobile station on
a 12 mile stretch will vary 20¢.
12-22-2006, 03:32 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Re:
Thanks everyone! The light didn't come on today either. I'll wait for it
to come back on before having it checked out. I hate to spend the money
until I really have to. I hope that logic does backfire though!!
Wishing all of you very Happy Holidays!
to come back on before having it checked out. I hate to spend the money
until I really have to. I hope that logic does backfire though!!
Wishing all of you very Happy Holidays!
12-22-2006, 06:32 AM
#23
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Posts: n/a
Re:
"Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
news:N_Gih.11238$hI.3133@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
>
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> > I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
> > correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>
> You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
> forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
> than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
> ever foisted on the driving public.
>
I'm guessing you really meant NJ, and not NY. It's certainly not forbidden
to pump your own in NY - in fact it's flat out hard to find any full service
stations in NY.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net
12-22-2006, 06:50 AM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>
>>Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
>>than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the person
>>pumping the gas is working for free?
>
>
> In MA, each town fire marshall determines if the motoring public can safely
> pump their own gas. In the towns that are full service, the price is the
I'm not sure I'd want to live in a town where the general population
wasn't smart enough to operate a gas pump. :-)
Matt
> "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>
>>Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
>>than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the person
>>pumping the gas is working for free?
>
>
> In MA, each town fire marshall determines if the motoring public can safely
> pump their own gas. In the towns that are full service, the price is the
I'm not sure I'd want to live in a town where the general population
wasn't smart enough to operate a gas pump. :-)
Matt
12-22-2006, 06:51 AM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
Mike Marlow wrote:
> "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
> news:N_Gih.11238$hI.3133@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
>
>>"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>>
>>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>
>>You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
>>forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
>>than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
>>ever foisted on the driving public.
>>
>
>
> I'm guessing you really meant NJ, and not NY. It's certainly not forbidden
> to pump your own in NY - in fact it's flat out hard to find any full service
> stations in NY.
That may be. I'm aware NJ has such a law, but then NJ is a pretty
stupid and corrupt state. I know that at least the parts of NY near
where I live have no problem at all with self-serve stations.
Matt
> "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
> news:N_Gih.11238$hI.3133@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
>
>>"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>>
>>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>
>>You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
>>forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
>>than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
>>ever foisted on the driving public.
>>
>
>
> I'm guessing you really meant NJ, and not NY. It's certainly not forbidden
> to pump your own in NY - in fact it's flat out hard to find any full service
> stations in NY.
That may be. I'm aware NJ has such a law, but then NJ is a pretty
stupid and corrupt state. I know that at least the parts of NY near
where I live have no problem at all with self-serve stations.
Matt
12-22-2006, 08:36 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
On Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:51:34 GMT, Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net>
wrote:
>Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
>> news:N_Gih.11238$hI.3133@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
>>
>>>"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>>>
>>>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>>
>>>You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
>>>forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
>>>than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
>>>ever foisted on the driving public.
>>>
>>
>>
>> I'm guessing you really meant NJ, and not NY. It's certainly not forbidden
>> to pump your own in NY - in fact it's flat out hard to find any full service
>> stations in NY.
>
>That may be. I'm aware NJ has such a law, but then NJ is a pretty
>stupid and corrupt state. I know that at least the parts of NY near
>where I live have no problem at all with self-serve stations.
>
>Matt
In NJ self serve is illegal - I got chewed out by a pump jockey. ; -)
NY can only be downstate. Upstate it's hard to get pump help unless
you are disabled or really like to pay for the priveledge.
wrote:
>Mike Marlow wrote:
>
>> "Edwin Pawlowski" <esp@snet.net> wrote in message
>> news:N_Gih.11238$hI.3133@newssvr11.news.prodigy.ne t...
>>
>>>"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
>>>
>>>>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
>>>>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
>>>
>>>You pump your own gas? Sorry to hear that. In NY and parts of MA it is
>>>forbidden to pump your own. Funny thing is, the full service is cheaper
>>>than most self serves. This (pump yourself and save) is the biggest scam
>>>ever foisted on the driving public.
>>>
>>
>>
>> I'm guessing you really meant NJ, and not NY. It's certainly not forbidden
>> to pump your own in NY - in fact it's flat out hard to find any full service
>> stations in NY.
>
>That may be. I'm aware NJ has such a law, but then NJ is a pretty
>stupid and corrupt state. I know that at least the parts of NY near
>where I live have no problem at all with self-serve stations.
>
>Matt
In NJ self serve is illegal - I got chewed out by a pump jockey. ; -)
NY can only be downstate. Upstate it's hard to get pump help unless
you are disabled or really like to pay for the priveledge.
12-22-2006, 10:39 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Re:
Matt Whiting wrote:
> Guncho wrote:
>
> > Matt Whiting wrote:
> >
> >>Guncho wrote:
> >>
> >>>Matt Whiting wrote:
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>>Guncho wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>>Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>>"Guncho" <cgunter@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>>If your "Check Engine" light is not on, the mechanic will not be able
> >>>>>>>to read the error code, as there isn't one.
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>The computer holds the codes for some period of time.
> >>>>>>http://autorepair.about.com/cs/gener...bldef_154a.htm
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>I stand corrected.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>Personally though, if the light has gone out by itself, I'm not paying
> >>>>>someone $60 to find out why it was on.
> >>>>
> >>>>That is your choice, but keep in mind that some failures can cause
> >>>>expensive damage, in particular damage to the catcon. If you'd rather
> >>>>spend $800 to replace the catcon than $60 to find out which sensor is
> >>>>getting flakey, that is your choice.
> >>>>
> >>>>Matt
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>I guess I'm hesitant to shell out the cash for a check engine light
> >>>that has gone off on it's own accord considering that this happens to
> >>>me at least once every few months if I don't crank the gas cap after
> >>>filling up.
> >>>
> >>>Older cars are different so maybe it's worth it.
> >>
> >>I've never had the gas cap set off my MIL light, but then I don't find
> >>correctly installing the gas cap to be that hard. :-)
> >>
> >>If you are sure that something like that is the cause, then I agree it
> >>is wasteful to spend the $60. However, if something else is wrong and
> >>you are dumping too much fuel into the engine, you can easily toast the
> >>catcon and that is a very expensive repair generally.
> >>
> >>
> >>Matt
> >
> >
> > I know you don't believe me but if I don't turn the cap til I hear like
> > 12 clicks, the light will come on. Is the problem my gas cap? Would a
> > new gas cap solve the problem?
>
> Yes, I would think something is defective with your gas cap. I turn
> mine until it clicks and then stop. I probably get 2-4 clicks just from
> inertia, but I don't attempt to turn it beyond the first click that I
> hear. If the cap isn't cross-threaded, it shouldn't take more than a
> one click to seal as the torque should not increase behind the first click.
>
> Matt
I'll pick one up next chance I get.
Chris
12-22-2006, 07:53 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
"Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
news:YDPih.1428$Oc.113506@news1.epix.net...
> Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
> > "Matt Whiting" <whiting@epix.net> wrote in message
> >
> >>Full-serve, where available around here, costs 2-5 cents per gallon more
> >>than self-serve. Why do you think it is a scam? Do you think the
person
> >>pumping the gas is working for free?
> >
> >
> > In MA, each town fire marshall determines if the motoring public can
safely
> > pump their own gas. In the towns that are full service, the price is
the
>
> I'm not sure I'd want to live in a town where the general population
> wasn't smart enough to operate a gas pump. :-)
>
Well... it is the People's Republic of Massachusetts he's talking about
after all.
--
-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net
12-22-2006, 08:30 PM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re:
Matt Whiting <whiting@epix.net> wrote in
news:YDPih.1428$Oc.113506@news1.epix.net:
> I'm not sure I'd want to live in a town where the general population
> wasn't smart enough to operate a gas pump. :-)
>
>
> Matt
LOL. You don't know many people personally, do you?
news:YDPih.1428$Oc.113506@news1.epix.net:
> I'm not sure I'd want to live in a town where the general population
> wasn't smart enough to operate a gas pump. :-)
>
>
> Matt
LOL. You don't know many people personally, do you?