• 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sahara package • AT/I-6 engine • 63,000 miles I've never drove anything that actually had a check engine light on it before. Seriously. At least one that never came on. I'm due for an oil change in about 400 miles. And also, the front brakes are getting to that point where they need changing. So, my question is this: Would the oil or brakes be causing the light to come on? Also, if I go in somewhere to have it checked out, are they going to charge me out the ass (Like a computer diagnostics @ $59.00) to see what's causing it to come on? Or would it be a simple check/test? Just curious. Bastard comes on and off. Usually, it'll stay on for two days, then go off for 2-3 days.
Might be something as simple as a loose gas cap, if it's going on and off. On the other hand, it could be something with your O2 sensors. I just had to replace the front one on my '97 Saab, to the tune of $300.
My experience with CEL's is that they have all been sensor related. You may want to see if one of the auto parts stores will offer a free or cheap diagnostic, I know one of them in my neck of the woods does . Obvioulsy they are not in the business of doing the actual repair, but if you know your way around an engine, you could probably fix it if it ain't anything major.
Most CELs are completely harmless Do yourself a favor before you spend any money. Run all the gas out of the tank before you fill up, go to a different gas station than you normally do (if you do normally fill up at one station), fill the tank, and make sure that your gas cap is secure. See if that helps.
Also, and as a response to your original question, your brakes will have nothing to do with the CEL. Your oil wouldn't have anything to do with it directly. Chances are its exhaust / gas contamination issues.
Ahhhhh. I see. Again, I'm new to the whole having a 'check engine light' thing, so, I'm glad I'm not just ignoring something potentially major. I will get it checked, but now I can breathe a little easier.
Breathe a lot easier. In the grand scheme of automotive problems, the "Check Engine Light" falls well below the Oil Light and slightly above hearing Nelly on the Radio.
I've had three CEL events in three yrs. with my Tundra: 1. Throttle assembly needed cleaning - $70 from dealer 2. Throttle assembly needed replacement - so said dealer- $1100.00 Took to a private mechanic - who cleaned it - $70. 3. Oxygen sensor needed replacement - $286 from private mechanic. After the second event I have vowed to take my news from private mechanics. Dealers sense 'deer in light' syndrome with some CEL patients.
Honestly, I love the fact that all of you have paid money to replace oxygen sensors and all that, but I have a serious question. 1. Do you guys live in states with emissions testing. 2. If not, you guys ever thought of knocking the honeycomb out of your catylitic converters and straightpiping it?
1.) No. 2.) Yes. My friend and I gutted her cat on her 1990-something Jimmy. == I'm not an idiot with cars at all, but again, the CEL thing is new to me.
Go to an Advance Auto parts store or an Autozone and they will read the codes for you for free. make sure they give you a printout. then, get on www.cartalk.com, car questions thread, and ask those guys what the code(s) mean, and how to get them cleared. whatever you do, do not ask the guy who reads your code at the auto parts store what the code means, or they will tell you some bogus story designed to get you to buy something like some gas additive which will likely have nothing to do with your CEL problem. just get the printout from them, then high-tail it out of there.
CEL's are exhaust related. Just about every new car on the road carries a 8/80,000 warranty on exhaust and exhaust related problems. It's more than likely an oxygen or O2 sensor. Read you owners manual to see exactly what your exhaust warranty is. If you don't have one, order one from the parts department at your local dealership or have the service department specify the particulars of the warranty. You shouldn't have to pay. Do a little homework and you won't.