A lot of modern cars can appear to be ‘running just fine’ but underneath the covers it’s pulled timing, altered fuel trims, etc. to appear normal and/or avoid damage but the computer stills knows that’s not a normal situation and alerts you to the problem. Unless you hook a scanner up and actually find out what the idiot light I telling you then you can’t be sure if it’s a false positive or not.
The check engine light can trigger for a host of reasons, one of which is routine maintenance like oil (5k miles these days). To know what’s causing it, you need to check the codes.
On most cars, if it blinks when starting up then goes away, it’s time to change the oil. If it stays on, it’s past time and/or there’s another sensor tripping.
Don’t ignore the check engine light. It takes like 30 sec to diagnose at any auto parts store, so just drop by and ask for a free scan if you don’t have a reader or don’t want to take it to a mechanic.
one of which is routine maintenance like oil (5k miles these days) […] On most cars, if it blinks when starting up then goes away, it’s time to change the oil. If it stays on, it’s past time and/or there’s another sensor tripping.
The “check engine” light will never illuminate for an oil change reminder. If the vehicle is equipped as such, it’ll have a separate “maintenance reminder” light.
It takes like 30 sec to diagnose at any auto parts store,
Pulling codes ≠ diagnosing
If you’re taking it to a parts store to pull the codes, get the specific codes and nothing else. Don’t listen to the parts store guys, they are there to sell you parts.
One of my older cars (2006) did trip the check engine light for oil changes IIRC. I could be mistaken though.
Regardless, checking the codes is always a good idea, never assume.
Don’t listen to the parts store guys, they are there to sell you parts.
Absolutely. But pulling the code is absolutely the first step to figuring out what went wrong. Sometimes it directly indicates the issue, and sometimes it trips due to another issue. I take the code, do a little research, and if I’m not confident in my own diagnosis (or it’ll be a costly repair), I’ll take it to a mechanic.
But don’t just sit on the check engine light. Figure out what it is and address it. In my state, you can’t pass emissions testing w/o having a clear check engine light (and yes, they check if you cleared it) or apply for an exemption, so we at least need to take care of it by then.
100% on all points. I used to be a mechanic, and I DIY 99% of my vehicle’s needs (except windshields, tires, and full alignments - simply for lack of equipment). Very important to get the codes, because, for example, a P0456 could be caused by something as simple as a loose gas cap (95% of the time), or something could be wrong with the evap system.
Though I’m curious what car you had that tripped the check engine light like that… 🤔
Again, I could be mistaken, but I thought it was my Toyota minivan. My other Toyota (2007 Prius) definitely has a “maintenance” light, and the minivan also occasionally threw check engine lights due to the fuel sensor (often tripped with low fuel in the tank), so I could honestly just be misremembering.
Not everything has to be latest gen CPUs, there will always be a market for 555 timers and ESP32s
Except these are the empty headed sensors that trigger the check engine light despite the engine running just fine
A lot of modern cars can appear to be ‘running just fine’ but underneath the covers it’s pulled timing, altered fuel trims, etc. to appear normal and/or avoid damage but the computer stills knows that’s not a normal situation and alerts you to the problem. Unless you hook a scanner up and actually find out what the idiot light I telling you then you can’t be sure if it’s a false positive or not.
Exactly. Modern cars are great at compensating for poor maintenance, but that doesn’t solve the problem.
Maintain your cars properly and they won’t need to compensate like this, meaning you’ll get better fuel economy and largely avoid costly repairs.
Isn’t the check engine light simply a timer and not an actual sensor? Programmed to light at least once a year and at least every 5k miles
No… That’s the oil change indicator. Different lights.
The check engine light can trigger for a host of reasons, one of which is routine maintenance like oil (5k miles these days). To know what’s causing it, you need to check the codes.
On most cars, if it blinks when starting up then goes away, it’s time to change the oil. If it stays on, it’s past time and/or there’s another sensor tripping.
Don’t ignore the check engine light. It takes like 30 sec to diagnose at any auto parts store, so just drop by and ask for a free scan if you don’t have a reader or don’t want to take it to a mechanic.
The “check engine” light will never illuminate for an oil change reminder. If the vehicle is equipped as such, it’ll have a separate “maintenance reminder” light.
Pulling codes ≠ diagnosing
If you’re taking it to a parts store to pull the codes, get the specific codes and nothing else. Don’t listen to the parts store guys, they are there to sell you parts.
One of my older cars (2006) did trip the check engine light for oil changes IIRC. I could be mistaken though.
Regardless, checking the codes is always a good idea, never assume.
Absolutely. But pulling the code is absolutely the first step to figuring out what went wrong. Sometimes it directly indicates the issue, and sometimes it trips due to another issue. I take the code, do a little research, and if I’m not confident in my own diagnosis (or it’ll be a costly repair), I’ll take it to a mechanic.
But don’t just sit on the check engine light. Figure out what it is and address it. In my state, you can’t pass emissions testing w/o having a clear check engine light (and yes, they check if you cleared it) or apply for an exemption, so we at least need to take care of it by then.
100% on all points. I used to be a mechanic, and I DIY 99% of my vehicle’s needs (except windshields, tires, and full alignments - simply for lack of equipment). Very important to get the codes, because, for example, a P0456 could be caused by something as simple as a loose gas cap (95% of the time), or something could be wrong with the evap system.
Though I’m curious what car you had that tripped the check engine light like that… 🤔
Again, I could be mistaken, but I thought it was my Toyota minivan. My other Toyota (2007 Prius) definitely has a “maintenance” light, and the minivan also occasionally threw check engine lights due to the fuel sensor (often tripped with low fuel in the tank), so I could honestly just be misremembering.
Was it a Sienna, by chance? I have a 2008 Sienna with an ominous-looking maintenance reminder light.
“Capitalism breeds innovation”
Plus, these have to be automotive grade, which requires a higher tier of durability. Not a lot of profit margin to be made on those sorts of devices.