Engine Light

Old Guy · 09-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Before any long term members jump all over me for asking, I'm a new guy, so be kind.

Over the weekend my engine light went on. I recall reading about it here and even looked in the manual. I don't get the connection to the gas cap, but I took it off and tightened it again. The manual says the light should go away after 3-4 trips.

After 6-8 trips it didn't go away and I bacame worried. Since I'm not the guy that can work on the car myself, I resigned to the fact that i would have to take her into a dealer. I made the appointment and they say it will be $95 to hook her up just to find out the problem.

Depending on what's wrong, they would apply the $95 to the repair if I choose to do it. I had no choice so I set up an appointment for Thursday.

This morning on the drive to work, NO LIGHT. At lunch I went out and checked and NO LIGHT.

Should I be worried?

BTW - The dealer wanted $70 for a Mobil 1 oil change. I'm still a S2K virgin, but that seems excessive, especially in Oregon.

TheCarGuy2021 · 09-03-2008, 01:34 PM

The check engine light is on because there is a malfunction, which could be caused by a loose gas cap. When you take it into the dealer they hook up a diagnostic computer and it will tell them what is malfunctioning. You could go to Auto Zone and they will hook up the computer and tell you what's wrong free of charge.

If the light is off now and doesn't come back, don't worry about it. If it comes back on, go get it checked out. It shouldn't be a serious issue unless the light starts blinking, indicating a serious problem and you should not turn the car on.

Old Guy · 09-03-2008, 04:25 PM

Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site.

THANKS

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 09-03-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site.

THANKS

nice lol
try a search on this site and see what comes up, and no one should jump all over ya here for asking a question the core members here are really cool

PS 70 bucks from the dealer is no THAT bad some mom and pop shops down here in So Cal want upwards of 80 to 90

Dr. Jimbo · 09-03-2008, 05:35 PM

Mine has been doing it on and off for the past few weeks. Last time I checked it was for some random misfire. No change in performance or idling. Next thing you know, the damn light's off. I'm gonna check the codes again the next time it comes on.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 09-03-2008, 05:40 PM

its the little things that drive you mad

TheCarGuy2021 · 09-03-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site.

Just trying to save you $70. Auto Zone is going to tell you the same thing the dealer will tell you for a check engine light. The check engine light will throw a "code". There are thousands of codes (all of which are malfunctions). The only way to find out the problem is to pull the code.

For reference, I have a bachelors in Automotive Engineering Technology.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 09-03-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCarGuy2021

Just trying to save you $70. Auto Zone is going to tell you the same thing the dealer will tell you for a check engine light. The check engine light will throw a "code". There are thousands of codes (all of which are malfunctions). The only way to find out the problem is to pull the code.

For reference, I have a bachelors in Automotive Engineering Technology.

I think he was just joking

philiam · 09-03-2008, 05:59 PM

PS 70 bucks from the dealer is no THAT bad some mom and pop shops down here in So Cal want upwards of 80 to 90

I pay $50 here in So. CA. They also check the light on my wife's Accord and turn it off for free. Some dealers are out to empty your wallet. Wanted to charge my neighbor $100 to reset the radio code.

Another thing I do for my other car is buy a jug (5 gal.) of Mobil 1 at Wallyworld for about $25 and look for a coupon deal on an oil change. It's worth not crawling under the car and disposing of old oil for me. Avoid that dealer if you can.

DJJSR · 09-03-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

Another thing I do for my other car is buy a jug (5 gal.) of Mobil 1 at Wallyworld for about $25

Think you got your gallons and quarts mixed up again there Phil. If not, that's a heck of a deal!!!!

philiam · 09-03-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJJSR

Think you got your gallons and quarts mixed up again there Phil. If not, that's a heck of a deal!!!!

Damn! I think I'm becoming lesdixic.

H20 · 09-04-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

Damn! I think I'm becoming lesdixic.

Why does the term "Bobbited" come to mind...geez I hate the information age sometimes..

D1sclaimer · 09-04-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site.

THANKS

If you ask for help, please don't be rude when you reply to the answers. Even though Auto Zone doesn't sound like a good idea, it is good for reading codes unless you want to spend the money on a scanner or the dealership.

THANKS.

dezignpro04 · 09-04-2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jimbo

Mine has been doing it on and off for the past few weeks. Last time I checked it was for some random misfire. No change in performance or idling. Next thing you know, the damn light's off. I'm gonna check the codes again the next time it comes on.

Could be a bad plug or bad gas.

dezignpro04 · 09-04-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Guy

Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site.

THANKS

A hearty your welcome from the S2000.com members..

lonestarbuzz · 09-04-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Could be a bad plug or bad gas.

Dez is right, many times these are even related. my uncle ernie has horrible plugs that make him look worse than when he was bald. and his gas, geez, don't even get me started!

dezignpro04 · 09-04-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonestarbuzz

Dez is right, many times these are even related. my uncle ernie has horrible plugs that make him look worse than when he was bald. and his gas, geez, don't even get me started!

DAYUM!!!

When the hell did you get funny buzz..

ROTFLMFAOWPIMP (Roll on the floor laughing my F'n a$$ off while pee'in in my pants)

Old Guy · 09-04-2008, 10:40 AM

I meant a big THANK YOU for the advice. Sorry if it came off otherwise.

Dr. Jimbo · 09-04-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Could be a bad plug or bad gas.

I'm puttin' Shell Supreme in. Maybe the plug. I've got a set of new ones in my trunk. 71k on my stewie. I would think a bad plug would affect performance (acceleration, idle, etc.) but she runs great.

Dr. Jimbo · 09-04-2008, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1sclaimer

If you ask for help, please don't be rude when you reply to the answers. Even though Auto Zone doesn't sound like a good idea, it is good for reading codes unless you want to spend the money on a scanner or the dealership.

THANKS.

D, I missed the point. I thought it was a compliment, not a rip. Many people might think Ma Honda is the only place to go but there are other options. I was on an Xterra forum for my wife's car and thought I would have to pay over $200 at Nissan to get the power window regulator fixed. With the member's suggestions, I got the part on ebay for under $40 and put it in in about 20 minutes.
Regarding the OBD = CAN readers, I saw one at Harbor Freight for about $55 on sale that will clear the code too. The cheaper OBD only was about $35. I guess if you only need it occasionally, Harbor Freight is ok. If your a pro mechanic, I'd invest in something that is a little more quality.

gomarlins3 · 09-04-2008, 11:31 AM

This post just about covers it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCarGuy2021

The check engine light is on because there is a malfunction, which could be caused by a loose gas cap. When you take it into the dealer they hook up a diagnostic computer and it will tell them what is malfunctioning. You could go to Auto Zone and they will hook up the computer and tell you what's wrong free of charge.

If the light is off now and doesn't come back, don't worry about it. If it comes back on, go get it checked out. It shouldn't be a serious issue unless the light starts blinking, indicating a serious problem and you should not turn the car on.

Scooter · 09-04-2008, 10:35 PM

Yep, what the manual doesn't really make clear is that 3-4 'cycles' means complete cooldown of the engine, and it's really 5 or 6. My first trip to Honda was to have them check the code and tell me it was my gas cap, and explain that to me. No charge!

Boost Convert · 09-15-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Guy

... I made the appointment and they say it will be $95 to hook her up just to find out the problem.

Ok, this is CRAP. They should be NO charge to check the code for crying out loud, the charge is if it's a code indicating a SYSTEM that is having a problem and for the technician to diagnose the problem until he finds the failed part. At that point, yes the diag charge should be applied to the repairs.

Get the code for me and I'll run it by my technicians for the trouble you've been through. I work for a Honda Service Center and will help however I can. Good luck!

chazdawg35 · 09-15-2008, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boost Convert

Ok, this is CRAP. They should be NO charge to check the code for crying out loud, the charge is if it's a code indicating a SYSTEM that is having a problem and for the technician to diagnose the problem until he finds the failed part. At that point, yes the diag charge should be applied to the repairs.

Get the code for me and I'll run it by my technicians for the trouble you've been through. I work for a Honda Service Center and will help however I can. Good luck!

SHAME ON YOU DUDE! You work for Honda and drive a Subbie! LOL

Being a Mechanic myself I see many cars with many problems so diagnostics is NOT FREE! But we fix the problem at hand. So if you can get a Code let us know what it is.

sfkjeld · 09-21-2008, 08:12 PM

Was a bit surprised when it was suggested early in the thread that a loose gas cap might be responsible for a warning light. This afternoon, I was driving thru the Wine Country, sampling here and there. Stopped in for gas in St. Helena, and as I pulled the pump, an employee told me the station was closed. Put the pump back and took off, leaving the gas cap. No lights, nothing. I was a bit surprised. As it turned out, when I stopped at the next station (20mi away) and realized I left my cap, there was a Kragen across the street. The replacement cap was $6! Man, I am beginning to really like Honda's!

Anyway, so what's the story? Should a light go on with a missing gas cap?

09-03-2008, 01:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Old Guy Cranky is my middle Name Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 345	Engine Light Before any long term members jump all over me for asking, I'm a new guy, so be kind. Over the weekend my engine light went on. I recall reading about it here and even looked in the manual. I don't get the connection to the gas cap, but I took it off and tightened it again. The manual says the light should go away after 3-4 trips. After 6-8 trips it didn't go away and I bacame worried. Since I'm not the guy that can work on the car myself, I resigned to the fact that i would have to take her into a dealer. I made the appointment and they say it will be $95 to hook her up just to find out the problem. Depending on what's wrong, they would apply the $95 to the repair if I choose to do it. I had no choice so I set up an appointment for Thursday. This morning on the drive to work, NO LIGHT. At lunch I went out and checked and NO LIGHT. Should I be worried? BTW - The dealer wanted $70 for a Mobil 1 oil change. I'm still a S2K virgin, but that seems excessive, especially in Oregon. __________________

09-03-2008, 04:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Old Guy Cranky is my middle Name Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 345	That's why I join this site . . . Getting advice like going to Auto Zone is exactly why I joined this site. THANKS __________________

09-03-2008, 05:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Top Always Down Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,751	Mine has been doing it on and off for the past few weeks. Last time I checked it was for some random misfire. No change in performance or idling. Next thing you know, the damn light's off. I'm gonna check the codes again the next time it comes on. __________________

09-03-2008, 05:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 702	its the little things that drive you mad __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

09-03-2008, 05:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 2,733	PS 70 bucks from the dealer is no THAT bad some mom and pop shops down here in So Cal want upwards of 80 to 90 I pay $50 here in So. CA. They also check the light on my wife's Accord and turn it off for free. Some dealers are out to empty your wallet. Wanted to charge my neighbor $100 to reset the radio code. Another thing I do for my other car is buy a jug (5 gal.) of Mobil 1 at Wallyworld for about $25 and look for a coupon deal on an oil change. It's worth not crawling under the car and disposing of old oil for me. Avoid that dealer if you can. __________________ .

09-03-2008, 01:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheCarGuy2021 Car Dummy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 833	The check engine light is on because there is a malfunction, which could be caused by a loose gas cap. When you take it into the dealer they hook up a diagnostic computer and it will tell them what is malfunctioning. You could go to Auto Zone and they will hook up the computer and tell you what's wrong free of charge. If the light is off now and doesn't come back, don't worry about it. If it comes back on, go get it checked out. It shouldn't be a serious issue unless the light starts blinking, indicating a serious problem and you should not turn the car on.

09-04-2008, 10:40 AM	#18 (permalink)
Old Guy Cranky is my middle Name Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 345	Thanks I meant a big THANK YOU for the advice. Sorry if it came off otherwise. __________________

09-04-2008, 10:35 PM	#22 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,510	Yep, what the manual doesn't really make clear is that 3-4 'cycles' means complete cooldown of the engine, and it's really 5 or 6. My first trip to Honda was to have them check the code and tell me it was my gas cap, and explain that to me. No charge!

09-21-2008, 08:12 PM	#25 (permalink)
sfkjeld Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: San Francisco, Ca Posts: 252	interesting thread Was a bit surprised when it was suggested early in the thread that a loose gas cap might be responsible for a warning light. This afternoon, I was driving thru the Wine Country, sampling here and there. Stopped in for gas in St. Helena, and as I pulled the pump, an employee told me the station was closed. Put the pump back and took off, leaving the gas cap. No lights, nothing. I was a bit surprised. As it turned out, when I stopped at the next station (20mi away) and realized I left my cap, there was a Kragen across the street. The replacement cap was $6! Man, I am beginning to really like Honda's! Anyway, so what's the story? Should a light go on with a missing gas cap?

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