Check Engine Light (1 Viewer)

[The General]

Driving into work and the Check Engine light comes on. I am driving hundreds of miles this weekend out to the middle of nowhere for the holidays so figure I'll get it checked out. The dealership says they can "check" the light but can't diagnose anything until next week because they are full. Sitting here waiting for them to tell me something like "well that's weird, don't know what it is. Come back next week. good luck!"

I literally paid the car off last month. Hope your day is better than mine

 

[Godsbrother]

You can go to Advanced Auto Parts, Pep Boys, etc. and they can tell you the code number for free.

 

[3C's]

Go to Advance and get them to pull the code. Could be something simple, even a loose gas cap. Likely not something that would interfere with the trip.

 

[pecorino]

Toyota? Ours are on 24/7 for the past five years. Got the code, not worth fixing. Yours might be similar.

 

[comfortably numb]

I'm convinced the dealerships are monitoring all these new cars via computers and at certain mileage points send signals to turn sensors on/off.

 

[Cjw_55106]

As 3Cs stated, I would check the gas cap first. I would also unhook the battery for a minute to clear the light. It may or may not appear again. The check engine light is a fickle beast.

 

[The General]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

 

[comfortably numb]

As 3Cs stated, I would check the gas cap first. I would also unhook the battery for a minute to clear the light. It may or may not appear again. The check engine light is a fickle beast.

If you google your make and model there are resets on the light.

I had a beat up clunker I was getting rid of in 8 months but had to get it through inspection.

I googled how to reset it and it involved unhooking the battery, leaving the key in ON position something something.

It worked, I ran to the inspection station, passed and the light came on 2 days later.

 

[The General]

Toyota? Ours are on 24/7 for the past five years. Got the code, not worth fixing. Yours might be similar.

It's an Audi. Everyone has been telling me they fall apart right around 80,000 miles which I'm approaching. Been a great car.

 

[dschuler]

You can go to Advanced Auto Parts, Pep Boys, etc. and they can tell you the code number for free.

Sorry to hear that but this guy is right. If you have to use that car you could at least read the code and see what is potentially at risk. Some cars are known for erroneous faults that just need to be cleared. Hopefully that's what wrong.

 

[sbonomo]

Driving into work and the Check Engine light comes on. I am driving hundreds of miles this weekend out to the middle of nowhere for the holidays so figure I'll get it checked out. The dealership says they can "check" the light but can't diagnose anything until next week because they are full. Sitting here waiting for them to tell me something like "well that's weird, don't know what it is. Come back next week. good luck!"

I literally paid the car off last month. Hope your day is better than mine

i have no idea why anyone would go to dealership after the warranty is up. Go to part store and have them read the code. Google said code. Fix car.

 

[The General]

I'm convinced the dealerships are monitoring all these new cars via computers and at certain mileage points send signals to turn sensors on/off.

I think the bank tells them when the loan is done.

 

[comfortably numb]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

I hope you're in warranty...otherwise find a reputable mechanic and don't ever go back to a dealership

 

[The General]

You can go to Advanced Auto Parts, Pep Boys, etc. and they can tell you the code number for free.

Sorry to hear that but this guy is right. If you have to use that car you could at least read the code and see what is potentially at risk. Some cars are known for erroneous faults that just need to be cleared. Hopefully that's what wrong.

Me too. Fingers crossed. Awful timing with the holiday coming up but never a good time to deal with car stuff I suppose.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Rule of thumb is that if it's not blinking/flashing it's not serious.

Sounds like an 80k scheduled maintenance light to me.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Rule of thumb is that if it's not blinking/flashing it's not serious.

Sounds like an 80k scheduled maintenance light to me.

Wtf

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Rule of thumb is that if it's not blinking/flashing it's not serious.

Sounds like an 80k scheduled maintenance light to me.

Wtf

I'm serious.Look up Audi 80k scheduled maintenance. They also do it at 40k.

 

[Copeman]

Its what it always is. An O2 sensor.

 

[The General]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

I hope you're in warranty...otherwise find a reputable mechanic and don't ever go back to a dealership

I had a good deal with the dealership on repairs/maintenance and honestly haven't had to deal with them too muchJust usual checkups. When I bought the car the dealership scratched it pretty bad as they were driving it to me, like while I was standing there. A young kid turned a corner too tight and dragged the side along the corner of a wall. The owner of the place looked like he was going to kill the kid. I ended up getting a different color car but pretty much the same one that day. The dealer gave me a deal on maintenance and emailed for awhile afterwards. The whole thing was funny.

They also have a loaner car when I had service in the past which was nice so I didn't mind paying a bit extra anyways. Now that the car is older if I don't get a new one will be time to go the mechanic route.

Don't think I'll be paying to maintain this car though. Will prolly be looking for something else if this one starts falling apart.

 

[dschuler]

You can go to Advanced Auto Parts, Pep Boys, etc. and they can tell you the code number for free.

Sorry to hear that but this guy is right. If you have to use that car you could at least read the code and see what is potentially at risk. Some cars are known for erroneous faults that just need to be cleared. Hopefully that's what wrong.

Me too. Fingers crossed. Awful timing with the holiday coming up but never a good time to deal with car stuff I suppose.

This isn't the smartest thing to do but if you can't get the fault to clear on your own and can't get it read you might be able to just disconnect the battery, wait a minute and connect it again. Drive it around the block and see if it comes back in. That would tell you it wasn't erroneous. I would try to get it read first though.

 

[The General]

Rule of thumb is that if it's not blinking/flashing it's not serious.

Sounds like an 80k scheduled maintenance light to me.

Could be related to that but the car has a separate light for that that comes on.

 

[PIK95]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

You shouldn't let your tank get that low as there is crap at the bottom that could get in the lines and make bad things happen, maybe even set off a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

 

[The General]

Its what it always is. An O2 sensor.

I always use the "it's a broken Johnson Rod" line with cars. They could pretty much tell me anything and I wouldn't know

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

1. Finding out how to reset the CEL or disconnecting the battery will only do one thing and that is turn off the CEL temporarily. It came on for a reason, find out why.

2. Some auto parts places and repair shops will check the code for you...sometimes for free. But not all of them.

3. Getting the code will help but most of the time you'll still need a diagnostic. You can google the code but there's a good chance you'll get multiple results especially with an older car. "Code 1234 = faulty fuel doohickey...or faulty intake thinkamajig."

4. Not sure what state you're in but a CEL can automatically disqualify your car if you need an inspection. Here in CA you can't get your car smogged with a CEL on.

 

[The General]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

You shouldn't let your tank get that low as there is crap at the bottom that could get in the lines and make bad things happen, maybe even set off a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

Hopefully that's it or something else meaningless. The fact that I'm driving out to BFE this week is the disconcerting part.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Rule of thumb is that if it's not blinking/flashing it's not serious.

Sounds like an 80k scheduled maintenance light to me.

Wtf

I'm serious.Look up Audi 80k scheduled maintenance. They also do it at 40k.

never seen a flashing one.

 

[arrow1]

Its what it always is. An O2 sensor.

This

 

[belljr]

I have an OBD2 reader. Unfortunately it's not one you can update. Every once in awhile I get a code from my newer car it can't read but most of the time it's been easily fixed.

 

[belljr]

Yeah mine never flashed when my timing belt went to ####, and i consider that major. But I don't have an Audi

 

[The General]

1. Finding out how to reset the CEL or disconnecting the battery will only do one thing and that is turn off the CEL temporarily. It came on for a reason, find out why.

2. Some auto parts places and repair shops will check the code for you...sometimes for free. But not all of them.

3. Getting the code will help but most of the time you'll still need a diagnostic. You can google the code but there's a good chance you'll get multiple results especially with an older car. "Code 1234 = faulty fuel doohickey...or faulty intake thinkamajig."

4. Not sure what state you're in but a CEL can automatically disqualify your car if you need an inspection. Here in CA you can't get your car smogged with a CEL on.

I'm in Washington. We don't do formal inspections but they do test for emissions every other year. Just did that last month.

Hopefully I hear soon what's up. I'm the only one here in the waiting room. They just built a new building this place is pretty baller. Fancy latte/espresso makers, comfy leather chairs, I'm watching The Dan Patrick Show on Direct TV. If they bring in pastries I may skip work altogether and hang here.

 

[PIK95]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

You shouldn't let your tank get that low as there is crap at the bottom that could get in the lines and make bad things happen, maybe even set off a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

Hopefully that's it or something else meaningless. The fact that I'm driving out to BFE this week is the disconcerting part.

90% its not a big deal at all.

 

[3C's]

Lesson I learned about running low on/filling gas. Running low isn't a big deal, unless you run out of course, overfilling your tank is a big deal. Don't do it. When the pump cuts off the first time when it's full, stop. Don't "top off" to round off the amount or to squeeze in a bit more. You'll screw up your evap system. Fortunately mine was just a valve and I replaced it myself. http://www.freep.com/story/life/2015/06/28/dont-top-off-gas-tank-environment/29269833/

 

[The General]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

 

[[icon]]

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

Enjoy the new fuel pump you'll be getting for christmas....

Upside is, they likely have to drop the entire fuel tank to get to it, so you'll prob have any sediment cleaned out of the tank... which is nice.

 

[The General]

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

Enjoy the new fuel pump you'll be getting for christmas....

 

[3C's]

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

Enjoy the new fuel pump you'll be getting for christmas....

Upside is, they likely have to drop the entire fuel tank to get to it, so you'll prob have any sediment cleaned out of the tank... which is nice.

evap<>fuel pump.

 

[3C's]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

 

[The General]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Well #### I never do that. Here's to hoping I don't have a broken down car out in the middle of no where tomorrow.

 

[PIK95]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

:takesabow:

 

[eoMMan]

You should have bought an Innie!

:roarin:

 

[PIK95]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Wrong.

 

[3C's]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Well #### I never do that. Here's to hoping I don't have a broken down car out in the middle of no where tomorrow.

Doubt it. Usual symptoms would be slightly rough idle, difficulty starting, and decreased gas mileage. Audi is listed in here (purge valve was my issue as well) http://www.samarins.com/glossary/purge-valve.html

 

[3C's]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Wrong.

Not at all.

 

[Shutout]

I didn't read the whole thread but when I see check engine light+Audi+ 80k, I change the Oxygen sensor and figure within 95% accuracy, I nailed it.

 

[3C's]

I didn't read the whole thread but when I see check engine light+Audi+ 80k, I change the Oxygen sensor and figure within 95% accuracy, I nailed it.

You could actually replace Audi with about any car. O2 sensors tend to start failing around 100k. Although mine held on until 180k. Just the primary but figured while I was down there I'd replace the secondary and get it over with.

 

[PIK95]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Wrong.

Not at all.

He almost ran out of gas at the same time this happened. And he NEVER overfills.

 

[3C's]

Thanks, fingers crossed its not some broken thing. I'll try the Advance AP or Pep Boys type place for sure if I get nothing useful from these guys. I think that's what the guy meant by "checking" the light but we'll see what they come up with. I needed an oil change anyways so I'm here.

I am a car idiot so I'm pretty much like an open wallet for these guys.

Last night I was almost completely out of gas, the miles left to empty thing was on zero for prolly 5 miles. I was living dangerously. After filling up I had to turn the car over 3 times for it to start which has never happened. Probably unrelated but who knows.

You shouldn't let your tank get that low as there is crap at the bottom that could get in the lines and make bad things happen, maybe even set off a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

This is not how modern fuel systems work. The fuel pump is in the tank and the pickup is on the bottom of the tank. There is no difference in what is picked up by the pump whether the tank is full, half full, or near empty. The only concern is running completely out of fuel and overheating the pump.

 

[3C's]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Wrong.

Not at all.

He almost ran out of gas at the same time this happened. And he NEVER overfills.

Yes, no one ever overfills. Not even to round off to the next dollar after the auto shutoff engages. It doesn't take much. Running low or even out of gas would have 0 effect on the evap system. When you are on E in almost all (if not all) cars means you still have 2 gallons of gas left. He has all the symptoms of getting fuel in the evap system, including the hard start after filling up and the resultant code.

 

[GOB]

Check the flux capacitor.

 

[PIK95]

Once again the FFA shows they are collectively geniuses. It was something with emissions evaporation or some such nonsense. Almost certainly has to do with me almost running out of gas :ihope:

It's a Turkey Day miracle!

More likely to do with overfilling the tank than running low.

Wrong.

Not at all.

He almost ran out of gas at the same time this happened. And he NEVER overfills.

Yes, no one ever overfills. Not even to round off to the next dollar after the auto shutoff engages. It doesn't take much. Running low or even out of gas would have 0 effect on the evap system. When you are on E in almost all (if not all) cars means you still have 2 gallons of gas left. He has all the symptoms of getting fuel in the evap system, including the hard start after filling up and the resultant code.

Just going by what the O.P. said. He also mentioned the dealer said it had something to do with his running out of gas but he was a little unclear there.