I purchased a 1999 9-5 4 cyl with 52000 miles on it two weeks ago. Well, I was on the highway in Sport mode and the Check Engine light appeared. The car starts and runs fine. Is this an emergency? I'd prefer to leave it with my mechanic but won't have a few extra days until next week? Can it wait that long?
If there are no other indications, I think this might be a "service timer" (for want of a better phrase) & so might be due for a service. If I remember correctly, it'll go away eventually, but any Saab garage should be able to reset it with a tec 2
NO! The check engine light is never used as a "service soon" indicator.
It is only used when the engine computer detects an emmission related failure. The term "emmissions related" can be broadly applied to almost any engine malfunction.
To the OP> Have the codes read out to get an idea on what engine malfunction was detected. It may be relatively minor, but be early warning of something more serious.
If you are in the USA, Autozone will read it for free. Findout what code it is and post the info here. The computer will reset itself after a certain number of starts (30?) but if the condition that caused it persists, it will never reset.
FYI - if you have a bad DI cassette you could find yourself stranded very soon. I would get the code checked.
Many apologies, I didn't intend to mislead, I had a similar snag on a 9-3 about 4 years ago which disappeared after some time. (I did say "I think" :-) )
Yes, there are a few inconsequential reasons for the Check Engine Lamp to go off. One of the most famous (and least consequential) is if you leave the gas cap loose, or its seal is faulty, you will get an "evaporative emissions" fault (whatever that code is).
That's the type that disappear after the next fill-up. ;-) But how would one know without reading the codes?
Hello, funny how people always press the button marked "dont press this", and not check the engine when it says "check engine" ... :-D
Richard.
check your gas cap. In Oregon where we're too dumb to pump our own gas, it used to happen to me often. I just have to make sure the attendant screws the cap on properly. The check engine light could be just that. For your sake I hope it is
Whadaya got a strong Gas Pumpers Union out there ?
There's a marketing gimmick here somewhere...
New Jersey's the same way. I live in Colorado.
Charles
Well, in NJ the mob is probably running it - or the politicians, which is kind of the same thing but without the handguns.
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