A few weeks back, the check engine light came on for my '98 Plymouth Neon. I took it into the shop, and mentioned that I'd noticed a "pinging" from the engine, especially when it was cold in recent weeks. I wasn't sure if that was part of the check engine light situation or not.
Well, it turned out they weren't related. The check engine light was a wiring problem, and I had that fixed. But the service rep said that the mechanics said that the pinging was due to a problem with the lifters, and that I should have them (I think she said replaced?) and it would be in the $700-$800 range. She also recommended a tune-up at the same time.
Seeing as the car is getting on in age, and has nearly 130,000 miles, the cost of this service would nearly be the value of the car. We decided not to have the service done, and to start looking for a new car.
What I'm wondering is, what will be the long-term results of not having the lifters serviced? What exactly are "lifters"?
Since the car has been back from the dealer, I haven't noticed the pinging nearly as much as I was before. I'm hoping that the sound stays away until I can trade it in.
Any comments appreciated.