Re: The dreaded "check engine" idiot light - 02 LLBean

Normally this is just an O2 sensor acting up, not much to worry about, also, it may take several times starting the car (after tightening the fuel cap) for the check engine light to go off. I would have it scanned just to be on the safe side, but unless the light is flashing at you it should (again I say SHOULD) be ok to drive.

thanks both of you. I'll drive it to work today and see what happens.

CEL is still on, drove 50 miles today, no problems, no performance degredation. I made an appointment to bring it in for the recall and an inspection Tuesday anyway, so I'll have them check it out then if it's still on.

Deb

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Librarians have the power to hide your dissertation behind a pile of old Field and Stream magazines.

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Have them check the trouble codes even if it is not on, you won't be sorry. TG

Interesting. I keep the engine running every single time I get gas. The day before the light went on, the engine was actually NOT running for the first time in ages because I got self-serve gas. The light went on the next day. Then it stayed on until just now (about 6 start cycles) when it suddenly went off. Interestingly enough, the gas only went down to 3/4 of a tank, not 1/2 or

Thanks. It just went off tonight, after about 6 starts and using 1/2 of a full tank of gas. I'll certainly have them check the codes in case it was actually a faulty O2 sensor.

Why? I'm seriously curious why anyone would do this. Isn't it a little hazardous?

I think it is illegal as well. At least in OH and MA. TW

I guess I've been foolish for keeping the engine running while filling up, but the reason I don't keep it running while self-serving is that I never, ever, EVER leave keys inside my car when I am not physically in the car myself. EVER. The "hazard" that I fear while self-serving is either locking the keys in the car, or someone stealing the car just after I lock up the gas cap and put the pump away.

Don't be so quick to judge - I am taking the car in for service Tuesday and fully intend to have the light investigated, even though it has now gone out.

I never turn mine off and didn't know there was a reason to do so. Sure don't think there is a law against it here. I have my own 500 gallon tank but if I do go to a retail outlet I use a "quick-stop" feature on my remote starter that lets the engine stay running while the key is removed but the car can't be shifted or steered. TG

I wasn't trying to imply ignorance on your part, just trying to make a point for ALL who may read this. Sorry. TG

No problem, but as a matter of fact, the light only stayed off for one day, then came on again yesterday and has stayed on steady ever since. Probably NOT a gas cap issue after all.

Agreed - it's probably not... I thought my CEL problem was gas cap related, but other than the first time it didn't coincide with fill-ups. That would've been tooo easy! It happened a few more times, but always went off before I made it to the dealer. The ecu had stored the codes though, and it pointed to a faulty air intake component. They cleaned it out and ordered a new one (as per the shop tech manual) and sent me on my way. It was ok for 2 days, but on the third it lit again. Next day the shop called and said they had the part. Went in that afternoon and had it replaced. Worked fine for about a wk, then on again! They said to let them have a day or two to ask (SofA?) if there were any other remedies. There was; they reprogrammed the ecu to be less sensitive to whatever had been tripping it. If only this had been found out 5 wks prior.... and see my new thread "Inspite of the Problems" ;-) Terry - '02 Regatta-Red 5spd GT wagon - 24k miles Yakima / TandeMover / Rockymount rack To reply, get rid of the "nonsense"