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Author	Topic: Driving WIth Check Engine LIght On?	Post a Reply Back to Topics

AFOS Champion Author Chicago Posts:30,657 Points:3,099,770 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: May 12, 2011 10:04:44 AM Ignore AFOS Report Abuse Are you presently driving with the CEL on? I am. Car stumbled for about 30-60 seconds at startup yesterday but has driven fine since. This triggered the CEL with a code for cylinder 1 misfire. Until the problem becomes recurrent, I will drive with the CEL light on rather than spending a ton of money chasing would could be a very elusive problem.

AFOS

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Chicago

Posts:30,657
Points:3,099,770
Joined:Jul 2001

Message Posted: May 12, 2011 10:04:44 AM

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Are you presently driving with the CEL on? I am. Car stumbled for about 30-60 seconds at startup yesterday but has driven fine since. This triggered the CEL with a code for cylinder 1 misfire. Until the problem becomes recurrent, I will drive with the CEL light on rather than spending a ton of money chasing would could be a very elusive problem.

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skunku Sophomore Author Salt Lake City Posts:139 Points:132,555 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 2:54:55 PM Ignore skunku Report Abuse Be very careful about that. Since you have a code, call the manufacturer and find-out what it means then go from there. Be safe.
fatso Veteran Author Indianapolis Posts:252 Points:185,615 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 12:22:57 PM Ignore fatso Report Abuse NO! if you have a code and know that it is #1 , change the spark plug and wire. could lead to other things that cost more
going up Champion Author St. Louis Posts:1,162 Points:830,420 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 4:39:36 AM Ignore going up Report Abuse No *3
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,123 Points:37,065 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: May 25, 2013 4:28:38 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse NO but I did have a CEL on one vehicle act out for over two weeks just after a shop oil/filter change. The only thing I found was the shop over filled the replacement oil(1/4 " high on the dipstick).... after the CEL came on one morning I noticed as the Wife cold started that vehicle there was a noted blue haze came out the tailpipe just for a couple seconds then cleared. I had not seen that before only a slight view once in my side-view mirror and then never thought much of it at that time. Later the Dealership reprogramed the ECM on a recall notice by letter, the CEL stayed off for 20,000 more miles, then CEL stayed back on after a repeat. MY mechanic changed out three sensors to get performance back to normal also a tune-up = good general maintenance on most of todays engines. I actually drove over 70,000 miles before the CEL affair, then heard all kind of helpful opinions, did some web research, and talked with three good trusted mechanics, before problem was solved. Only one other problem not related still on the throne waiting to get wiped out! No help as of yet, but hopeful, still checking around..... only erred info so far ....
jonjon57 Champion Author Raleigh Posts:2,502 Points:653,535 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 1:49:37 PM Ignore jonjon57 Report Abuse No
jack4141 Champion Author Alabama Posts:3,127 Points:721,305 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 10:57:52 PM Ignore jack4141 Report Abuse No,
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,106 Points:1,870,850 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 9:35:15 PM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse it flashed for me... i knew it was the spark plugs that were worn out the old platinum tipped plugs had a big gap erosion & no wonder i was smelling unburnt fuel out the tail pipe a fresh set of double platinum plugs will ensure another 10-11 years of service!
ace12012 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,800 Points:349,535 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 11:00:22 AM Ignore ace12012 Report Abuse not a good idea.
weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,867 Points:459,000 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: May 21, 2013 6:50:46 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse I try to fix it myself, otherwise have a mechanic repair the problem. Left unrepaired could cost you much more in the long run plus lower fuel economy.
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,411 Points:907,865 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 10:18:47 PM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse the light is on for a reason you should at least get it checked out, it doesn't cost anything at autozone.
blckwolf Veteran Author North Carolina Posts:408 Points:100,025 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 7:03:07 PM Ignore blckwolf Report Abuse If it comes on and I don't know why it came on, I'll stop at an Advance, Auto Zone, or other car parts store and borrow their diagnostic tester to find out what it is. If it's something I can take care of myself, I'll either buy the parts I need and do it right then, or for more complicated/expensive jobs, figure out what I need and do the job later. If it's really minor (I have a loose spark plug wire on cylinder 5), I'll ride as is until I can let the truck sit for a bit to cool down (work or home) and then plug the wire back in.
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,373 Points:355,165 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 6:02:30 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse YES [Edited by: carinthuist at 5/20/2013 9:04:07 PM EST]
buickentury Veteran Author Madison Posts:297 Points:187,120 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 5:51:41 PM Ignore buickentury Report Abuse i wouldn't worry until it starts stumbling consistently. I drove a vehicle roughly 50,000 miles with the CEL on. Don't know why because it ran like a champ.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 6:42:29 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
smugutu1234 Veteran Author Tallahassee Posts:351 Points:98,265 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 6:29:22 AM Ignore smugutu1234 Report Abuse Not a good idea.
hyeglenn Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,208 Points:626,345 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 20, 2013 5:52:03 AM Ignore hyeglenn Report Abuse Not a good thing.
krazkar Veteran Author Calgary Posts:462 Points:303,130 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 18, 2013 2:14:17 PM Ignore krazkar Report Abuse My Volvo would have the light on, then off, then on.
DHIGAJ Rookie Author Toronto Posts:20 Points:720,325 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: May 18, 2013 12:31:22 PM Ignore DHIGAJ Report Abuse yes, since two year I am runing my honda civic car shows the engine light on for air leaking somewhere
mybigtruck Veteran Author San Jose Posts:254 Points:224,965 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: May 18, 2013 9:59:57 AM Ignore mybigtruck Report Abuse I think you should look into it. Most of the time a CEL indicates something unusual occurred but will turn off if it doesn't happen again over some predetermined number of drive cycles and if it's not a serious enough problem. However, you're guaranteed to be failed at a smog inspection if the CEL light is on.
OilerFan Champion Author Tulsa Posts:14,184 Points:2,457,575 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: May 18, 2013 5:54:53 AM Ignore OilerFan Report Abuse I think I'd at least take it by a shop and get a mechanic to listen to see if they hear anything out of the ordinary.
cv Champion Author Raleigh Posts:15,349 Points:3,294,280 Joined:Oct 2003	Message Posted: May 18, 2013 4:21:26 AM Ignore cv Report Abuse Not far, as soon as possible I have the problem corrected.
forestghost07 All-Star Author Miami Posts:604 Points:7,565 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: May 14, 2013 2:38:35 PM Ignore forestghost07 Report Abuse As fault-ridden as my '99 chev. blazer is, CE light's never been on a second beyond startup in 14 yr/102K mi. Damn good motor/drivetrain, the Vortec 4.3L 5 speed - rest of truck is ... blaah Wanna laugh? Many 70's cars (my '72 MG inc.) had a separate "brake pressure fail" light ... like I'd need a big red light tell me the brake pedal's hit the floor?? LOL! And those switches leaked brake fluid from brand new - useless. My MG's "fail" light has been reassigned to "electric overdrive on" ... convenient.
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,304 Points:2,385,740 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: May 14, 2013 6:52:50 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse The really important lights will often blink. Last weekend I was driving through a really bad thunderstorm and I noticed lower power levels and then saw a blinking check engine light. It was a cylinder 5 misfire, undoubtedly caused by water shorting out the cylinder. It went away after things dried out. BTW, I have a bluetooth OBD II reader plugged in all the time, and an Android app that reads it, so I can read codes without even pulling over. [Edited by: ldheinz at 5/14/2013 9:55:12 AM EST]
51stovi Sophomore Author Nashville Posts:225 Points:110,045 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 14, 2013 4:36:09 AM Ignore 51stovi Report Abuse I am currently driving one of our cars with the check engine light on. Had it checked. It is an emissions O2 sensor. Will have to get it fixed before I go through mandatory emissions later this year.
streetirsx Veteran Author North Dakota Posts:469 Points:148,465 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: May 13, 2013 11:23:33 PM Ignore streetirsx Report Abuse it could be simple as a worn spark plug or a #1 spark plug wire loose..
63pioneer Champion Author Texas Posts:6,760 Points:84,830 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: May 13, 2013 3:37:04 AM Ignore 63pioneer Report Abuse That CEL light is also known as the "idiot" light for a reason. It comes on for a reason and that is "something" is wrong with the car and if you don't have it checked out, you may end up replacing the engine/transmission, etc, and end up being very costly and may not end being covered by your warrenty. I have both a CEL light and a water temperature gauge in my truck. One night I was coming home from shopping and happened to notice the CEL light on and then looked at my water temperature gauge and it was almost into the red "danger" zone so I slowed down and took the next exit and stopped at a store a got 2 gal. of water. I carefully let the pressure off the radiator, restarted the truck and added some water until full, replaced the cap and drove home. If I had ignored that light and didn't have a gauge the truck would have overheated and It would have blown the head gasket. Pay attention to the light! [Edited by: 63pioneer at 5/13/2013 6:38:20 AM EST]
sagnat Champion Author Riverside Posts:1,291 Points:335,900 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Mar 23, 2013 12:31:19 AM Ignore sagnat Report Abuse I have a code reader and I get the code to diagnose, clear the CEL and see if it returns while I study on the cause and make preparations to correct.
dasAuto All-Star Author Regina Posts:845 Points:531,645 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2013 12:27:11 PM Ignore dasAuto Report Abuse Its not necessarily a good idea to drive with the CEL on. Sometimes the problem is already terrible before the light even comes on.
weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,867 Points:459,000 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2013 6:50:30 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse no, I get it fixed or do it myself if I can.
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,304 Points:2,385,740 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2013 6:39:42 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse After correcting a misfire problem, I had an occasional P0420 catalyst below efficiency threshold error. That typically means the cats need replacing, quite an expensive proposition. On the internet I got a solution: pour a gallon of lacquer thinner in the tank when it's 1/2 full and drive down the highway for 150 miles or so. I put in the gallon when I filled up for a trip, and afterwards the P0420 error is gone and does not reoccur. It worked! And it only cost $10 minus the gallon of gas that it replaced.
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,638 Points:324,475 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Mar 22, 2013 6:23:49 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse no
d_clark Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,018 Points:401,980 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 6:01:46 PM Ignore d_clark Report Abuse no
jnfrancois Rookie Author Orlando Posts:90 Points:26,435 Joined:Feb 2013	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 11:38:09 AM Ignore jnfrancois Report Abuse nope
Shamyne Rookie Author Orlando Posts:92 Points:32,255 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 11:37:59 AM Ignore Shamyne Report Abuse no
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,123 Points:37,065 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 9:53:11 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse During hot Summer weather while on vacation,our econo idle speed dropped often in traffic below the normal adverage. At that time gas pumps were not completely changed to E-10 everywhere. Only a couple times the CEL came on,went off,but the idle speed drop bothered me when sitting at a red light.Later on when making a quick left turn the vehicle leaned-out(bogged)in front of oncoming traffic (scary). Back home the dealership couldn't find anything wrong,CEL stayed off for over 20k more miles,still idle dropped now/then.Mechanic said the engine was purging the Evapo system of extra fumes/vapors coming from fuel tank to canister,normal to do so periodically.Hot weather thingee. Well CEL came on/stayed on 300 mi. after an oil/air/oil change,mileage dropped,reprogrammed ECM settings helped till 75k miles CEL back on = tune up,three sensors,new plugs,new lubes new filters including cabin filter,fuel filter,runs fine CEL stays off $600.00 worth about $50. per year to keep light off.... performance ok slight mileage drop > E-10 stuff!
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,638 Points:324,475 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 8:55:31 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse no
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,525 Points:1,148,550 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 7:18:31 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,867 Points:459,000 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 6:44:40 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse No, I try to find the problem myself and repair it.
ldheinz Champion Author Chicago Posts:19,304 Points:2,385,740 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 6:18:53 AM Ignore ldheinz Report Abuse I bought a Bluetooth OBD-II module on eBay for $10 and bought the "Torque" Android app for my phone for $5. Not only does it allow me to read and reset codes, it has web lookup of codes for your car, and lots more. You can make custom gauges including things like an MPG gauge, exhaust gas temperature, GPS speed vs. OBD speed, and essentially any of the values that the OBD has. On top of that, it can access the phone's accelerometer and give you lateral acceleration, 0-60, and all sorts of performance values. I discovered that my OBD speed is 2.6 mph less than the GPS speed at 70 mph. BTW, the free version lets you read/set OBD codes.
rmw10rpw Sophomore Author West Virginia Posts:181 Points:494,920 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 5:00:39 AM Ignore rmw10rpw Report Abuse no
Bushmaster Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,442 Points:962,560 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 4:44:57 AM Ignore Bushmaster Report Abuse no
Bushmaster Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,442 Points:962,560 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 4:44:56 AM Ignore Bushmaster Report Abuse no
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,928 Points:2,923,310 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 2:19:05 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse I am currently experiencing the same thing with my truck and right now the light is off. The other day just as soon as I filled up with gas it came on showing a lean fuel on the right bank, whatever that means, but I think it is coming down to an oxygen sensor. My what did we do before we had all of these idiot lights on vehicles?
chipote Champion Author Washington Posts:1,274 Points:393,305 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2013 12:28:47 AM Ignore chipote Report Abuse No
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,106 Points:1,870,850 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2013 11:23:47 PM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse anything after 1996 you can just goto autozone, advance auto parts, o reily's to have a free OBD II trouble code scan FOR FREE
mnrick041 Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:14,477 Points:1,396,760 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 20, 2013 7:19:21 PM Ignore mnrick041 Report Abuse A lot of times a older car will have the CEL on and there will be nothing wrong with the way the car runs. My last car was a Camry that I took up to about 63,000 miles and the check engine light kept coming on. O2 sensor, mass air flow sensor, vacuum leak here something else there. So if you are driving a older car that is out of warranty you could wind up spending a lot of money trying to get the CEL to stay off. Either drive with it on or buy a new car. I have a 2012 right now and have not seen a check engine light yet. My airbag system light was acting up for awhile, had to take the car in 3 times for that but now it seems good.
weddy11 Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,867 Points:459,000 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Mar 18, 2013 6:45:09 AM Ignore weddy11 Report Abuse No, I try to figure out he problem myself and repair if I can.
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:944 Points:187,850 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2013 1:39:36 PM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse no
AFOS Champion Author Chicago Posts:30,657 Points:3,099,770 Joined:Jul 2001	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2013 12:42:55 PM Ignore AFOS Report Abuse No longer an issue for me (the OP) since I gave the car to my daughter recently. Free of any CEL's for the last 22 months.
panj Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:13,296 Points:1,137,775 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 17, 2013 11:59:31 AM Ignore panj Report Abuse I Never Do That.