Service engine light. GRRRRR

[Damondogg]

My service engine light on my 99 s10 comes on like every other week. Stays on for a couple of days, then shuts off. My truck is running fine, so is it really necessary to take it to my mechanic to get checked out?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by Damondogg

My service engine light on my 99 s10 comes on like every other week. Stays on for a couple of days, then shuts off. My truck is running fine, so is it really necessary to take it to my mechanic to get checked out?

Yes you should have codes checked and repaired.

Many parts places read codes for free.
Just get code no and hold on bying parts and post back here with code no.
If you want help with it.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Damondogg

My service engine light on my 99 s10 comes on like every other week. Stays on for a couple of days, then shuts off. My truck is running fine, so is it really necessary to take it to my mechanic to get checked out?

with your problem this could be miss fires of the ignition system. if this is what the codes are ,,,,, ignoring will cost you much more down the road, as the cat converters get damaged.

miss fires can be so slight that, you are not aware this is occuring.

ignoring this will , in most cases cause lower MPG>>>>.

[Mikado14]

If your light was on and then went off you have a soft code. Don't panic...panic if the light starts to flash then you have a serious problem that could destroy your catalytic converter.

Go and have your codes read as MT - 2500 said. Then come back and post. If you have an Autozone, Advance Auto or even Pep Boys in your area they will read the codes for free....and write them down.

Mikado

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Mikado14

If your light was on and then went off you have a soft code. Don't panic...panic if the light starts to flash then you have a serious problem that could destroy your catalytic converter.

Go and have your codes read as MT - 2500 said. Then come back and post. If you have an Autozone, Advance Auto or even Pep Boys in your area they will read the codes for free....and write them down.

Mikado

he stated the check engine light stays on for a few days.

[Mikado14]

Originally Posted by j cAT

he stated the check engine light stays on for a few days.

Yes he did but he also said it went out. Therefore, it is not a hard code. When the light stays on without going out it is an emissions related problem...normally. For example, an O2 code can be set when the ECM sees a lean condition for an extended period of time. However, it will reset itself if the ECM sees the condition return to normal. An example of this would be a leaky exhaust and high speed driving for an extended period of time. After so many start/stop cycles if the condition doesn't return, the ECM will turn out the light.

What I said wasn't incorrect. It was appropriate.

Mikado

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Mikado14

Yes he did but he also said it went out. Therefore, it is not a hard code. When the light stays on without going out it is an emissions related problem...normally. For example, an O2 code can be set when the ECM sees a lean condition for an extended period of time. However, it will reset itself if the ECM sees the condition return to normal. An example of this would be a leaky exhaust and high speed driving for an extended period of time. After so many start/stop cycles if the condition doesn't return, the ECM will turn out the light.

What I said wasn't incorrect. It was appropriate.

Mikado

if the check engine light stays on for a few days this must not be ignored. I have worked on these type error codes for quite a time now. this may be an electrical intermitent defect , causing the emissions to be operating out of spec.

to dismiss this as not being serious , because it does not stay on at every start I would not agree with your comment.

I would not put off repairing any check engine light/DTC code, but thats my opinon not yours.

[Mikado14]

Originally Posted by j cAT

if the check engine light stays on for a few days this must not be ignored. I have worked on these type error codes for quite a time now. this may be an electrical intermitent defect , causing the emissions to be operating out of spec.

to dismiss this as not being serious , because it does not stay on at every start I would not agree with your comment.

I would not put off repairing any check engine light/DTC code, but thats my opinon not yours.

I wasn't implying that it should not be looked into. What I was attempting to do was to enlighten the poster to the different types of codes.

Let me ask some questions...how many individuals know that if the light is flashing that serious damage could occur to the emissions system? ...or..if the light stays on, how many people know that it indicates that the vehicle could be operating in default?....or....how many know that if the light comes on and then eventually goes out indicates just what I said?

I am sorry if I ruffled your feathers, that was not my intent. My intent was enlightenment for the original poster. I feel that I am correct in this since you felt it necessary to tell me that - "I have worked on these type error codes for quite a time now."

However, what I said wasn't wrong, it was correct and in my original post I did say -

Originally Posted by Mikado

"Go and have your codes read as MT - 2500 said. Then come back and post. If you have an Autozone, Advance Auto or even Pep Boys in your area they will read the codes for free....and write them down."

I mean no disrespect but only offer a bit of information other than the simple "go check the codes and come back".

Mikado

[j cAT]

many ignore the check engine light. they only take action if the emissions test is required and it is now time for testing.

sure lots of codes with different actions to correct / different reactions to the other components.

if they did read the owners manual on any vehicle it states , get the vehicle checked very soon if the light comes on .