Follow-up to Service engine light. Is this normal?

[rns91294]

Okay, yesterday I went to AutoZone to have a diagnostic test done for free. They said the light was on and it read a misfire (however, in the Pontaic book, a misfire is represented with a flashing service engine light and not a steady one, mine was steady). Anyway, he erased the code to reset the light. Now I have more questions. I am going to wait to see if the light comes back on before I take it to the shop. How long would that take if there is a problem? It will go back on right?

Second, the light used to come on when I started my ignition and now it does not. Could something have happened when he erased the code?

Also, if I decide to take it to the shop anyway, could they run another diagnostic and see that it read a misfire before? Any help would be great. It is 99 Pontiac Grand Am GT. Thanks!!

[Chameleon-kat]

I told you not to thank me to quick
There is a way to check and make sure light is operating (you could check manual if you have one), I think just turning key to 'on' position (don't start it), will cause all the warning lights to come on (system checkout), and it should come on briefly there. If the code was set as result of a 'real' problem (as opposed to one time glitch), it should come back on and stay on when problem occurs again. I think the code (once reset) is gone forever until situation crops up again.

[rns91294]

So if there was a real problem, the light would most likely go on again, right?

[Chameleon-kat]

yes, when the sensors,puter detects it

[rns91294]

Thank you yet again. The light has not come back on and yes, it does go on in the 'on' position. I wouldn't be surprised if something with the weatehr set it off. I am in New jersey and we had a snow storm and ice storm move through when this all started happening. I am definietely pleased with AutoZone and will keep them in mind for next time as well. Thank you.

[grand am girl]

I've been having a problem with my service engine light coming on. I took to the shop and they replace the plugs and wires then that did'nt work so they replaced the tower that did'nt work so then they replaced the modual and the coils and that did'nt work. I was starting up my car and again it came on what should i do. They cant figure out whats wrong with it.Please someone help me.

[GTP Dad]

Take the car to autozone and have them scan the computer for the code. It could be a totally different code than the misfire code. Once you get the code post again. This time include the engine size and year of the vehicle. And one other question what do you mean by the tower? I have never heard of such a piece of equipment on a car.

[Degtr]

A blinking service engine light is usually indicates a more serious problem than a steady light. It's even possible that the steady light is due to a bad seal around the cap on your gas tank. Before you let them replace or repair anything else on your car, I'd take it elsewhere to pull the codes.