"Check Engine" warning - DO IT!

[markwick]

I recently ignored the "Check Engine" Light in my '93 Burb. I was in Cruise control doing approx 110 kph (70mph) when the transmission just shifted into 2nd gear! - 1st thing that happened is the motor tried to accelerate to 110 kph in 2nd, then the cruise control kicked off and there I was in 2nd gear doing 110kph. It was raining and it was like putting the emergency brake on as my back wheels locked up. I was very lucky not to hit anything but finished up in the freeway median facing the other way and in dire need of some clean shorts! - Turns out it was the ECM reading a faulty vehicle speed sensor and automatically went into a 'Limp Home Mode' which was 2nd gear. This is probably a good thing to at least get you home but not when you are traveling fast - Moral of the story - CHECK OUT ALL 'WARNING LIGHTS AND SIGNS!!!'