Service Engine Light

[scoobydube]

I have just purchased a used 2004 Pontiac Montana and have had it 31 days of course... I only had a 30day/1000mile warranty and today on the 31st day the "Service Engine Soon" warning light came on. Should I be running to have this checked or can it wait a week or two as of course I don't have the money for an expensive fix of some kind. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Chameleon-kat]

If your lucky, its only the gas cap thats loose or mis-aligned. Some places such as auto-zone will run a scan to get trouble codes for free. I think I'd give that a try first.

[cdru]

I'd try to get the codes scanned for free. Sometimes it's a "fix it when you get a chance" type of problem, other times it's a "fix it asap" type of thing.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by scoobydube

I Should I be running to have this checked or can it wait a week or two as of course I don't have the money for an expensive fix of some kind. Thanks in advance for your help.

Whenever your "check engine" light or SES light comes on it is a good idea to have it checked out ASAP, ( as said previously, Autozone does it for free, or if there aren't any near you, call your local auto stores to see if they provide this service.)That way you can determine the severity of the problem,and if it is in need of a quick repair, or you can wait a few days. Sometimes waiting too long can have a detrimental effect on your engine and end up costing you more to fix.

[scoobydube]

Well... I just wanted to thank you guys for replying... it of course turned out to be something REALLY STUPID!!! I had put my gas cap on "too fast". Thankfully I took it back to where I bought it and they did it "this time" for free... but next time I'll have to pay. So hopefully I won't get impatient with my gas cap again??? LOL Thanks again for your suggestions.

[Chameleon-kat]

3 'clicks' when tightening usually will ensure its correct, also just listening to make sure it 'sounds' right

[redly1]

congrats on not having to pay!!