*instrument Panel*

[benzsl2]

I need yall's help- i just got a 1996 Saturn SL2 from a friend, and was wondering a few things:

1. the 'check engine' light is on-what does that mean? is it a problem?
2. on the instrument panel, lower left under the chk engine light, there is an arrow pointing up-what does that mean?
3. when i reach a certain speed on the highway, i feel a shimmy in the steering wheel-what is that?

I know I sound like an idiot, but Im a customer service worker not a mechanic -please help! This is driving me crazy! Im afraid the car is going to blow up or something...

Thanks*

[sierrap615]

*** Moved to correct forum***

1. the check engine light means the PCM(computer brain) has detected an emission related fault, you car is OBD-2 meaning allmost any shop or parts store can retrieve the codes with a scanner. part store will typically do this for free, but don't always offer the best diagnoisis advise.
2. the arrow is the computer suggesting you change gears, depending on which transmission you have, check your owners manual.
3.possible brakes, suspention, or tire issue. many shops charge about about $20 or so for a complete vehicle inspection(firestone i know for a fact). ask for an inspection and tell them the issue and they should be able to help

[benzsl2]

Originally Posted by sierrap615

*** Moved to correct forum***

1. the check engine light means the PCM(computer brain) has detected an emission related fault, you car is OBD-2 meaning allmost any shop or parts store can retrieve the codes with a scanner. part store will typically do this for free, but don't always offer the best diagnoisis advise.
2. the arrow is the computer suggesting you change gears, depending on which transmission you have, check your owners manual.
3.possible brakes, suspention, or tire issue. many shops charge about about $20 or so for a complete vehicle inspection(firestone i know for a fact). ask for an inspection and tell them the issue and they should be able to help

i have a manual 5 speed - so your saying its telling me I need to shift the gears? And while Im on that- I shift to 3rd riding around town. I was told that when I ride the freeway I should stay in 3rd. That doesnt sound right to me. I think (here I go again thinkin...) that I should atleast get to 4th... what do YOU think?
opcorn:

oh and i cant really tell where this thread is moved to-i just saved a short cut on my desktop-but which forum is it in for future ref?

[sierrap615]

stay in third on the highway only if you have a third speed trans, oh wait, its not the 1950s anymore. 5th gear for highway crusing, 4th for passing, that should get rid of the upshift light.

proper thread is SC/SL/SW

[benzsl2]

Guys thanks for the help but I got rid of that car- it turned out to be a piece of junk after all. The deciding factor was when I was getting off the freeway and the brakes failed. I called the person I bought it from and told them where the fluck to get their dayumm car and demanded my money back.

I have since gone to a car dealer and bought a much nicer and more intact car.

Thanks again!~*opcorn: