Im having a problem... the check engine light has been coming on lately but it doesnt stay on... it comes on for a few seconds (usually like 8 to 10 seconds) and then goes off... it doesnt do it when you first start the car but after a few minutes it comes on and then goes off and comes on again... it never stays in though... all of the people ive talked too says that nothing is wrong as long as the light doesnt blink or stay on... one of my close friends says the sensor might bo bad sense the car is rather old... can any one tell me what might be the problem... if there is a problem i would like to have it fixed before it is too late... thanks...

 

Really could be anything. An EGR Valve, Oxygen Sensor, Mass Flow WHO KNOWS?!

Start with replacing the air filter to eliminate the Mass Air Flow sensor. Cheap fix that cant hurt if it fails.

If it's something more obvious, another poster will let you know.


Although it might not be worth it for an old car like this, some shops offer a code reader that is temporarily installed in your car and lets you drive around until the light pops on a few times. When you take it back, they can read what code(s) it was and try to fix the problem.

 

i just changed my air filter not to long ago and i really dont want anything to happen to the car... it only has 54000 miles on it and i love it...

 

Even if the light doesn;t stay on, there *should* be a code stored.. Couldn't hurt to have it checked..

 

yeh... ill prob have it checked the next time i get my oil changed which is very soon... i just hope it isnt any thing seriously wrong... every body tells me it should be fine but id rather be on the safe side... do you know if it costs any thing to check the light?

 

if you have an autozone or walmart tire and lube express the code check will be free. other parts places may check it for free too. Call around and make sure though. sometimes franchises don't always do the same things in all locations.

 

well i have a autozone near me and its right down the street from where i work so i guess il go down there after work one day then... thank you all for the help...