17th May 2009, 18:20

"When I had my Taurus, toward the end, how did I know the engine wouldn't blow up when I started it?"

This site really keeps me smiling. As a mechanic I realize lots of people have limited knowledge about cars, but the idea of a car "blowing up" because a "check engine" light was on had me in stitches.

My wife came in one day and said "Honey the check engine light is on in my Explorer". I just said "Run a tank of Premium gas through it". She did and the light went out. These lights are so sensitive that they come on for everything from a slightly loose fuel cap to a minor leak in a PCV hose. Their primary purpose is to scare people into giving the dealer hundreds of dollars. As I said before, if your car is running smooth, not overheating and performing normally you can pretty much forget the stupid light. People drove cars for over 7 decades without the aid of these things'

As for people getting stranded, my wife and I have each been stranded in broken down cars (each time it was a friend's Toyota) and NEITHER time did the check engine light come on. The cars just stopped.

18th May 2009, 21:19

Mechanic or, not my recommendation to those not too knowledgeable is to shut down immediately particularly with an oil light or overheating. Many cases it's too late and I prefer actual gauges in my cars. Telling someone to keep driving is not advisable. I have reset some warning lights myself and agree to a point, but shut down if you are not sure and pull out your manual or get on the cell phone and ask. Cheaper than a head gasket or a replacement engine block.

19th May 2009, 14:30

I agree with the last comment. It IS cheaper to pull over than to buy a new car.

19th May 2009, 22:30

The "check engine" light is usually separate from the oil light and most cars have heat gauges. Oh, well, if you want to go running to throw your money away every time a little light comes on, have at it.

21st May 2009, 06:21

The check engine light should be checked as well. Try buying a new cat or it could be a loose gas cap, or the O2 sensor is shot burning more fuel. Other lights can be serious. I maintain my comment, have it checked.

21st May 2009, 14:26

ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.

To comment 17th May 2009, 18:20.

<<My wife came in one day and said "Honey the check engine light is on in my Explorer". I just said "Run a tank of Premium gas through it". She did and the light went out.>>

The problem on my Camry was remedied by replacing both the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor.

About two hours after I bought the Camry, the thought of running premium fuel through the Taurus DID cross my mind. However, the Taurus was gone and there was nothing I could have done.

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To comment 18th May 2009, 21:19.

<<Mechanic or, not my recommendation to those not too knowledgable is to shut down immediately particularly with an oil light or overheating. Many cases it's too late and I prefer actual guages in my cars. Telling someone to keep driving is not advisable. I have reset some warning lights myself and agree to a point, but shut down if you are not sure and pull out your manual or get on the cell phone and ask. Cheaper than a head gasket or a replacement engine block.>>

I agree. If any light came on in my car, Taurus or Camry, I would shut down immediately OR drive it straight to the dealer.

FOR ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, I AM *NOT* MECHANICALLY INCLINED.

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Today, my son noticed that the glove box is falling apart. The cover is not flush when it is closed, and the clip that holds the door closed is losing its paint. All I can say: Wow.

21st May 2009, 17:50

You could also say wow when you waste your valuable time running a vehicle through the inspection lane and failing inspection with neglecting to service your O2 sensor/pollution control device. My state is stringent (Delaware). Plus your contribution to polluting the environment. I never had my motor vehicle ask me on my glove box latch perhaps yours is more stringent. Again, if ever in doubt about an instrument light, pull over check your manual before proceeding. If you see steam coming out under your hood, burning odors, or driving on a flat I also would suggest the same. Pull over. Or you can make the mechanic rich. Phone calls are much cheaper........ ask.

I have a teen driver and we both have cells.

31st May 2009, 09:03

ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE:

To the last comment, the idea of pulling over and calling sounds like a better idea than running it right to the shop.

1st Jun 2009, 17:39

If an engine is running hot, WITH or WITHOUT a light or gauge, the odor is VERY distinct. "Check engine" lights DO NOT, in most cases have anything to do with overheating OR low oil pressure. A 3-minute check of your owner's manual will tell you BEFORE the light comes on and you have to decide what to do. Anyone who doesn't read their owner's manual IMMEDIATELY upon buying a car should not be driving one. In 99% of cases the "check engine" light means NOTHING. They are pre-programmed to come on at certain intervals. This is to scare you into taking it to a dealer.

4th Jun 2009, 06:40

Why be scared to go to a dealer? Rather than rush out with a new car purchase, driving away quickly, ask them. They will come out and go over every single feature and how to use them in cars. They no doubt have training on the cars they sell. In the eagerness to drive the new ride off the lot, much could be learned. I also ask tons of questions on the test drives as well.

I pull my manual usually to identify fuses, how to set the clock etc quite frankly. And I agree a lot is not in them. But I do go over everything with the salesperson to know where everything is and how it works. And I have returned later to quickly learn more.

I once had a new Acura Legend with a hidden drawer in the dash left of the wheel and drove that new car almost 3 years before finding it was there. After that I asked. I also do not ever ignore lights... maybe you might want to own a nicer newer car someday instead of shelling out for large repairs ignoring them. Cars are too expensive to be so nonchalant.

7th Jun 2009, 07:42

ORIGINAL REVIEWER HERE.

To the last comment, I agree. A car is a machine. It WILL break down. Some will break down more than others, and some will "die" before others. It is my philosophy that a car will last as long as you want it to as long as you replace the parts. If the car is mechanically fine but has an empty fuel tank, is it dead because it won't move?