CHECK EGINE LIGHT?
Please forgive my ignorance here. Our check engine light on dash came on a few days ago. Engine runs fine and sounds great. Is the on board computer set up to signal when a maintenance issue has no...
Forum Discussion
JoeTampa wrote:RJCorazza wrote:
I would be concerned about a shop's free reading, especially when they will want to fix the issue. I am sure there are plenty of honest shops out there, but I still want to make informed (independent) decisions when possible.
Buy or borrow an OBD2 Code reader and read up on the result. As donn0128 states, there are some inexpensive smartphone solutions that will read and reset codes, as well as provide real time gauge data. I use DashCommand and a Wi-Fi obd2 dongle and love it!
Concur, although many auto parts shops will do it for free, and don't have a dog in the fight for many of the repairs that might be required, especially if you generally go to your mechanic.
Regarding an OBD scanner and DashCommand, I use the same setup. One nice benefit besides the code reading is that it shows me instant MPG so I can find that "sweet spot" speed-wise for best economy. (60 MPH for me, just over 11 MPG!).
However, if you don't want to stop somewhere or buy something, most vehicles will have some way of displaying the code with a combination of turning the key on and off or whatever. Some of the codes are benign, others signal a problem that should be attended to. Some, as mentioned, are some one-time failed test that is subsequently passed, with the code disappearing after some number of passed tests. But you really should check the code to be certain.
I have a scanner, and it wasn't that much, but parts stores will do for free, and while having a small dog in the fight as hoping to sell you that parts called out, but easier to walk away.
