How To Make Check Engine Light Go Away
Written by Debbie on January 23rd, 2009 in Articles.
In November of 2008 I upgraded my 2002 Dogde Caravan to a 2005 Honda Civic. While I do not do a lot of driving it is nice to know I have good transportation. Driving a small car was new to me but I soon learned to enjoy it. It was a good running little car.
In January of 2009 we had an artic cold spell with very cold temps. My little car sat in the cold weather for several days without being started. I needed to get a few things at the store so I went out to start my car. I turned the key, my little car was not sure but did roar to life. I let it warm up. Driving around doing my errands I glanced down at the dashboard and saw the little icon for the check engine. I was not happy to see it glowing as it had only been about 3 months since I brought my car from a Monroe Honda Dealer. So while I was out I pulled into the Honda dealership to inquire about the check engine light. I was told it would be a cost of $88.00. Well money has been tight the past couple of months and I just did not have the extra $88.00 so I left. The cost seemed a little high to simply plug in a computer scan and let it find the diagnosis causing the check engine. Driving down the road with my check engine light on was annoying so I thought how can I make it go away till I get the extra cash to have it checked out. I then had the bright idea of “out of sight out of mind”. So I go into the house and get some black electrical tape cut out a nice little black square and place it over the glowing check engine light. Now the check engine light is no longer glowing at me while driving. Although I do know it is still there, but till I get the extra cash it will need to stay under its little cover.
March 27th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Some Car parts stores will allow you to use their scanner for free. Try Autozone, Kragen, Napa. Many stores have discontinued this but maybe you’ll find one that still does it.
You should definately get it looked at. Hopefully it is nothing.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:23 am
The tape is a great idea, but there could be something majorly wrong with your car. Remember that check engine light is there for a reason so make sure you do not place the tape and just forget about it. I have already gone through 3 engines with 3 different cars, no joke, 3 engines
because I ignored the check engine light. Get it checked when you get the money. Also, the dealership won’t do it for free? What was your warranty on the car? You might have gotten a lemon after 3 months.
May 16th, 2010 at 6:59 am
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