c/lemmy_stitch · by DrBanjo@reddthat.com · 7dLittle Light Not OC, just always loved this lol 226 points · 8 comments · view on lemmy.world
8 Comments
OwOarchist@pawb.social · 18 pts · 7d
It's only a really big deal if the check engine light is flashing.
(Seriously, though, if you see that thing flashing, it's time to pull over immediately and call a tow truck before your engine explodes.)
zurohki@aussie.zone · 8 pts · 7d
Yeah, I wouldn't trust the light to flash to decide whether or not it was important.
Get someone to plug in an OBDII reader and see what code set the light. Takes 5 minutes, a mechanic might do it for free.
OwOarchist@pawb.social · 3 pts · 7d
Most auto parts stores will do it for free. (They hope you'll buy parts there to fix the problem, but you don't have to.)
They won't clear the code, though -- only read it. But the code can be cleared manually by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes.
Montagge@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 7d
The check engine light flashing means the computer is detecting misfire that's going to fry the engine
zurohki@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 7d
I've heard potential damage to the catalytic converter can do it too.
Montagge@lemmy.zip · 1 pts · 7d
It's the other way around. The misfires melt the catalytic converter.
Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe · 7 pts · 7d
The problem is you don't know why it's on in the first place.
Could be minor (O2 sensor out of range) or low oil pressure, which is a death knell for modern engines.
Every brand is different as to what triggers that light, and how accurately the oil pressure sensor is.
Stop and check. A Bluetooth OBDII reader is $5 on Amazon, and the Torque app is free.
MalReynolds@slrpnk.net · 4 pts · 7d
🎵There is a crack, a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. Leonard Cohen - Anthem