check engine light is on

wrxguy · 11-21-2001, 01:11 AM

fifteen hundred miles and my check engine light comes on
where do I start? no weird noises happened when i was driving down the road

anybody?

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Rocky WRX · 11-21-2001, 07:13 AM

You need to get someone to pull the code from your ECU with a OBD-II scanner. Your dealer can do this, hopefully under warranty. Some autoparts shops can do it too. You can also buy your own scanner, starting at around $100 for a laptop adapter and software. Not a bad investment if you plan on modding your car in the future.

Mulder · 11-21-2001, 07:53 AM

A scan tool is an invaluable accessory if you own an OBD-II car since it's the only way to read and clear codes.
The other day my CEL came on right after I started the car, also at about 1500 miles. I plugged in my scanner (AutoXray) and pulled the code which was a cylinder 4 misfire. I cleared the code and so far it hasn't come back so it was probably a random event and nothing to worry about.
There are just so many things that can trigger the light, from frequent misfire (bad) to a loose gas cap (insignificant but annoying).
Having the scanner made all the difference between being able to read/clear the code and go on my way, and having to find a shop or dealer to get it checked.

NotoriousWRX · 11-21-2001, 08:08 AM

Start with the obvious; check your gas cap.

Mulder · 11-21-2001, 08:16 AM

Yeah if the light comes on shortly after filling up then a loose gas cap is most likely the cause. There is even a warning about this printed on the cap itself. It's best to pump your own gas so this never happens but if you use full-service (or live in NJ where you don't have a choice) always check the cap after the clueless attendant puts it back on.

11-21-2001, 01:11 AM	#1
wrxguy Scooby Newbie Member#: 12189 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Sacramento California Vehicle: 2002 WRX sedan Silver	check engine light is on fifteen hundred miles and my check engine light comes on where do I start? no weird noises happened when i was driving down the road anybody? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-21-2001, 07:13 AM	#2
Rocky WRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 9837 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Evergreen CO Vehicle: 2002 White WRX Wagon 7800 ft	You need to get someone to pull the code from your ECU with a OBD-II scanner. Your dealer can do this, hopefully under warranty. Some autoparts shops can do it too. You can also buy your own scanner, starting at around $100 for a laptop adapter and software. Not a bad investment if you plan on modding your car in the future.

11-21-2001, 07:53 AM	#3
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	A scan tool is an invaluable accessory if you own an OBD-II car since it's the only way to read and clear codes. The other day my CEL came on right after I started the car, also at about 1500 miles. I plugged in my scanner (AutoXray) and pulled the code which was a cylinder 4 misfire. I cleared the code and so far it hasn't come back so it was probably a random event and nothing to worry about. There are just so many things that can trigger the light, from frequent misfire (bad) to a loose gas cap (insignificant but annoying). Having the scanner made all the difference between being able to read/clear the code and go on my way, and having to find a shop or dealer to get it checked.

11-21-2001, 08:08 AM	#4
NotoriousWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 9026 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: If I knew, I wouldn't be lost!	Start with the obvious; check your gas cap.

11-21-2001, 08:16 AM	#5
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	Yeah if the light comes on shortly after filling up then a loose gas cap is most likely the cause. There is even a warning about this printed on the cap itself. It's best to pump your own gas so this never happens but if you use full-service (or live in NJ where you don't have a choice) always check the cap after the clueless attendant puts it back on.