Is Your Check Engine Light On? Find Out What It Means

[blarson12]

This guys a hoot. Its like he's a recovering redneck or somethin.

[gmcarfreak]

Scotty, on a 98 mazda protege lx 1.5 i got a code P0106 , i dont understand the code? how can i fix that? thank u for your time sir

[scottykilmer]

@gmcarfreak that's the code for map sensor range problem. Either the sensor is bad, the wiring is bad, or you have a vacuum leak on the intake system causing that. Often vacuum leaks

[suddnstar]

I have an evaporative emissions problem with my vehicle, I took off the EGR valve to clean it out, and I noticed that one of the bolts is missing. Do you think that this could be the cause of the check engine light that I have on?

[scottykilmer]

@suddnstar only if it causes leakage in the system, often one bolt will hold em down fine.

[arubin22]

Hey Scotty, I'm trying to do my friend a favor and fix his 97 Altima that has the light on and p0171 in the computer. Now, I understand that this code could be a bunch of things from a bad o2 sensor to a vacuum leak to a dirty maf sensor, ect. But this seems to be a pretty common code for this car. I was wondering if you had any experience with this and if maybe you could give me some tips on what might be a common issue with this code on this vehicle.

[scottykilmer]

@arubin22 you've already figured out some of the possibilities, so start checking them. You do need a lot of tools and scan computers to analyze that stuff though. Scotty

[Igentenos]

Scotty, 2001 Honda Accord EX alright then one day I started it give some gas and it wouldnt move. When I press gas pedal further than usual it hesitantly goes. Does this at every stop. Driving home Engine Light came on. Took it to local garage. They said locked up rear caliper and metal to metal. New caliper + pads and I drive off and it's doing the same thing. Driving @ 30mph RPM bouncing from 1500-2000. Plus break pedal goes almost to floor now. Is my tranny going out or is this ABS?

[jw200]

Scotty, master. I have a 1997 Dodge Avenger, with 2.0 DOHC engine.

Sometimes the check engine light comes up and then disappears, then again comes up. And disappears again. Last time i have read, then the code was: P1494.

But why my Dodge flashes the light sometimes? It doesn't flash like in your video but just comes up and goes away, pretty much randomly.

Something is "dying" there and Dodge tries to tell me that?

Im not sure if the code is same always. I don't have the reader. TIA

[Niteguy705]

Hey Scott

I have a 99 Impreza, the CEL flashes at low RPM only when the tank is more than half full. Other times it just stays on. I pulled the codes and it says cyl. 2,3,4 misfire. I changed the plugs, plug wires, checked the coil which is good, and a new injector in cyl 2 but still the same problem. Note how it flashes ONLY at low rpm(idle usually) and ONLY when the gas tank is more than half full. Suggestions?? Please help!

[scottykilmer]

@Niteguy705 The only thing gas level effects if the fuel pump which is inside the gas tank, so I would assume a problem inside there. Scotty

[Niteguy705]

@scottykilmer but would that not cause a misfire in ALL the cylinders and not just 3 out of 4? Would the fuel filter be a probable cause too?

[scottykilmer]

@Niteguy705 realize that the computer software in most cars isn't that great, so if you have two misfiring computer codes, odds are they may all be misifiring and the computer just counted the ones that missed the most. Scotty

[rbu2m]

Where Is The Knock Sensor Located On A 1999 express van? I can't find an answer anywhere on line. Thanks in advance.

[scottykilmer]

@rbu2m it's hidden under the intake manifold, an absolute cow to change out, requiring removal of the intake manifold.

[Hybridlancer2000]

My engine light comes on when I run low on gas or if it's muggy outside.

[scottykilmer]

@Hybridlancer2000 get it scanned and see what the code it. Probably an EVAP code. Scotty 

[kilagon10]

How can I fix a "Check Engine" light problem on a vehicle prior to 1996 (a 1991 Toyota 4-Runner)?

[scottykilmer]

@kilagon10 they don't do much on those old things. You can get an old scan tool and check it, or just remove the bulb if it runs fine. Scotty

[Melvinsaniac]

Hi Scotty. I have a 2005 Honda Element, and pulled a P301 (misfire in cylinder number one). I pulled the plugs, they looked fine so I put Dielectric grease in the coils, and took the negative battery terminal off, and the light hasn't come on since. Is this ok?

[Melvinsaniac]

Hi Scotty. I have a 2005 Honda Element, and pulled a P301 (misfire in cylinder number one). I pulled the plugs, they looked fine so I put Dielectric grease in the coils, and took the negative battery terminal off, and the light hasn't come on since. Is this ok?

[scottykilmer]

@Melvinsaniac as long as it doesn't come back on, yes. Scotty

[steeloable]

hey scotty i want buy this 1999 surburban but is has 207,000 miles on it is that a good or bad purchase,its 4,000 bucks and runs good,so would the miles compensate the price,or is that to much,but i really want to purchas this but just unsure,,any advice you give would help

[steeloable]

hey scotty do you ever work on chevy caprice 1996 model,cause i want to know how to do a tune up cause the spark plugs are hard to get too,plus what does pass key fault means have that light on also,,your help would be greatly appreiated,,i am your biggest fan also wish there were more like you,,steelo

[scottykilmer]

@steeloable  The back spark plugs are hard to get to, but with wiggling and tools you can do it. As for pass key, that means your anti theft system is acting up. Try another good key if you can find one. Scotty

[XxgunsxX1]

scotty how or wher can i get that code book ..do they sell em or....

[scottykilmer]

@XxgunsxX1 Just google it, you'll find tons. Scotty

[XxgunsxX1]

@rony23ify yes cus its a code

[Madmardaggin]

your the man scotty

[RichRoma66]

This guy's the man!! He's helped me through A LOT!!!!!!! Thanks Scotty.

[itscody317]

does it matter what kind of scan tool you get?

[1ownjoo2]

@itscody317

Yes it does, You could have OB1, or OB2, or newer computers installed on your vehicle.

[scottykilmer]

@itscody317 they all work the same way on 1996 and newer, the more expensive ones do more stuff. If you just want codes, get a cheaper one. Scotty

[batalatex]

You mean to say that if I buy CP9580; I would get ALL the features of CP9180 PLUS Anti-Lock Braking system ?? ...... in this case, I should go for CP9580 ..... However, if 9580 misses some important features then I should stick to 9180 !! ..... What is your final advice ??

[dragonman14]

Great advice, you can also take your car to a auto zone and they do it for free. My Evo's engine light came on, brought it to them and found out a hose that sucked the vapor out of the car tank was stripped. Kinda strange seeing as the hose is at the back of the engine.

[Orlando462]

do they have scan tools for OBD1 vehicles? I'm just curious lol.

[scottykilmer]

@Orlando462 Yes, but they don't do much on such a basic system. Lots of places like auto zone sell cheap ones for them. Scotty

[heartlessangel7]

@Orlando462 For OBD1 you can jumper 2 pins in the connector to make the Dash idiot light blink. It uses a sort of morse code to spell out the codes it's stored. Check the pin jumpering in your car's Haynes/Chilton book.

[Dartht33bagger]

@Orlando462 My 91 Camaro has OBD 1 and I have a code reader for it. Codes do help on OBD1, not as much as on OBDII system but it still does help.

[moofushu]

Scotty how can someone check the gas cap to make sure it's not leaking gas vapors? I ask because some gas caps say if not closed right it will set off the check engine light.

[RacerE7773]

@moofushu click it three times around when you close the cap.

[scottykilmer]

@moofushu YOu can't, you'd need a gas cap pressure testing machine. BUT, they are supposed to do that test every time you get your car emissions inspected. Scotty

[sbaker3232]

I just cover up the check engine light with a piece of black electrical tape

[scottykilmer]

@sbaker3232 Ah, but then you don't know what's going wrong (though it may just be something very minor if it runs right.) Scotty

[batalatex]

Hi Scotty .... Please let me know which one is better .... when I go to Amazon, it gives me 2 options ..... == 1 == Actron CP9580 Auto Scanner with CodeConnect Trilingual OBD II, CAN and ABS Scan Tool by Actron (Jun 25, 2010) Buy new: $152.96 ..... == 2 == Actron CP9180 AutoScanner Plus Diagnostic Code Scanner with Live, Record and Playback Data Capability and O2 Monitor Test for OBDII Vehicles by Actron (Jan 30, 2007) Buy new: $104.99 ..... which one should I buy ??

Thanks for your help !!

[scottykilmer]

@batalatex The second choice should be fine, unless you want to work on the anti lock braking system, which the top one does but not the bottom one. Scotty

[batalatex]

@scottykilmer :: you mean to say that if I buy CP9580; I would get ALL the features of CP9180 PLUS Anti-Lock Braking system ?? ...... in this case, I should go for CP9580 ..... However, if 9580 misses some important features then I should stick to 9180 !! ..... What is your final advice ??

[IraqiIntegra90]

Hey scotty I have a 2002 dodge caravan the engine light came on it about 2-3 years ago n we took it to the mechanic n he said its jus the sensor comin out for no reason n the car is fine and ive been driving it with the engine light on for 4 years so is that ok or still needs to be checked?

[scottykilmer]

@IraqiIntegra90  If it's always that same code and it runs OK, live with it. Scotty

[crazyoldredneck]

Ok Scotty heres the thing i got a 1993 dodge dynasty it has a auto trans in it the car is up on a ramps nose to ground.... heres the problem the trans shifter is locked at the transmisson and will not move so much i broke the shift cable trying to get it out of park i tryed everthing to shift it from the trans but its stuck what would make this happen..

[scottykilmer]

@crazyoldredneck Disconnect it at the transmission and see if you can shift it manually at the tranny. If so, replace the cable. If not, the transmission will have to be fixed itself. Scotty

[printers]

My Service Engine Soon light comes on randomly for 10 seconds while I'm driving down the road on random days. Sometimes it will go a few days without happening and sometimes it will happen 3 times a day. I have a 1992 oldsmobile cutlass ciera.

[scottykilmer]

@printers On that old OBD I system, you would need an OBD I scanner to get the code WHEN the light is on. On the newer 96 and upwards car, the code would be stored, but not on that old thing. Scotty

[kenster38]

Hey Scotty ,should i buy the launch code reader or Actron plus scaner?

[scottykilmer]

@kenster38 I'd go Actron. Scotty

[JOEWOLCHAK1]

As usual, good vid, Scotty Keep 'em comin' !

[man1d2tran]

You can get that $40 scan tool right now on sale at Amazon for $18.99. I goes up and down but usually it's about $22 on there and gets the basics done.

I was getting high NOx readings on my smog test so it was suggested I try to clean out my EGR and intake by running Deep Creep through a line I felt a vaccuum in and then it threw P0300-303 misfire codes that would not go away. It's a 96 Toyota Camry, so I was kind of forced to buy that. But it's a major timesaver.

[scottaner500]

what a cool guy

[XenomorphLV426]

I bet Scotty gets lots of pussy. 

[scottykilmer]

@XenomorphLV426 Hey, I'm a married man for the last 32 years. Scotty

[RichRoma66]

@XenomorphLV426 lmao

[ologyoner]

dam all those lafe cant be good when you have the a/c on lol

[FrankaDith]

Why a reader and a book ? do the come together?

[scottykilmer]

@FrankaDith NO, I was just using the book as an illustration of how many codes there are. Scotty

[kieviet82]

3.07 cool car.. scottykilmer

[crusherbad64]

Or you can goto places like Advance Auto Parts and have them plug the device to the computer.

[scottykilmer]

@crusherbad64 Yes, some will, and some won't anymore because of liabilities. Auto zone used to, now most don't. Scotty

[ncrdisabled]

I know that cars before 1991 most of the time will not have this hookup I have a 1986 laser and it does not have one you must use a small jumper to count the flashes.

[hp11208]

scotty do u know exactly where the KS is on a 02 nissan quest

[scottykilmer]

@hp11208 I don't understand your acronym KS. If you mean kill switch, they generally hide them under the dash as a little toggle switch. Scotty

[hp11208]

cool

[nwarpm]

what if your car is older then 96 and doesn't have obd and the engine light is still on?

[scottykilmer]

@nwarpm Then get a cheap manual for your car, some have codes that can be read reading the flashes when you jump two wires, some require an OBD I scan tool. Scotty

[SpenKrohn]

Hi scotty love your videos, is that car at the end a mini countryman thats what they r called in the UK

[scottykilmer]

@SpenKrohn They call them Clubmans here. Scotty

[hotWatrman]

you forgot to mention that only certain makes & years have that interface. i have a '95 nissan pick up xe 4x4, and it doesn't have the interface, because it's obd1.

[scottykilmer]

@hotWatrman ALL cars sold in the US from 96 onwards use this system. And yes, older ones use various different systems, one reason I'm not making a video about those. Scotty

[Ji99i3]

hi scotty, i emailed you during the holidays but i knew you would be busy so i didnt expect an answer. basically my question was what happens if the check engine light goes away and doesnt come back. thanks and i hope your holidays went well

[2LateIWon]

Then don't worry about it. It's happens alot when when you get gas and not put the gas cap on all the way. The computer reads a problem then the next time you get gas you put the cap on maybe more click. Then the computer reads everything is fine.But next time it's on go to AutoZone Advance Autoparts etc.,etc., and they will read the code for free in hopes that you will buy from them.So all in all it means your computer found something wrong then it went off because of no more problems found

[michaelovitch]

@Ji99i3

that means your problem is resolved : )

[scottykilmer]

@Ji99i3 That means the computer found a problem, and now it has gone away, so don't worry about it. Scotty

[3wheeler016]

@Ji99i3 it could also have blown the bulb. happened to me on my truck. Turn the key on but don't start the engine. the CEL should stay lit.

[dwnrety1]

would the basic procedure be the same with an odb1 car?

[DlSCONNECTED]

@dwnrety1 Basically yes. Technically no. OBD1 can be make and model specific.

[scottykilmer]

@dwnrety1 Yes, but you'd need an OBD I scan tool or directions on how to make the light flash the codes out and a book to read those codes. Scotty

[dwnrety1]

@scottykilmer okay, thanks. thats what i thought i was just wondering if it was the same way to do it the "right" way. i have a paperclip in my car as a jumper in the diagnostics box to read the codes.. it gets the job done. :)

[Penguinboy1995]

1st good vid too