check engine light

coxy · September 10, 2015, 03:45:00 PM

can you take a road test with the truck if this light is on

LaneC · September 10, 2015, 04:09:18 PM

What do you mean by a "road test"? If you just want to see if it runs ok., you should not have a problem. If you want to see what is wrong, and why the light is on, you can bring it to Auto Zone(if you have them by you) and they will tell you what the code is, and can sometimes clear it. The check engine light on my truck has been on for about 5 years now and it runs fine :D

sprucebunny · September 10, 2015, 04:16:46 PM

In many vehicles, the light being on will mean the computer is in "default mode". I've had the light on for the oxygen sensor for years and never noticed a difference in anything.

Getting it inspected is another story.

coxy · September 10, 2015, 05:25:22 PM

road test as cdl put a new motor in it and the light wont go out took it to 2 dealers and they have no idea why its on

sawguy21 · September 10, 2015, 05:31:23 PM

They likely won't let you take a licensing test if the vehicle has obvious defects.

Warped · September 10, 2015, 06:28:37 PM

If it's inspected and registered I do not believe you'll have a problem, especially considering obd is for emissions not safety. It could be something as simple as a previous misfire.

brendonv · September 10, 2015, 06:33:42 PM

I remember when I got mine the class b guys were going over the straight truck with the tester. She failed it because of a cel amongst other things. Pretty sure it's gotta be perfect.

Chuck White · September 10, 2015, 06:47:59 PM

I don't believe that they (the "brownie") would allow any of the instrument panel lights to be on!

Ford_man · September 10, 2015, 08:35:38 PM

I put an extra tank in my small pickup and they are vented together so when both tanks are low it takes too long to build enough pressure in the tanks and will set the check engine light on. i have my own OBD scanner so I can reset it my self. It would be the same as not putting the cap on tight enough.Technology is wonderful(ly stupid) smiley_tom_dizzyguy01 smiley_tom_dizzyguy01

Magicman · September 10, 2015, 08:41:59 PM

Is the check engine light a bulb that can be unplugged?

Banjo picker · September 10, 2015, 08:46:54 PM

Lynn you think just like I do. ;) If the officer sees it I bet the deal wont go down. Banjo

Pine Ridge · September 10, 2015, 09:52:57 PM

Magicman i believe they are a bulb that can be unplugged, might be hard to get to though.

sawguy21 · September 10, 2015, 10:40:40 PM

We covered them with electrical tape but that might be noticed.

kensfarm · September 10, 2015, 10:50:38 PM

Pull the positive off the battery for 5 minutes.. that should turn if off for a while. We have emission inspection in MD.. can't pass if check engine light is on.

TimRB · September 11, 2015, 12:17:37 AM

Here's a crazy idea. Why not read the code, find out why the light is on, and fix the problem?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3JD1C33607&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Diagnostic+%26+Test+Tools-_-9SIA3JD1C33607&gclid=CJDRm9yO7scCFZFgfgodOmgKxw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Tim

Warped · September 11, 2015, 12:50:16 AM

I wouldn't extinguish the light too far in advance, once the system goes to closed loop the monitors will run and possibly/likely trigger the light.
My F-250 will run a little rough at first on very damp days after it sits awhile, sometimes it triggers the CEL for p300's code which is for misfire (ex.305 is cylinder 5). Hope you don't have an evap code, they can be a nightmare!
I use an Innova scanner and am pleased with it for a 100 bucks

coxy · September 11, 2015, 07:07:01 AM

Quote from: TimRB on September 11, 2015, 12:17:37 AM
Here's a crazy idea. Why not read the code, find out why the light is on, and fix the problem?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3JD1C33607&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleMKP-PC-_-pla-_-Diagnostic+%26+Test+Tools-_-9SIA3JD1C33607&gclid=CJDRm9yO7scCFZFgfgodOmgKxw&gclsrc=aw.ds

Tim

as i said 2 dealers cant find out why its on ???

sprucebunny · September 11, 2015, 07:16:02 AM

Maybe showing the reciepts from the dealers will get you a pass ???

Magicman · September 11, 2015, 08:29:59 AM

I was not advocating disabling or sabotaging the system, just trying to figure out a way to extinguish it for the driving test.

auusie joe · September 11, 2015, 08:44:13 AM

most are "cry wolf"any way?

coxy · September 11, 2015, 08:38:01 PM

:D :D today DMV told me it was not safe to drive :D :D :D :D

Warped · September 13, 2015, 09:11:30 PM

Good grief, could be a loose fuel cap.......in NY they figure it must be a potential road bomb. Of course we'd know with the code :D
A lot of deaths from bad O2 sensor also, real dangerous........

coxy · September 14, 2015, 06:59:59 AM

the sad part is its not showing a code ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

21incher · September 14, 2015, 07:58:01 AM

Quote from: coxy on September 14, 2015, 06:59:59 AM
the sad part is its not showing a code ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???

If it is not showing a code then there could be issues with the computer or wiring? I understand if you reset a check engine light in NY you have to log 500 miles on the vehicle before it can be inspected.