Dreaded engine light on

[QuarterMillionMan]

Anyone had that problem, and what did it take to fix it? I have a 2007 Dodge Dakota, bought a diagnostic tester and it gave me a code. Researched it and it gave me 1001 possible remedies. I tried the easiest solution which was to change the gas cap. Fast forward about 4 months and the engine light has not come back on, knock on wood.

[Like2Plan]

Yes. I borrowed a tester from our local auto parts store, but I'm thinking it might be worthwhile to own. Sometimes it is really simple to fix. And I have had the same faulty gas cap issue. Sometimes it's just not seated/sealed properly. My car tests the system when the tank is 3/4 full and again at 1/4. But, it just wouldn't clear so I replaced the cap and it cleared up.

[feh]

We have a chain of auto parts stores in our area that will read the code from your car for free. That tells me if it's something I can fix myself, or if I need a mechanic.

[tripods68]

Check the code, for free. I had this happen last year in my Hyundai and it was the Mass AIR Sensor replacement.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I spoke too soon. Dreaded engine light came back on. When it came on 1 year ago I took it to Pep Boys, they checked it for free but couldn't fix it. They recommended a smog test repair station. I asked Pep Boys to erase the code which they erased, I think it was PO456. Six months ago the light came back on so I bought my own diagnostic tester. That's when I changed the gas cap after reading online the PO456 had literally one hundred possible causes and fixes. Today when the light came back on I got PO507, it says high engine idle. My idle is same at about 700 RPMS. On a Dodge forum a few mechanics recommended changing the PCV valve on another posters same PO507 code so I'm going to try that. A PCV valve only costs about $20. Years ago on a different vehicle I changed the oxygen sensor and numerous other sensors to no avail. I hope I don't have to go thru another goose chase with this vehicle to find the correct fix.

[Singuy]

I spoke too soon. Dreaded engine light came back on. When it came on 1 year ago I took it to Pep Boys, they checked it for free but couldn't fix it. They recommended a smog test repair station. I asked Pep Boys to erase the code which they erased, I think it was PO456. Six months ago the light came back on so I bought my own diagnostic tester. That's when I changed the gas cap after reading online the PO456 had literally one hundred possible causes and fixes. Today when the light came back on I got PO507, it says high engine idle. My idle is same at about 700 RPMS. On a Dodge forum a few mechanics recommended changing the PCV valve on another posters same PO507 code so I'm going to try that. A PCV valve only costs about $20. Years ago on a different vehicle I changed the oxygen sensor and numerous other sensors to no avail. I hope I don't have to go thru another goose chase with this vehicle to find the correct fix.

My celica had the engine light on for 7 years now due to some oxygen pollution sensor. Put 70k miles on it after the light turned on. I say just drive it until you are in limp mode

[bjl584]

ODBII code readers that you can buy for $100 or so, and the ones that are at the auto parts stores will typically give you what is called a base line code. Meaning, it is a general idea of what is wrong. You need a more advanced code reader to know specifically what is going on.

Some of the more common codes that cause the engine light to come on are a bad or unsecure gas cap, and a bad O2 sensor. Both are inexpensive fixes.

[Like2Plan]

My celica had the engine light on for 7 years now due to some oxygen pollution sensor. Put 70k miles on it after the light turned on. I say just drive it until you are in limp mode

Interesting. Your car doesn't have to pass some kind of emissions test in FL?

[bjl584]

My celica had the engine light on for 7 years now due to some oxygen pollution sensor. Put 70k miles on it after the light turned on. I say just drive it until you are in limp mode

Probably not a good idea, but seems like you have gotten away with it so far.

A bad O2 sensor "could" cause damage to the engine long-term depending which one it is (cars have several of them.) In your case, you are probably causing a bit more pollution and aren't getting peak fuel economy.

Here in PA a car won't pass annual inspection if the service engine light is on. The state forces you to correct whatever is wrong with your car.

[greenskeeper]

I've always had a laptop based diagnostic scan tool for every vehicle I've owned. The first time you use it, it's paid for itself.

[rennigade]

Speaking of obd tools I was at an advance auto today and they had a sign hanging up that read "we will no longer read codes on customers vehicles, etc etc...sorry for inconvenience."

Guess customers can "borrow" a reader from them then return it and get their money back.

[bjl584]

Speaking of obd tools I was at an advance auto today and they had a sign hanging up that read "we will no longer read codes on customers vehicles, etc etc...sorry for inconvenience."

Guess customers can "borrow" a reader from them then return it and get their money back.

They still do it around me. Not sure where you live, but for some reason they aren't allowed to read the code for you in California.

[sv2007]

My celica had the engine light on for 7 years now due to some oxygen pollution sensor. Put 70k miles on it after the light turned on. I say just drive it until you are in limp mode

He won't pass smog check where he lives which is required for old cars.

[greenskeeper]

no smog/emissions test here in PA for me since both vehicles are diesel, only annual safety sticker.

[rennigade]

no smog/emissions test here in PA for me since both vehicles are diesel, only annual safety sticker.

Im not aware of smog/emissions in PA period. At least where my parents live they dont have to deal with that. Maybe in philly or pitt?