# Check engine light

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [March 19, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994 "2009-03-19T17:55:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ramblincamry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f1d935/32.png) [@ramblincamry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ramblincamry)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 5:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994/1 "2009-03-19T17:55:26Z")

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I have a '98 Camry with 120,000 miles. The check engine light just came on while I was driving. The car runs fine. I am supposed to leave on a trip of two hours tonight. Then of course two hours back. Should I take the trip or rent a car until I can get the car checked?  
  
  
  
 Thanks. Qhick answer appreciated.

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**Author:** ![tardis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f0a364/32.png) [@tardis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tardis)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994/2 "2009-03-19T18:11:31Z")

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You should be okay for your trip, unless the check engine light is flashing.  
Do get it checked after your trip.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994/3 "2009-03-19T18:24:54Z")

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On your way back, stop at an auto parts store (such as Auto Zone, or Advance) and ask them to scan for the codes. Bring the codes here for dis-cuss-ion.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994/4 "2009-03-19T18:29:26Z")

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The light is an early warning, not a sign of impending disaster. You can wait until you return from your trip to deal with the light.

Please check all fluid levels, however, before you leave, just to be on the safe side.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2009, 8:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/check-engine-light/27994/5 "2009-03-19T20:03:24Z")

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I 99% agree. However:

The light is an early warning, not a sign of impending disaster. You can wait until you return from your trip to deal with the light. should be “The light is an early warning, not a sign of impending disaster. You likely can wait until you return from your trip to deal with the light.”