I own a 2002 Kia Spectra and the engine light is “on”. could I disconnect battery to re-sent codes? or could I just get electrical tape and cover the light inside the dashboard…pls. advuse.
I read somewhere that this light is like a little girl raising her hand because she has to go to the bathroom. You can ignore the light but only at your own peril.
The light is telling you that something is wrong with your car. The computer is trying to help you out, trying to give you a clue. You must have the computer scanned for its codes. Many auto parts stores, such as AutoZone and Advance Auto, will do this for free. Write down the code(s) and report them back here for further advice.
You COULD just disconnect the battery and reset the codes… but the light’s just gonna come back on again once whatever is wrong with your car trips the code again.
The light is there to tell you something is wrong with the car. It may be minor or it could be major. The light is not the problem. You need to have the problem addressed, then the light goes out.
That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code (like P0123) not just their translation into English and post it back here.
Regarding warning lights:
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if the coolant temp light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
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if the oil warning light comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
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if a FLASHING MIL/CEL comes on, shut off the engine ASAP
ASAP means driving to the berm of the highway right now and not waiting for the next exit.
But if the MIL/CEL is not flashing, then it’s not an urgent indicator.
Disconnecting the battery briefly in order to turn off the CEL is sort of like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. What you are doing is merely cosmetic, and is not going to correct the potentially serious situation at hand.
While the CEL could be signaling a faily minor problem (like a loose gas cap), it could also be an indicator of the need for major attention to the engine. Thus, extinguishing the light or covering it with tape is a very short-sighted approach to the situation.
If a major problem is ignored, it can result in:
(pick at least one of the following scenarios)
*Being stranded at the side of the road in an inconvenient location, at an inconvenient time.
*Winding up with repairs that are more expensive than necessary.
*An inability to pass a state-mandated vehicle inspection.
*The need to buy a replacement vehicle before you intended to.
The old saying–“You can pay me now, or you can pay me later”–comes to mind here. Unfortunately, paying later invariably means paying more than timely car repair would cost. You need to have the codes read in order to see how to proceed in an intelligent manner.
Some cheap dark sunglasses and turning up the radio will solve the majority of problems.
why does every body wants to keep driving with cel on. because the car will still run. I think when light comes on a big hand pops out from under dash and crabs your nuts. you would go straight to the shop
I think that if I had crabs on my nuts, I would see a medical doctor, rather than a shop, but to each his own!
Coffee. Out. Nose.
It doesn’t matter what light comes on on dash. When a driver decides he has to get somewhere, come hell or high water they’re just gonna keep driving. They can’t make a car that’ll automatically shut down in these cases because of safety and liability reasons.