check engine light, any places that check it for free? (Austin: coupon, live)

[sunshine088]

My check engine light just came on and I am trying to avoid paying a lot for my dealership to check the light. Does anyone know of a place that is reputable and will do it for free or at least for a decent price?

Thanks!

[OA 5599]

I've had mine checked for free at Advance Auto parts stores in other states. They have many stores in Austin so they will probably check it...I'd call ahead just to be sure though.

[CptnRn]

How old is the car? Is there any other indication something is wrong? Sometimes a vague "check engine" indicator can be something really minor. What does your owners manual say about this light? Does the car run at all? Are there any other problems indicated, like low oil pressure or engine overheated indicators?

You don't want to drive it if it has something serious wrong, like its out of oil or out of coolant. Get out your owners manual and learn how to check those basics before you drive it anywhere. You can probably find a neighbor or co-worker to help you if it seems too overwhelming at first.

[tourbound129]

I have heard radio advertisements that Auto Zone will check the codes for free.

[woodinvilleguy]

I think all the auto parts stores will do it. They just hook up an OSB reader to your car. takes two shakes of a tail. THen they will sell you stuff :-)

[qtp0000]

I got mine checked for free at pepboys.

[OA 5599]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

How old is the car? Is there any other indication something is wrong? Sometimes a vague "check engine" indicator can be something really minor. What does your owners manual say about this light? Does the car run at all? Are there any other problems indicated, like low oil pressure or engine overheated indicators?

You don't want to drive it if it has something serious wrong, like its out of oil or out of coolant. Get out your owners manual and learn how to check those basics before you drive it anywhere. You can probably find a neighbor or co-worker to help you if it seems too overwhelming at first.

Lights that say "CHECK ENGINE" or "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" generally relate to some problem with a computer sensor in the car that monitors the ignition, emission control, or fuel delivery system. The illumination of one of these lights does not mean the car is low on oil or coolant....if it was, the low oil pressure or low coolant lights would be illuminated instead (usually symbols rather than words). It is perfectly fine to temporarily continue driving a car with the check engine light on, but a good idea to get the codes checked to see what the actual problem is.

[AGA]

I have a coupon for Precision Tune Auto Care for a free check engine light service. Maybe there is a coupon online?

[Don in Austin]

Originally Posted by OA 5599

Lights that say "CHECK ENGINE" or "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" generally relate to some problem with a computer sensor in the car that monitors the ignition, emission control, or fuel delivery system. The illumination of one of these lights does not mean the car is low on oil or coolant....if it was, the low oil pressure or low coolant lights would be illuminated instead (usually symbols rather than words). It is perfectly fine to temporarily continue driving a car with the check engine light on, but a good idea to get the codes checked to see what the actual problem is.

The illumination of one of these lights does not mean the car is low on oil or coolant....

It often doesn't, but in fact it can. Marginally low oil level can set a variable valve timing code in many vehicles -- often before the red oil pressure warning light (if equipped, not a gauge) comes on.

Overheating due to lack of coolant will set a code for engine temperature out of normal range.

And many check engine lights are caused not by faulty sensors but by things like vacuum leaks, loose gas cap, clogged EGR passages, bad shift solenoid in transmission, misfire due to bad spark plug, coil or plug wire to name just a few examples.

Don in Austin

[vwgto]

Check the gas cap.