failure to get sticker (vehicle, auto, fuel, engine)

[DavidWood]

I have a beautiful 1999 Boxter with 71,000 miles that looks great and runs great. I live in NH but I take it off the road from Nov- Apr. Last April it was brought to a trusted mechanic to get an inspection sticker and it failed because the ck engine light was on.He kept suggesting things to replace like fuel injectors and $4,000. other things and after 10 visits to the mechanic it's June 26 and I still can't get a sticker.I can't keep pouring money into this so I'm thinking of taking it off the road or giving it to charity.Sad thing is it's never run better yet I can't put it on the road.Have you had problems with the check engine light? Am I replacing perfectly good parts for nothing?Any advice would be appreciated because I'm a very sad Porche owner.

[k350]

So they don't give you a sticker because of a check engine light?

To me that sounds ridiculous.

What codes did it throw? Any check engine light is tied to the computer which throws codes out. Those codes tell you what is wrong.

Did they find anything physically wrong?

Maybe just break the dang light and make them happy.

[Bostonredsock5]

If it isnt anything serious you can buy, as I have, and OBD II scanner that will tell you what the cehck engine light means and will erase it for you. However if it is serious get it fixed.

[PNW-type-gal]

Join the PCA and ask around in their forums for a fix or, at the very least, a mechanic who knows the cars.

[M3 Mitch]

I think you are trusting the wrong mechanic. Some cars will set the CEL just because you start the engine with the gas cap off - figure out what's wrong, get someone to read the code. If the car has been sitting over the winter the injectors may be clogged but hell you don't have to replace them, they can be cleaned in place either with just a tank of fresh gas, a cleaner additive like Techron, Redline, BG -44, etc, or with a pressurized can of "pro type" injector cleaner.

Any real Porsche wrench can read the code and won't be shy to tell you what the code means.

Depending on the local regs, you might get a temporary permit to allow you to drive the car to get it repaired. And, the repair *may* be just to drive it (Italian tuneup)

[k350]

I think you can also rent code readers at auto part stores or some will pull the codes for you.

Either way, i sure as heck would not go to that mechanic again.

And yes, the engine light will come on with about anything, my gas cap on my car will set it off.

[S6Sputnik]

That is crazy....read codes, solve problem, get sticker!

If in doubt go to dealer and get their diagnosis!

[wankel7]

Heck you don't even have to rent the code scanner.

Just take it to an Auto Zone or Advance Auto Parts.

I guess you have to drive it illegally though.

[mm34b]

In my state, the DMV will issue a waiver if the vehicle is still not in compliance after performing the recommended repairs. I believe you have to spend a minimum of $200 in the attempt. Maybe NH has something similar.

[Deez Nuttz]

The check engine light being on IMO is a stupid reason not to get a sticker.

Just go down to Autozone and tell them to see what cod it's throwing, then their diagnostic tool can/will remove the code from the ECM if you want to.