[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by m73m95

The ECM doesn't store codes forever, especially if the light goes out. Usually, codes are only stored for a specified number of key cycles (start car/shut off car). Depends on the manufacturer as to how many key cycles it takes to erase the code.

If during those key cycles, the problem happens again, then the countdown is reset.

Loose gas caps will almost always make the light come on...and if the problem is corrected, the ECM will "forget" about it after a week or so (depends on how often you drive the car).

Its also worth mentioning, the check engine light on all 97+ cars with OBDII is ONLY for emissions faults. Meaning, if the light is on, you have a problem with the emissions system, and not necessarily with anything else. Or, counter to that, just because your light isn't on doesn't mean there aren't problems. The ECM will store codes, even without turning the light on, if the problems are not emission related.

Mine pulled 2 specific codes, neither had to do with emissions.

[m73m95]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Mine pulled 2 specific codes, neither had to do with emissions.

Your light was on for another reason then.

When you say "valve body", are you talking about the one on your transmission?


There are certain features that are mandated by law for OBDII. Its a standardized system so the EPA can effectively monitor emissions standards of vehicles sold in the US. Manufacturers can add to the system, but the basics must be there for every vehicle. Where the OBD test port is located (Drivers footwell) is one of them. That's why they are all in the same spot on every vehicle. Check engine light for emissions only is another. That's why every other system on the vehicle has a light that should come on when you turn the key on.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by m73m95

Your light was on for another reason then.

When you say "valve body", are you talking about the one on your transmission?

Yes. That sucker set me back $1600 because I was 21 days out of warranty.

I have also replaced the brake light switch (the other code).

I know a little about cars, thankfully! But I still worry about things going wrong.

[airics]

Originally Posted by las vegas drunk

I think you get one or two years until you have to get a new car emissioned. There is also an an exemption for hybrids. For me personally, it has been every single year I have had to emission my car, and I am sick of it.

no exemption for hybrids.. i have both a prius and insight

[m73m95]

Originally Posted by ElleTea

Yes. That sucker set me back $1600 because I was 21 days out of warranty.

I have also replaced the brake light switch (the other code).

I know a little about cars, thankfully! But I still worry about things going wrong.

That sucks! At 21 days, I can't believe they wouldn't help you out. Though, I just tried to help a friend get something fixed under the just expired warranty on his car, and the dealer told him to shove it too.

You'd think for a few hundred dollars out of their pocket, they'd want to make a customer happy, so they might buy another car there. Customers aren't always right, now days.


Brake light switches are hooked to a number of systems in modern cars. Some of them are very expensive, and can even leave the vehicle undriveable. Hopefully you got off easy with that?

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by m73m95

That sucks! At 21 days, I can't believe they wouldn't help you out. Though, I just tried to help a friend get something fixed under the just expired warranty on his car, and the dealer told him to shove it too.

You'd think for a few hundred dollars out of their pocket, they'd want to make a customer happy, so they might buy another car there. Customers aren't always right, now days.


Brake light switches are hooked to a number of systems in modern cars. Some of them are very expensive, and can even leave the vehicle undriveable. Hopefully you got off easy with that?

All VW would do for me was offer me $700 toward the purchase of a NEW VW. I told them where to stick that. The valve body is an expensive part regardless and a known defect on my car but they dont care.

Yes, the brake light switch is an easy fix. It attaches behind the brake pedal and I was able to get a guy at a nearby auto parts store to do it for me (tho I could have done it myself) It was like $15

[m73m95]

AHH you didn't mention it was a VW

Ze Germans feel you should be proud to pay zem to fix your car, because it is ze best car in ze world, and if you want to drive ze best, you have to pay for ze best!

[airics]

Originally Posted by m73m95

AHH you didn't mention it was a VW

Ze Germans feel you should be proud to pay zem to fix your car, because it is ze best car in ze world, and if you want to drive ze best, you have to pay for ze best!

It's made in Mexico

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by airics

no exemption for hybrids.. i have both a prius and insight

In CA, hybrids have never had to be smogged, even mild hybrids, which aren't really hybrids at all. CA Bureau of Auto Repair has stated that the exemption would end in 2010, when they expected to have new test procedures in place, but that hasn't happened. I've read that new testing procedures due to roll out in 2013 may end this exemption.

Cars less than six years old are also exempt from biennial testing in CA.

[m73m95]

Originally Posted by airics

It's assembled in Mexico

Fixed it for you


It was designed, engineered, drawn, made out of clay, tested in the wind tunnel in Germany, and that's also where the profits go.

The actual car itself is very low on the "made in" list.