Check Engine Light On in Your Car? The Truth About What it Means

[@scottykilmer]

⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU 5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR Things I used in this video: 1. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ 2. Common Sense 3. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX 4. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9 5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 6. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 7. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@diegomaldonado4402]

Scotty Kilmer A lot of people miss out on number 2.

[@scottykilmer]

Common Sense Link: goo.gl/tm4YBa

[@micha0001]

To 1.: or get a bluetooth device for the OBD-port and Torque-App for the smartphone. By the way, I drive also a Kappa-based car: Opel GT ;-)

[@JorgeRodriguez-vg5yl]

Scotty Kilmer you are awesome!!!

[@GitXxxd]

thanks Mr!

[@cmjon6380]

I've gotta be honest here. I'm not a car enthusiast, but the primary reason I subscribed is 70% because of the entertainment value and 30% due to the important information your videos have. Your enthusiasm, humor and editing keeps me coming back.

[@ecstaticpenguin768]

You said it brody

[@letstalkwithbigsheila]

Exactly

[@fernandodasilva3563]

Yea

[@andrewholden2768]

Shouldn't that be 3% ?

[@DouglasNicholson-ff6ep]

Thsnks a LOT scotty! You saved me hundreds, maybe thousands...depending on the honesty of the mechanic. My engine light came on, about 5 months ago....and my traction control quit, and my cruise control quit. Long story short, i tried your first recommrndation. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery. I followed your recommended time. About 8-9 minutes. Reconnected. No indicator lights. Everything working again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@73challenger5031]

Just make sure, when you do get a "check engine" light, you have good oil pressure(the oil gauge is in the normal range or the "oil" light isn't on.) I love how the repair shops advertise that "if your check engine light comes on, take it to us immediately!" So they can tell you to buy a bunch of stuff you probably don't even need!

[@Discretesignals]

73challenger5031 our shop doesn't advertise that way. it's the customer's responsibility to have their car looked at. you shouldn't ignore the light and at least determine why it came on. most of our customers take good care of their vehicles and don't ignore the light. not all mechanics are out to rip off customers. if we did that it wouldn't take long to get a bad reputation.

[@73challenger5031]

Did I say "ignore the check-engine light?" No. I was just stating that I've seen commercials that tell people to bring their car in for service when, if they want to save some money, they could do what Scott says and check the code themselves. Yes, not all mechanics are out to "rip off customers," but, as an example, I told my wife to go to the Jiffy-Lube, that I always go to, and get an oil change. She calls me from there and tells me the guy doing the oil change says her serpentine belt is on up-side down and she needs a new one! I get really pissed off because, 1. She just had her water pump replaced by a very reputable shop(that I use exclusively,) and THEY put a new belt on and 2. The damn car wouldn't run very long if the belt was upside-down anyway! So, bottom line is, if you're uneducated about how a car runs, there's always some joker trying to get you to buy stuff you don't need. I'm glad your shop doesn't do that and I'm not accusing YOU of anything. I want people to stop being lazy about informing themselves about their own cars and SOME mechanics to stop taking advantage of women!

[@jesuscamarillo7456]

@@Discretesignals I agree , not all mechanics will do you wrong

[@Birdie_]

My check engine light is on because I REV UP MY ENGINE all the time for Scotty.

[@Stickmantibet]

Lmao good one.

[@lalorodriguez3716]

Hehe underrated comment right here

[@marklane6843]

FireBird-

[@oscar721x8]

Mine is on because it’s a Volkswagen

[@15thsquadron01]

I Rev up my Old Limo.

[@squintero213]

if the check engine light goes back on after erasing the code, just use a little piece of black tape to cover it up. bye bye check engine light!

[@jackhammer1021]

squintero213 If it starts flashing with the black tape on it, bye bye engine or catylitic converters.

[@squintero213]

lol, then we will need more tape

[@NeoJSsk]

Catalytic converter is not even a necessary thing in cars to run as far as I know is just do to a car be legal for not contamination etc. But can make the car runs poorly and fuel efficient can also affect. Same with resonator

[@GrimYak]

Elliot J Vidal a lot of things is not necessary in cars to run, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, AC, and on Diesels alternator, headlights, horn, seats, etc. so your point being?

[@DareToBeDeviant]

I just took the bulb out from the gauge cluster.

[@timfale6983]

I had a check engine light go on in my 2005 VW Jetta 2.5 after it had about 5000 miles on it. They fixed it twice. It's still on at 391,000 miles, and still runs great, so I guess I'm not goint to worry about it anymore.

[@TommyGames97]

Check engine light comes on. Me yep engine is there

[@miguelruiz2288]

Haha

[@malachi9821]

NoH8 its a joke you blithering idiot.

[@jamesj415]

You're not very good at memes are you lol.

[@azphilip1960]

Too funny!!!

[@azphilip1960]

Good one!!!

[@AnnaAwesome77]

I have a 2001 Toyota Prius with 227,000 miles on it. I was really happy to find your video to just relax and the light went on today. Check engine light. Thank you for your video. I’m definitely gonna keep watching.

[@restlessjack0042]

What I've learned, with check engine lights, ALLWAYS check the electrical connections first before replacing any parts. Lots of times it's just a loose connection that makes those stupid codes come up.

[@bballbrc]

RestlessJack 00 true

[@wizzlesodopeyallknow6314]

Thank u

[@davidhardcore704]

Thanks I'm new to cars

[@Ravaniscool]

Yes, you're right! My electrical system probably got a bit wet from an undercarriage car wash and it set off the engine service soon light. According to the owners manual, it should go off once everything is dry after driving it a few times. Otherwise, the car runs fine.

[@ismaeldossantos3296]

True

[@frankt6906]

I agree with your thoughts on this. Engine sensors do their job, and as long as the engine does it's job too, good enough! Trying to outguess a faulty sensor can be frustrating too.

[@JM-xp8te]

Ram 1500s are the worst with check engine lights and tracing them down.

[@johnfoltz8183]

A gas cap without a seal or gasket can turn the check engine light on

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

EVAP leak code, yes.

[@angellucas8048]

My 14 Silverado gave me a message on my dash saying that it needed to be tightened.

[@ianlodge3318]

Happened to me, the gas cap wasnt on tight enough and it turned the light on

[@panzerveps]

I learned one thing from my mentor, back when I was an apprentice.. Don't throw parts at a car to see if it fixes it. He never got around to actually do a diagnosis on the cars he got in. Once we had a car with the air bag warning light coming on when you drove over a bump in the road. He changed every single airbag component in the car, except for the curtains, with the same result. After a week or so, he gave up and handed it over to me (I was still an apprentice) and I found the fault in 10 minutes. The wires to the right curtain airbag was pinched between the dash and a-pillar. Cost $2 plus labor to fix it... And several thousands for all the parts we couldn't return...

[@TerryB751]

Many times if the problem is that the gas cap needs tightening, after doing the tightening, it may take a day or so of driving for the Check Engine Light to go off (assuming the gas cap was the issue in the first place)

[@cindyramirez69]

3:33 he extra as hell bruh 😭🤣

[@jbsolid]

Omm 🤣

[@deljean]

😎

[@Nobodysguest]

😂😂😂😂

[@lalohernandez6741]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jbush9502]

I know someone who's check engine light has been on for over 5yeads car still runs fine

[@MrTrip3ace]

J Bush doesnt mean its running good. It most likely is an O2 sensor and could be having the vehicle run rich so there gas mileage could be slightly effected.

[@ScoobyDigites]

J Bush mine was on for over a year with my 96 tahoe

[@RealistReviewer]

My o2 sensor kept going off and it was a hole in the exhaust xD

[@GeekyBrian96]

mine has been on for 2+ years and still fine.

[@MrTrip3ace]

Multiple Choice exactly what i am saying. if you stay on top of repairs and maintenance. You will never have those crazy 1500$ repair bills you always hear about.

[@WCGwkf]

I've learned multiple times with my own vehicles that patience can turn a crazy problem into the easiest fix ever. never go diving in taking everything apart and throwing parts at a car because most of the time it won't fix it. if an intermittent problem isn't leaving you stranded just wait

[@PROUDxRUSHxDENIER]

My hero, never seen a check engine light b4 on a new 2017 car before. But gives me joy i can wait til the weekend when im off work. Mr kilmer is the wacky old guy down the street that knows all bout vehicles to help trouble shoot.

[@archangele1]

I learned a long time ago that the first thing you buy if you plan to work on your own car is a OBDII reader. I picked up the Blue Driver and set up the application on my iPhone. It works well. It did have to update it's software to work correctly with my 2014 Infiniti, but once that was done, it read all the codes. This told me that my ABS light being on meant the right front wheel sensor has an issue. I'll fix it some day, but that I can live with for now. You can not 'shot gun' modern cars. You have to know exactly what codes that check engine light is throwing. As for buying an older vehicle, you'd have to go back at least three decades. Even my 1990 5.0L Mustang has an ECIV engine control module and digital multi port fuel injection coupled to four O2 sensors as well as throttle position sensors and a mass air flow sensor.

[@CristiNeagu]

1. Depending on the vehicle, it's not a very good idea to drive without a functional ABS, because the ABS is responsible for brake biasing. 2. The check engine light will be on every time something goes wrong with your car that stops it from regulating emissions properly. Also, for most faults, you will need at least two drives to turn the light back on. You definitely don't want to clear it, do a drive to confirm it stays off, and then your customer has it turn on during the drive back home. They won't be happy.

[@marblox9300]

The air is no cleaner today than it was in the 1950s.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@marblox9300 Which is a good thing, considering how many more cars are on the roads today.

[@marblox9300]

@@CristiNeagu I guess my point flew right over your head.

[@CristiNeagu]

@@marblox9300 Or maybe my point flew right over yours.

[@TheBluRayCritic]

German cars should replace the "Check Engine" message with "Time to Milk Your Wallet."

[@SE45CX]

Hey, do you know a fun symbol for that?

[@Mixwell1983]

SE45CX yah your car will have a middle finger that lights up

[@mikeericks3112]

Over engineered money pits is all they are draft knobs who think their cool , nothing cool about them in my book

[@chriswinter5765]

It's only the local market that makes them expensive. In Germany/France, they are everywhere, and used as Taxi cabs, and hence, every mechanic knows how to work on them and parts are everywhere. And hence, they are MORE affordable to own than non local products.

[@ThomasJoseph315]

I remember hearing stories that the check engine lights where origonally programed to go on at a certain milage reguardless of engine performance because of service intervals, which is the reason why we have many different lights today.

[@rrich52806]

MOSTLY GAS CAP SEAL ON MY OLD 2001 WINDSTAR I PUT PETROLEUM GEL ON THE SEAL EVERY NOW AND THEN. GREAT ADVICE SCOTT

[@thomasmcneill18]

True

[@brianbarcus5853]

Thanks Scotty! I'm one of those people you referred to that "freaks out" because my Check Engine Light has just popped on. You made me feel a lot better about it, may be something simple or something I could ignore. I'll post back what I find with ODB Scanner and tinkering.

[@HeartLess-uz5vs]

Well ? What happened to your car ? You said you’d come back & let us know ??? 6/4/24

[@ultracalicokittycat]

@@HeartLess-uz5vs hope the car didn't blow up while he was "tinkering" with it

[@theautobond2205]

I totaled my car once to the point the engine came through the firewall about an inch. The check engine light never came on, which I thought was hilarious, but goes to show you it doesn't tell you everything

[@1Low550]

TheAutoBond must've been hell of an accident

[@bobjohnson205]

Those trees are sometimes hard to avoid! They just keep coming at you! Lol

[@arielatom03]

same.

[@quinnkirlew9892]

Of course it didn't. If the engine was through the firewall, you could easily check it yourself. It's right there ya lazy sumbitch.

[@PandaMan02]

TheAutoBond the computer thought you were already looking at it

[@SpectatorAlius]

Scotty Kilmer makes some interesting points about the codes behind the Check Engine Light. But the problem I had with it is different: for over a year, the check engine light was erratic in a very different way from what he describes. The car would wrong for months and thousands of miles with the light off, then it would switch on and stay on for months. After seeing this happen a few times, I finally bought myself a scan tool similar to his but not quite as fancy: it showed only DTC codes, nothing fancy. The only code it ever showed was the code for bad knock sensor. So I went to a high quality parts store and bought a new one. But by the time I was about ready to take the time to pop the hood and install it, the check engine light switched off! You can imagine how hard this made timing getting the bi-annual required smog check! But for the last year, the behavior was a little different. Instead of months on and months off, it now turns on only for a brief while: by the time I find safe place to pull over and use the scan tool, it switches off again! I finally took it in to the dealership to let them use their proprietary scan tool that reads all the proprietary codes and they still could not find anything wrong with it -- except that it still roughs and surges.

[@carloswater7]

So Basically if the light engine turns on, don't be alarmed because it could be a minor thing as long as you hear that the engine is fine. I'm glad I watched your video because my light engine car turned on yesterday on my way to work and I was panicking but it turn off later on my way home. My car engine sounds fine. Thanks for uploading this video it helps me to relax a lot.

[@RellTheDriver]

check engine light come on (open hood) it still there (close hood)

[@harveylgordonusa]

Scotty, you are super knowledgeable, practical, great teacher, and lastly you wrap it all up with entertaining showmanship. Be proud, your videos will easily outlive you. Take care. - - Best, Harvey

[@andrewholden2768]

A has been, providing seriously dodgy information.

[@harveylgordonusa]

@@andrewholden2768 Everyone one day become has beens, including you and I.

[@andrewholden2768]

@@harveylgordonusa Indeed. He's just reached that stage much quicker than most!

[@davidfreeze6071]

I have a 2002 Accord that I bought in 2006. To add a little proof to Scotty's information, the check engine light has been on for TEN YEARS!! I had a guy check the computer after a while to see what was wrong. He said it was an O2 sensor and a secondary vacuum leak. Like he says on here the car was running fine so I just left it alone. I found out one day that my brother in law was a mechanic back when Kmart did car repair. He had worked himself all the way up to being the southeast regional manager...so he pretty much knows what he's talking about. I posed the question to him about the problem and he asked me 3 questions: did idle ok? did it run smoothly when driving?..and was there a drop in gas milage? I told him they were all good. He said don't give it another thought unless one of those things happens. That was 5 years ago and the light is still on and it still runs fine!!

[@thedude2278]

scotty every video you make is helpful to many people out there, let all the haters deal with their cars breaking down and knowing nothing about turning a wrench. keep up the good work bud.

[@vendrick4571]

My cars engine light came on and I was flippin balls but I remembered I followed this guy. I just waited 2 days and it turned off.

[@dannyDC2]

Still one of my favourite KZbinrs and I have no idea why. I think it's the way you deliver information like no other. All the best! - fellow KZbinr from the UK.

[@TONE11111]

1 Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery first. 2 Wait for at least 2 minutes as you turn lights on/hold down horn to drain energy from circuit 3 Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. 4 Start the engine and check if the check engine light is still on. 5 if still on or comes back on, reseat or clean petrol/gas cap

[@gregmc71]

I have a 2007 Honda Accord v6 and for about 2 years the check engine light occasionally and randomly flashes at extended idle but always goes away upon revving the engine and driving . Have had two different mechanics work on it and change ignition coils, plugs, reset the computer, yet it still occasionally happens. Yet other than that the car runs just fine. The last mechanic to check it out finally just said it could be a dirty sensor somewhere, a loose wire, or a glitch in the computer. He said don't worry about it unless and until the check engine light flashes while you're actually driving.

[@ericbankobeza4622]

This dude addresses cars technical issues in a simplest and funny way,I always run to his videos whenever I have problems with my car😃

[@dillspickles6934]

Makes ya less stressed

[@johngulliver6151]

Scotty you have saved my lots of money thanks for posting .i watch all your videos and you tell it like it is .keep em coming

[@cappaculla]

He saving us money cos the issue doesn't get fixed :) "just take out the fuse"

[@ultracalicokittycat]

@@cappaculla 😆

[@coderlicious6565]

I came here for an excuse to ignore my check engine light and continue driving my 2005 Ford Focus to the ground before I buy another car. I left very satisfied.

[@fishman80]

That last statement is what my dad always told me. Solid light-likely ok. Flashing light-bad

[@workingshlub8861]

blinking light usually means misfire....there goes your cat converter if you dont take care of the problem.

[@panzerveps]

Yellow : drive to the shop, blinking yellow: get towed to the shop. Red: For god's sake! Stop!

[@fishman80]

panzerveps Thats good. I never heard or seen red. that must be real bad haha

[@corby9591]

Jimmy Kimber my mom's 2001 vw Passat wagon had a oil pump break and the hazard lights came on automatically and it said on the display screen STOP! lol but that car is looong gone

[@selenascocacola]

That is so true, when mine started blinking my car left me on the side of the road 😫

[@christopherrubio8047]

Arguably the best KZbin channel for car advice.

[@grumerguy]

You go Scotty! I know that light doesn't always mean the car is gonna explode any second! Most people do panic when it comes on, and that spells money for dealerships. Funny how that works, huh?

[@andrewogara6323]

I just bought a 2015 Lincoln MKC with 22000 miles on it this June 2018. About a month ago it started idling rough in drive when at a complete stop. The dealer said to keep driving it till the check engine light came on because it would be easier to detect the problem. It did come on about 2 weeks ago but didn't stay on. I brought it in and they found it was a faulty fuel injector. Of course it was covered by a factory warranty that's good till 48000 miles so it didn't cost me nothing. The technician that works on those kind of problems was out sick for a couple of days and they had to order the part from Ford so it took about a week to get it back. Its been running smooth ever since. They also gave me a free loaner to drive so it didn't cost me anything for a rental. I had a 2018 Ford Edge with 1500 miles on it for the whole week while mine was being repaired. I think I bought this car from a great dealership. Anytime I bring it to them for repair or service they give me a brand new car to drive as a free loaner. And every 4th oil change is free. I love it when I don't have to pay for a repair and get to drive a new car for free.

[@baldy194859]

he acts like one of us guys ! that's why I like to listen to him !

[@nightlightabcd]

The majority of the check engine light problems are the EVAP system. There must be about fifty parts of the EVAP system the shop can swap out, costing you each time, and each time, there will be a different code, which means they can swap out another part, and on the way home, or the next day, the CEL comes back on and they swap out another part! Two months later, you have spent several hundred dollars and the check engine light is still on! It's difficult to test the parts, since they done away with the vacuum operated parts, because that was too easy to test! The EVAP is the greatest boom for auto shops ever devised!

[@Briglair]

I had P0013 and P0014 for months on a 2010 Chevy. Over time it caused the idle RPM to go up and down pretty quick. Also caused RPMs to go up and down when only slight throttle was applied (at any speed). Was just the camshaft exhaust solenoid that went bad. Swapped it out, runs perfect now. I guess thats a pretty common problem -- the solenoids going bad on GM vehicles.

[@mickkennedy1344]

My Czech engine light is fine, I'm Slovakian -- my wife is an Alsatian, we have a dog, it's a German Shepherd.

[@deljean]

Oh....um.. okay cool.

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

Yeah ... bud, that's ... wonderful.

[@Crisis-xw3wg]

😂😂

[@stlrfn3190]

Lol

[@AllHailNannerpuss]

My ABS light goes on and off. I pass inspection every year. I'm not investing in a 2002 VW Jetta. The cost of fixing a ABS sensor costs more than the car.

[@rsage_]

Scan it to find which component is bad. Although new parts are expensive, a nice day at the junk yard is cathartic. It'll likely only cost a few bucks and a lot of the components that often fail (speed sensors) are pretty easy to replace on these VW's.

[@rsage_]

Supply and demand. An Audi/VW temp sensor that commonly goes out is $3 shipped on eBay because the aftermarket caught up. I realize the quality isn't the same, but these Audi parts aren't that well-built in the first place. The same car's PCV hose is over $100 because it's OEM only. For Plastic!

[@erickrojas6476]

I got my sensor for 7 bucks on ebay works like a charm on my 02 jetta

[@billbaxter1989]

This is my 07 Yukon Denali XL. I’ve spent hundreds and I finally have just given up on it. I needed this, lol. Literally have those same p0011 timing codes.

[@cappaculla]

Can I use cigar smoke the check my codes?

[@matthewduncan9738]

lmao i just watched that video too

[@nilloc93]

I wanted to test that so I poked a hole in a vacuum line on my car and had like 5 cigarettes and blew them into a hose and it actually worked.

[@October32nd]

My F250 still has EEC, so I love sitting there with a jumper wire every time I get a code, which despite a lot of ford haters smacktalking, isn't often for me. Obd2 has been a game changer though, and being able to see right when something comes up, plus the ability to run diagnostics on something while you drive. Love it

[@Seegalgalguntijak]

In Germany, we have a safety inspection every 2 years. One of the mandatory things about such an inspection is that there have to be no lights on in the dash. And newly, also no codes stored in the ECU, so they actually hook a scan tool onto it (and may even drive it for some time). ABS codes are a no-go, because that's considered a critical safety system (after all, it helps you maintain control over the vehicle in an emergency braking situation), but also check engine codes are a no-go for various reasons like environmental safety and so on...

[@H2inthehtx]

CEL been on for about 3 years now. I just reset the light and get the computer to 3 Outta 4 of the complete drive cycle and they legally have to pass you if the light hasn't returned. I learned that from you Scotty. I am also in Texas! I have an evap leak but car of course runs great at 210K miles!

[@brettconv83]

I've seen so many Nissans throw a code just for low oil level. Many issues people have with their vehicles it's due to poor maintenance or poor preventative maintenance rather

[@diplomatsking]

I like Scotty! Knows what he's talking about and a heck of a personality for the camera!

[@LivingWithTheGuzmans]

Thanks for the info

[@frankmagana1408]

I always check the codes but like scotty said, clear them, if they dont come on after heavy driving your fine. Although i had codes on my moms yukon twice, they were quick fixes. It was a MAF sensor code (cleaned it because we have an oil air filter) and a large evap leak (gas cap was loose). Runs just fine

[@lukeFugate]

Or just buy an older vehicle that doesn't have all that unnecessary stuff in the first place.

[@Joseph-bn4gx]

luke Fugate amen

[@lemkelegion]

luke Fugate I prefer disc brakes and abs. they stop much better and are easier to replace

[@nicksta16]

Perfect suggestion! That's what I did. No unnecessary codes for minor issues, no silly sensors breaking, no limp mode from ECU glitches, no idle relearn bullshit, no reset codes to enter after disconnecting the battery! I truly miss 1990s technology when cars were actually built to be maintained and fixed instead of being purposely designed to fail, so manufacturers can rip customers off for profit, what a shame!

[@lukeFugate]

Yep, I'm still driving the same pickup truck I had when I first got my license at 16. I'm 43 now and the truck is 49 years old and I would drive it anywhere with confidence.

[@Joseph-bn4gx]

luke Fugate I daily drive a 1972 Dodge Dart swinger

[@lagroad]

Short and to the point videos. Thank you so much.. Cannot stand 12-20 minute videos for 2 mins of content. A 12 min video and 10 mins is fine, but dang.

[@toddinthemiddle]

my '04 tacoma has had the check engine light on for roughly 59k miles, since it had about 1k miles. that's one quality bulb, i tell ya.

[@tonyw973]

Yep. Toyota bulbs are the most reliable....

[@metro3692]

The only time I notice my check engine light is when it shuts off.

[@band4218]

My engine light was on for over 5 years now and the car is still fine🙂

[@deljean]

Wow lol

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

Do you even know what DTCs it has stored?

[@marxman300]

Wtf 😳

[@ralphstone1521]

same here

[@IVDestroyerzzVIJc]

Lmaooo that’s funny

[@AndresGarcia-lz9gg]

This man is a true genius. Just remember if Scott says it's ok your good. Thank you so much Scott and I wish you and your family a wonderful safe holidays. From Andres j In florida.

[@artmallory970]

"check engine light" comes on : go to your local mechanic, place your wallet on the table & drop your trousers

[@jinnij9721]

Lube or without lube lol 😆

[@CaptainCJ97]

Bruh

[@twoface3629]

xd

[@NGinuity]

I feel a disclaimer is warranted here, especially since you work on cars in Texas where all the major metroplexes except San Antonio have emissions inspection requirements every year. Clearing the code will also reset emissions monitors. Any more than one in a not ready state will cause an inspection failure just like the MIL light is an automatic fail. These can take forever to re-enable themselves, and with EVAP codes in particular (the last monitor to run usually), I've literally had several cars run all but the EVAP leakdown test (which made it eligible to pass inspection) and then on that last startup right before I hook it up to the inspection computer, the leakdown decides to run and poof...I've still got an EVAP code because somewhere, ethanol gas has deteriorated a vinyl based vacuum line! My ultimate point is that although sometimes a check engine light is a minor issue in some situations, not addressing it as minor at the time will cause you a lot of grief down the line.

[@RikoLime]

Scotty, how common is it for a vehicle to slowly leak fluid over time? I was always told the point of checking the oil, coolant, and other easily accessible fluids was because a car slowly loses them over time (aside from cleaning out old dirty fluids).

[@maxpayne2574]

The way you can tell when a Ford needs oil is it stops leaking.

[@fr33urmind54]

This has made me so happy today. Your energy is electric ⚡. I feel better now about getting the codes for my check engine light 🙂.

[@sandrapanico6357]

I actually do pay attention to the check engine light and I had that happen to me a few years ago when my rear o2 sensor needed to be replaced. Glad I took it into the shop right away because my flex pipe had rusted out and the car could have gotten much worse if that wasn't caught in time.

[@matmurk8536]

Was it flashing or steady?

[@sandrapanico6357]

@@matmurk8536 it was steady. It was fixed and eventually the car had to be retired due to subframe corrosion. The engine outlived the car. Now I have a 2022 Hyundai Kona. Great car, all the gadgets and gizmos. And great on gas.

[@railrider2000]

Moms Subaru has that light on. It was checked and found to either be a bad O2 sensor on one of the catalytic converters or the converter is truly bad. One is a $25 fix, the other is over $500. It has NOT hurt the car, in any way, driving it with that light on. In fact, it has not even touched the gas mileage the car gets. Just another example of not needing to worry about it.

[@johndavid5618]

"Scotty you are brilliant. Like you said it could cost me thousands. I did the checks and found out that the guy at the fuel station did not screw the fuel cap on property. 😃

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

Great video. I had this happen to me, my old Saab 9-3 threw a code at 151,000 miles about 7 months ago. I checked it with a scanner (before seeing this video) and it told me of an engine misfire. I erased the codes and now approaching 164,000 it has not come back. Just one misfire - could have been bad gas for all I know. But like he said, no need to spend anything (just a scanner check).

[@steves427]

Meanwhile here in 2024 the engine management warning light on my 2015 Astra J has just come on amber. Discovered that the problem was that I had done up the petrol cap too tightly. Two clicks appears to be more than tight enough it would appear. Last year the engine management came on amber again. That time it was a worn out seal on the petrol cap. Cured by replacing the petrol cap & seal on that occasion. Please check the simple stuff before panicking! Good Vid Scotty.

[@nismoman420]

Amen to this, you can spend all kinds of money (especially at the dealership) guessing which parts need to be replaced to fix the CEL. Dealerships are dumb as hell at diagnosing problems. I had Nissan replace my MAF sensor because I had a CEL, turns out my o2 sensor banks were swapped (during my exhaust installation), they couldn't even figure that out.

[@StumpyVanLife]

I have read thru a bunch of comments, people claiming that if the ABS activates it takes forever to stop. One problem is most people have never been educated about how to drive an ABS car. If it activated and the pedal starts pulsating do not, I REPEAT DO NOT let off the brake pedal. Keep it pressed hard to the floor and let the ABS do its job. Now on the other hand if the ABS fails to activate or malfunction and you feel or hear the wheels lock up then revert to normal emergency braking techniques, ie pumping the pedal or reducing pedal pressure. I had to educate my wife and several other family members about that. I propose if you have an ABS vehicle and have never activated the ABS then go out on a back road an slam on the brakes so you can feel what happens. The pedal pulsation can take you by surprise and your first reaction is to let off the pedal which is the worse thing you can do with ABS.

[@AkikoMakiOfficial]

I liked this video, unfortunately, here in Massachusetts, a car will not pass the state inspection with a "check engine" light on. I have to be a slave to fix the "check engine" light, otherwise I cannot drive my car legally on the road around here.

[@jeffreygranger6913]

Akiko Maki I'd move to another state!

[@plumkey197]

Here in Louisiana, they will not inspect the car with the light on; if the inspection sticker is expired, they will issue a "rejection sticker", which is good for 20 days. You must then get the problem fixed during that time, then return to the issuing station to have the car rechecked. If the ECU hasn't performed the self-checks, they will reject it and tell you to come back in a few days. So disconnecting the battery and clearing the codes will not work. The state also tests the CEL bulb (the computer software at the testing station sends a signal to the ECU commanding it to illuminate the bulb). So the CEL bulb cannot be disabled in any way or you fail!!!

[@jaimecruz5367]

Get a Mexican that pass you the inspection for $75 dollars 💵😂

[@saemushailstorm3135]

put a piece of black tape over light , ha !

[@Angelsk101]

Easy fix, disconnect the car battery then reconnect it. This will reset the computer, engine light will go off for a period of time.

[@stf2400]

I need a check engine light for youtube tonight. Stop and go, stutter and stop. Wait 30 seconds, get 10 seconds of video then image freezes. Great video, and if you're like me with a 21 year old car with 173k on it, just ignore the light. It's not flashing, car still drives and shifts like a dream, so I'm not worried.

[@1okanaganguy]

Your work is appreciated, Scotty. Thank you for this.

[@tammibiggs6979]

I have a 2004 Saturn Ion 3 and the check engine light is on , a few times it went out and stayed off for a few day . We've had this car for over a year now and it won't pass inspection. The car runs great but and the person that had it before kept it in great condition and he kept every record of all new parts,when he serviced it and everything.

[@roidavis931]

The thing that kinda worries me is, my car feels soooo different in winter if i don't allow it to warm up. It's way more sluggish and even the steering response is different (it does not come back to center as readily). This is in Toronto Canada and this seems to be more noticeable when temps fall to -20C (-4F) or thereabouts.

[@janicemcbryar111]

I bought a new Chevy pickup check engine light has been on every since I bought it. Got 267,000 miles still rolling smooth and original motor. I've owned alot of Chevy's and check engine light is very common I've seen

[@witch532]

I fixed my check engine light on my wifes Subaru. I took the light bulb out.

[@AstrosElectronicsLab]

Mhm...

[@DIYAutoHomeschool]

I'm surprised the most likely, and like the actual concern was not even mentioned. Being a GM, and with both a P0013 and P0014, it's almost certainly the Exhaust Camshaft Actuator. They were super common, common enough, I'd consider replacing both intake and exhaust actuators if it were my vehicle, and letting my customer know the intake actuator may be needed soon if it's a customer vehicle.

[@techieralph5931]

I love this guy.. very informative, direct to the point.

[@ieast007]

Word to the wise. Do not ignore a check engine light if you need to pass a smog test for registration in the near future. When you get the issue fixed, they will reset the ecu and the car must complete a "drive cycle" before the cars smog monitors go to a ready state and pass smog. This can take months and you can waste countless hours and money at the dmv getting registration extensions. Happened to me with a 2007 audi a6 and "harmless" intake manifold control runner sensor issue. It took 3 months of daily driving to finaly pass smog.

[@fourtwozero]

In some states you can't get your emission testing done with the check engine light on.. You'll have to address the issue.

[@Timetryp]

California is one. A lit check engine light is automatic failure.

[@bryanv8999]

Texas and Colorado a light on = auto fail...unhook battery to reset computer and the computer is "not ready" on multiple sensors = fail in both those states. Texas allows ONE sensor out of "however many it has" to be "not ready" in a 1996-current car.

[@austinformedude]

And surprisingly, in Scotty's hometown of Houston, TX! Surprised he didn't mention emissions testing.

[@gantmj]

You can just use a private inspection joint, and give their pant antler a cooch for their troubles.

[@jedrhoades9192]

Yep, California. California sucks. My transmission solenoids going bad and throwing up a light has nothing to do with emissions, but here we are.

[@frankavaloz5]

My check engine light & break light came on. I needed a tune up and it's driving way better now and got fresh brakes. I hate this nissan but it's a very reliable car

[@33Skygazer]

Haha, love the subtle dig @0:35

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

ABS was adapted from technology developed for airplane brakes to prevent skidding under braking when the plane lands. It was implemented in the car industry because the vast majority of drivers, apart from those with lots of specialist training and experience, mash the brake pedal hard and continuously when they have to make a sudden emergency stop. Everyone who has ever driven a car has done this. Without ABS this usually results in an uncontrollable skid as the steering is ineffective when the wheels are locked up and the car is sliding. ABS was applied to cars because the natural instincts of drivers to stomp on the pedal and not let up were getting themselves and others killed. ABS is the single most important and effective advancement in car safety EVER.

[@MrMeanderthal]

I always thought it would be good to have a colour changing 'check engine' light.. green for the engine problem that is not important, orange for an important problem and red for emergency problem..

[@nikki7287]

I totally agree to this.

[@michaelstoliker971]

A check engine light in Pennsylvania is an automatic fail for state inspection. You can't simply pull a fuse or disable the light because they go directly to the ODB port. Clearing the codes may work, but the ECU has to cycle before the cleared the codes are completely cleared. If they don't come back after driving a while you may be okay, otherwise get ready to spend.

[@1FastGXP]

Ignoring a check engine light isn't always advisable. Get it scanned for free at an auto store and Google the code. If you live with a constant check engine light how will you know when new, more serious problems arise? FYI a flashing check engine light indicates either a misfire or some other emissions critical failure. Maybe it's me, but I like my car enough not to drive it around with something wrong indicated by the check engine light or MIL.

[@20alphabet]

He didn't say it was always advisable.

[@reginald3874]

Flashing CEL indicates severe misfire I believe, to the point where continued driving will likely cause engine damage.

[@wetlettuce4768]

I'd know when a more serious issue arises when my car starts running like a POS don't need a light for that...

[@mikespain8655]

Remember, those crappy scanners don't pick up some codes in vehicles.

[@saramccain3757]

1Fast GXP

[@JonnyDIY]

Great Vid. Yeah Ive know people to just put a post it not over their check engine light lol! Yeah so many times it comes on for something not serious that isn't necessary to fix right away. But its pretty awesome how far cars have come

[@daintree98]

Especially Mercedes-Benz vans. "Check Engine" light is permanently on when the van's warranty is permanently expired.

[@MiguelXRodriguez]

THanks Scotty, you just gave me peace of mind. THe garage where I take my cars told me more or less the same as you are saying in this video, since my Toyota Camry has an intermittent CEL and a code related to some speed sensor in the automatic gear box. They told me to drive it and see how it feels but they considered it not serious enough to give maintenance to the gear box (which could cost me a fortune and not really needed at the moment). Car has only 60,000 miles and does not show any problem.

[@TechSurreal]

It's not only about you, It's also about car inspections and emissions tests of the state that you living in.

[@bonniejohnson1518]

yes and its about them making a living off you...

[@drubio1062]

I have a 2000 Chevy Monte Carlo! The biggest pain was the MAF sensor. You can unplug it in an emergency and you can still drive it! Unfortunately I had to have the engine replaced last April, they used the MAF sensor from the worn engine because I'd had it replaced a few months before! The used engine was $1100 and other than a bad alternator I haven't had any problems since. The used engine had 89,399 miles on it.....

[@edups88]

“So basically, you really can ignore everything until the engine literally falls out while you’re driving.”

[@underdogtv2855]

Thats the plan...

[@pazeldog5522]

Great advice right?! :D I'm definitely following that plan.

[@rekostarr7149]

hahahahaha

[@cibernena]

😆😆😆

[@johnfoltz8183]

Or the serpentine belt breaks leaving you stranded on the side of the road

[@luciendebeer5574]

My chrysler pt cruiser engine check light doesn't light up at all, not when I turn the key/engine on/off, is the led/light broken/damaged?

[@gchsbus]

I love Scotty's channel and been watching it for years but I disagree with his advice about waiting on a check engine light. While the car drives fine with the light and waiting doesn't usually create any damage, I think thats poor car care advice. If you have a check engine light, figure out what it is and get it fixed. If you don't have a mechanic that can figure it out and fix it in one visit, use a different mechanic. A good mechanic can always figure it out. And the ones commenting about your wallets? Give me a break. If you own a car, you need to keep up maintenance on it. I am tired of hearing people that have issues with their cars but keep driving them until they break. Cars are not supposed to be disposable. Engine issues? Get it fixed. Really bad internal engine issues? Rebuild the engine. Paint bad or dent, get to a body shop and have it fixed. Seats ripped? Go to an upholstery place and get it fixed. We would all see cars in much nicer condition if we all took better care of our cars and was proactive on preventive maintenance. The way I see it, if you can't afford the maintenance, don't buy that car. There are plenty of older American cars that are easy to work on and reliable. You don't need that brand new Toyota or flashy pre-owned Mercedes. Get a car that no only is within tour budget to buy but also in your budget to maintain. Its not rocket science. And if thats really complicated, there is always the bus.

[@dorinriki]

I challenge you to try to find a bus in a rural area. 🙄

[@lilcorvetteboi]

Congrats on hitting 4 Mil scotty

[@rvasquez6870]

I can only imagine what this guy looks like filming in these weird angles haha

[@matthewfleming726]

I have a 2014 nissan pulsar c12, the engine light came on today, not flashing, with rough/unsmooth running when applying the accelerator pedal lightly. Smoother at higher speeds . I had a reconditioned transmission put in October 2018 at $4995, done about 29500 kms since. It was raining heavily when I was driving earlier today.

[@matthewfleming726]

I even phoned Liverpool nissan Sydney, they said it could be a fuse to an engine problem, didn't think it would be the transmission. I never put the transmission into reverse when revving high in park in the morning, that can do damage.