Why Does My Check Engine Light Go Off Sometimes?

[@wyattoneable]

This is very helpful. My wife's Dodge check engine light came on, and after some driving, it went off. Of course it came back on later, but I was wondering why it did that. Now I know.

[@mymillenia2001]

I have a 2007 Chevy Cobalt with a P0301 I changed out the fuel injectors coils and spark plugs it's still misfiring drives great but when you're sitting at a light you can feel it shaking

[@gtube22]

Thanks for the explanation. Had a P1320 and P0303 cylinder misfire code from a borrowed Innova scan tool. I replaced the ignition coil, but didn't have the scan tool to reset the "Service Engine Soon" light. Was contemplating buying a scanner just to turn the darn annoying light off, but then it went out on it's own after 2 days.

[@Legoman585]

I own a 2002 Golf GTI and no enough about cars to be dangerous. So glad I found your channel.

[@xavijuarez5654]

So basically your saying is that sometimes it’s working fine and sometimes failing ?🤔

[@41fivin_sam72]

I had the check engine light on in my 2000 MB C230K, I fish tailed on a u-turn and hit the center divider (big bump) then the check engine light turned off.. Wtf

[@Mr.Gundam7]

It got fix lmaooo

[@commodore665]

My Car has a system check on startup , a while ago I had a warning flash up saying ABS system failure , this flashed up every now and again , I had it scanned , it came up no codes stored , one of the GM/ Holden Tech's , inquired about my battery , he had a look and a lose connection was the cause , he explained that when it runs through it's checks sometimes one of the systems will think "Oh there is not enough power for me , so I'll throw a warning light up" , even though there is no problem , big relief that there was no issue .

[@littlewn9280]

I wouldnt ignor it...I've had the same problem,, whenever I would go and have a part repaired,, the engine light will go off for awhile until I hit a bump or pothole in the road, then light pops back on,, which could mean loose or faulty wiring.....the engine light means the distributor cap and alternator may need replaced...its an early warning that you are heading for mechanical/electrical failures...and sometimes it could also be something as simple as a leaky air hose or hole in the muffler or tailpipe.....these problems usually keep reappearing because its never being replaced with the proper parts...." Used" parts are a bad idea when replacing the distributor cap and alternator,, but how many replace bad wiring too? These cars are getting more and more complicated these days .

[@toobeetoobeetoo]

2006 Subaru Outback. I'd been frustrated with the check engine coming on and then by the time I get it to the dealer, the light turns off. This was happening for 5 years, maybe twice a year. Every time the service department told me that the car doesn't hold what fault codes happened in the car, so without the light being on, they had nothing to go on to start diagnosis. And I'd leave frustrated knowing that the problem was still there. Eventually, I managed to get the car in while the light was on. They hooked it up to their computer, and found out the there was a fault in the exhaust oxygen sensor (I'm probably remembering the exact name incorrectly). They replaced that, and $300 dollars later I left the shop with a fixed vehicle. Bonus: the car ran so much better. For obvious reasons. In retrospect, if I was more aware of the performance of the vehicle and how it changed, I could of given the service techs some useful information. But about all I know about cars is you put gas in and take it to the shop at the recommended intervals. After watching your video, and yes I realize that manufacturers could and probably do have their own schedules for keeping sensor information, is why don't they (the makers of the car computers) add the 5 cent chip to the firmware system in the car to store the last sensor fault with the time-stamp of when it happened. I work in the computer firmware field and it would be stupidly simple to have a 32 or 64KiB memory chip that gets treated as a rolling buffer and it has its own real-time clock to time-stamp any information written to it. I feel that would be such an improvement to the serviceability of the vehicle that it'd easily offset the extra $20 added to the sticker price of the car (by the time the 5 cent part went through all the middle vendors the markup would be about that).

[@opl500]

A lot of auto parts stores will scan your car for free, so if you have one close by, get them to scan your car and then take it to the dealer.

[@toobeetoobeetoo]

I didn't realize that. Makes sense in retrospect. I'll remember this and put the knowledge to good use. Thank you!

[@jamielewis4632]

I want to make sure i understood this. Its not good for you to keep resetting it so the codes dont show? Even though they just come right back on right?

[@mikecmassachusetts2020]

is there supposed to be an answer in this video?

[@joerahman1]

1.04

[@george11694]

It’s there

[@MrBollivar]

You are right so far. I waited for my check engine light to come back on and drove to Autozone. The tech plugged the analyzer into my computer showing all pistons misfiring gas cap off, all 02 sentencers malfunctioning, etc. But, the engine runs smooth, the gas cap is one, etc. I had 2 02 sensors replaced previously. When the check engine light goes off, the analyzer show the light never came on as you said. What is up with that?

[@Zousquad]

Can a misfire happen if a catalytic converters is hit or damaged. I had misfires in my cylinders and I replaced all ignition coils and spark plugs. My ICM are working fine as well, but I’m still having the misfire codes pop up. N the check engine light comes and goes. Could this be happening because I still haven’t resolved the damaged catalytic converter? Need an answer thank you.

[@Jovanicerda100]

My 2005 Dodge Durango was doing this awhile back and I fixed the problems, but today after I finished pumping gas I sticked my key in (did not turn on all the way) and the engine light was flashing, but after I turned it on it won’t flash unless I turn off and just stick my key in...any suggestions?

[@kellycruz272]

Hi I have a 2003 honda accord and I replaced all the spark plugs and all 02 sencers except for the one the 1 02 sencer to the catylac converter. It passed smog but 2 months later the check engine light goes on and off every 60 to 100 do you know maybe why? I did take it to auto zone it says misfire 1

[@Vote2024again]

My check engine light was going on and off for about a month, it was cooler out.. every time I wanted to take it in the damn thing would turn off. now that it's hot out it's on so I need to take it in this weekend cuz it's not going off..car is acting fine and it's not the gas cap...

[@kellycruz272]

Do you think it's the 02 sencor or catylac converter

[@tootznbootz318]

So say you fix the problem, for instance changing out a faulty 02 sensor and your car passes the 3 test, now your good and the engine light will go off?

[@TGilligbauer]

I have a 2008 Hyundai Accent gs 1.6l hatchback, car stalls if idling for about 15 seconds, engine light on and off intermittently all the way down the road, happens the most when I hit the gas quick and left off quick, engine light comes on for about a second then off, and over and over, changed sparks, coils, timing belt, water pump. Any Ideas?

[@bwd1963]

Great information , i have 2014 ford focus se with e-85 option with a capless fill light came on so i wipe dirt and grime off of seal and two days later light went off and engine seem to run somewhat smoother i think

[@BobbyWaitara-pk6ml]

What causes engine check light off when turning on ignition

[@grgortiz1401]

All body throttle can be reset and they need to be reset after turning off the check engine light ?

[@winston3240]

Check engine light never comes on , in a passat b5.5 ,why?

[@rahimmanji5346]

Hi this is really cool explanation, I have the same problem, my new car Honda civic 2018 4 months old , I had the engine light on constantly and then after opening the bonnet and touching some cables suddenly the light went off. Have been driving like that thinking that car had resolved the issue but then the performance of the car has degraded , I bought the wireless odb test tool and my code is P2146 have spoken with Honda dealership here in UK but they are not willing to test can you please advice what should I do, can clear the code and the engine will perform better

[@jimkeane602]

3 passes in a row will turn the light off? Or can a Fail, Fail [Light comes on], Pass, Fail, Pass, Fail, Pass [light goes off?]? Or does it need to be all passes back to back?

[@3991melkoun]

similar thing happening to a customers 1.8t passat... very good to know

[@smiIingman]

I have a 2000 Volvo S70 TDI and recently the Check engine light started being a bit weird. I get in my car and fire it up and go driving. Usually after 10-15mins the check engine light comes on and stays on for about another 15-45 mins and then it turns off again. What might be the cause? Im going to get it diagnosed at the workshop but i can't right now since christmas is around the corner

[@drivingthebeast9101]

Does low or old battery cause the check engine light to come on, and after recharging by driving the car the check engine turns off? AGM battery 5 years old?

[@atomicdmt8763]

what if check engine light went off..... BUT there is still a DTC (hard, not pending)?

[@chaconjohnson]

My check engine light does the same, however i'm getting a 0172,0175 error. I took it to dealer they said injectors tested fine and suggested they run fuel injector cleaner. Got it back, the next day the light came one. The following day I added my own injector cleaner on an empty tank and filled it up, later that day the light went off, but then came back on about 2hrs worth of driving later. Very frustrating. And clue as to what might be causing these codes? Any info would be appreciated of course. Oh yeah, 2011 equinox, flex fuel, 3.0, 70k miles.

[@helidodge]

Found you on TSP. Subbed. I miss my 06 Jetta TDI.

[@TheRealMcCoy88]

This was exactly what I was looking for. My 2000 BMW 323i had the light on I got it scanned and it said miss fire in my 5th cylinder and a faulty spark plug and coil pack. But now the light is off and I haven't even fixed the issue yet. So should I still replace the plugs and coils? Also my washer fluid and tire pressure sensor lights are on now but both were just topped off not even 100 miles ago, fluid is full and tires are brand new

[@smajoooooooo]

What's your timeframe for the white wookie videos? very excited to watch those

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Smajo Lelak I was trying hard to get one out this week. It's been a Friday release. But I am traveling this weekend. Currently in San Fran. I have. Been doing some FB LIVE stuff too.

[@smajoooooooo]

+HumbleMechanic Cool! I followed you on fb. While you're on the west coast you should check out B is for Build, great guy and channel.

[@hajrudinkavazovic2231]

This guy don't answer people question what's going on 😡

[@Anontesla]

What if it only does it when you go thru a car wash?

[@marianuswilla4814]

When engine starts chek engine sign is not there. After driving for a short distance like 1km check engine sign appears on the dash board. What is it? The cause.

[@HumbleMechanic]

You’ll need to pull the codes. The fault is probably stored even if the lift is off

[@halimhadjameur3585]

Plz help 1.8t 20th. check engine light completely off the dashboard .cranck but no start 5 years ownership. Not even a single problem Now scanner can't even recognize the ECm . Buying a used ECM can b plug n play ? Any ideas? Thanks

[@petersonbalavoirjeanbaptis7649]

I got a 4runner 97 model the check engine is off while i turn the ignition key is on. And i check all the fuses includ the fuel relay. I found the EFI's fuses is gotten big electric shock. Please how can you help me with it

[@IgiveLZZ]

I have a 09 nissan rogue and the light came on and the problem was the EVAP, So I want to the light been on I think a week and some days and just out of nowhere the light was off....yea I'm looking crazy but I'm still goin to get the car checked out tomorrow still(01/16/21)

[@emiliameza8814]

I have a 2014 Hyundai sonata 2.0T check engine light turns on n goes off, OBD code P2188 fuel running too rich. Changed out several parts still doing this . As well as not starting sporadically, then starts fine then it won’t start any advice ? Thank you

[@chriss4365]

If I ask a question will.someone actually respond?

[@Elovess]

My Honda Odyssey 2006 check engine light comes on and run roughly but only when the weather is cold. I plugged the scanner and it shows code p013 which is IAT sensor. But I researched about IAT failure symptoms, and say nothing about coming on on colder weather. It only says that that failure causes problems to start the engine when is cold, which is not my case neither. My car starts without problems cold or warm. Could it be a temperature sensor

[@sarahsalas3997]

i have a 2016 honda civic lx and my engine light was on not to long ago but now its off but my engine makes a rattling nose sort of what does that mean ?

[@CrispyDesertRat]

Okay so my 97 2.0 aba golf had had it's C.E.L on since I bought it and it has the MAF and the o2 sensor disconnected. Why did the light shut off?

[@jamielewis4632]

I am hoping to ask you a question? So someone put something in my gas and it had crank no start. After getting it to mechanic and them replacing all spark plugs, fuel pump, and conditioner through my car it is running again but now my check engine light keeps turning on and every once and while turns off. I took it to autozone hooked to their computer and it is reading bad spark plug but i just got every spark plug changed. I called and told them what it is now saying and they said " its just going to do that" you can lightly tell when the engine light is on that its like a misfire but when its off its running like before. Should i change my coil pack or is this problem something that will eventually work it self out?

[@kenmott01]

Got p0404 and p0405 and p0171 gos on and off should i take it to mechanic or you think it be fine

[@dabunnyrabbit2620]

Jeep GC if I drive a long distance it comes on otherwise it stays off.

[@1sincerenaz]

Can still see code on obd but light cleared. Po355

[@winston0079]

A/C Question Buddy?? I HAve 04 Golf GTI And A/C Compressor Wont kick In. I Put My A/C Gauges And Freon Is OK. I Checked Fuses And I Replaced Relay And Low Pressure Sensor (Junkyard Parts Fortunately) And Still No Luck. So Question Is What Should I Look For And Is There Any Tricks Or Tip I Should Know??? Thanks Charles

[@FEHKINGS]

Too much freon...

[@yaohan9628]

My cc's engine light is on and off sometimes, its really confusing............

[@banksepps2798]

My check engine light only comes on with it running and in part idle comes on then drive off it goes off my truck is a obd1

[@remypaquin7224]

I have a question regarding this. I have a 2015 tiguan with about 66000 miles (110 000km) on it. I brought it in for an oil change and not long after had the engine light come up. Scanned it and it was misfire in cylinder 3 and 4, cleared the codes and have been driving it for another 6 month since without issues. My concern is when I start it when especially when cold it souns quite rough for 5 or 10 second but then goes normal and drives fine and with full power atleast according to my but dyno. Is this any cause for concern I also noticed that the exhaust is quite dark on initial startup especially in winter (noticed this before the misfires). I have brought it to a vw tech and reg garage mentioning that I'm concerned about it burning oil but both have mentioned that its within specs. Am I'm concerned for no reason any additional things I can check, I'm quite mechanical (although this question allude differently 😉) Thanks for all the knowledge you continously share

[@VeggieBeard]

06 Trailblazer Ext with Vortec 4.2L I have a check engine light for 0P300 random misfire. I took it to a shop for diagnosis. They diagnosed the Manifold Pressure Sensor was bad and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. I decided to replace the parts myself rather than pay them $500. The vehicle is running good again but, the light will not clear. I used a code reader to clear the code but, it keeps coming back. Also I noticed when I was sitting at a light. I gave the vehicle a little gas. Just enough to raise the RPMs to about 1200 and the light turned off. Then as soon as I let off it came right back on. RPMs at idle are between 800 and 900. Any ideas what the problem is?

[@ryanlaing3545]

What is the best obd2 computer software to use for a 2012 volkswagen passat 2012 ?

[@laurasalo6160]

Any ideas why my solid check engine light goes out when I turn on my headlights? 04 vibe base model. Error codes p0351 -52 -53 -54.

[@angusmitchell1408]

The engine light coming and going off itself is it a problem?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes it should be checked

[@lawrencemeyers1212]

Pcm trying fix problem that why light flash for few sec then go off if stay on pcm store the code

[@jordynperez101]

What about whenmy light turned on giving me a code of the government sencer to my trans and then a few hours later turns off? 04 jeep grand cherokee. Please info.

[@gykg3202]

My check engine light goes and off periodically. Now my wife is pressuring me to get a new car. I have a 17 Corolla with 80k miles.

[@jacobndunguru5584]

i have a toyota mark II,check engine light comes on while driving at engine speed above 50,when the vehicle goes of,its also go off,i checked with diagnosis machine while driving the vehicle i see no trouble code even when the vehicle is off no trouble code,please help

[@joseramirez9932]

Is like mine i have a 93 lincoln continental it turns off once i turn off the car but once it runs for a while turns on

[@kswan4235]

I'm getting a check engine light on my 95 sc400 (code 28 right o2). It comes on when the engine warms up after a few minutes then turns off after about 15 minutes of driving. Then it will turn on for a second and then turn back off randomly. Any suggestions?

[@camijo65]

This is happening to me, my check engine light has come on and off a couple times. My car needs a smog test. Now that the light went off again. Can it pass smog?

[@HumbleMechanic]

In many cases yes.

[@camijo65]

@@HumbleMechanic thank you so much for your help.

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

my check engine light went on and the link code was p2187, there wasn't any leaks. any idea what it could be?

[@JavierGomez-lh8uj]

Hey lol me again with the same problem I guess. my check engine light keeps going on and off, it's pretty annoying because it seems to drive normal, but I was just wondering if it's not a common thing that happens in 2010 mk6 gti's?

[@tinagiordano4364]

My car had emission sendor replaced and map sensor replaced 3 weeks later my engine light comes on shut car off and engine light goes off for a week then driving today not going to 3gear but shut car off for minute and engine light goes off and it's running fine what does it nean

[@chillin4vl6]

I have code for catylitic converter code p0420? After my oil change the check engine light went off for 3 days. Then it came back for two days. Now it's gone again and has not come back.

[@carinaavila723]

NaturalHabitat_2.0 did you find the problem

[@kalykalypso]

Same! what was your solution to this problem? I see you posted this 10 months ago..

[@cesarmacias7672]

Same and same code I guess just wait till it comes up again lol

[@bodiebroadus9732]

NaturalHabitat_2.0 I’ve got the same issue with my 2007 Accord.. the light comes on and clears itself and doesn’t come back on for another 1-2 weeks.. any advice?

[@Asadkhan-fh4cx]

@@bodiebroadus9732 i

[@antoniog.4821]

I put stp in my tank with a full tank of good gas and drove it for a week check light finally turn it self off.

[@robertespinoza2740]

Have my car atratspiped but the engine light tuned off why

[@faizalkhan8214]

My car is AE 100 wen I start engine check light on then it goes off but engine not start pliz anyone now what is wrong to My care

[@fernandoguzman4202]

I have a mint condition 4.0L o6 2006 ford explorer i had a check engine light for months .and turned off today .should i be worried ?? I put 3,000$ in to it to fix it ..and still .light on.. I spent alot what are my option's?

[@yourmomsnipple4190]

Get a Honda

[@johndiakonis6706]

hi there, can you please shed some light on my situation: i have a 2006 corolla 1.6 4 gear automatic (not sequential) and my engine light has come on. My mechanic scanned it and it displays the following: code P0741 $10, torque converter, clutch circuit performance /stuck off. The thing is that here in Crete (island in Greece) nobody knows how to fix an automatic car and I really dont want to take it to the dealership, can you please tell me what to do? can i keep driving it with the warning light on? practically there doesnt seem to be anything wrong, it drives the same, thanks!!!!

[@813cars2]

2000 nissan maxima broke down in garage for 2 years nothing major just dead battery new battery and runs amazing 246,000 miles and perfect as i burn through the gas that was sitting in the tank the light turns on and i find out it’s a fuel injector issue over 2 weeks and 3 tanks of gas i use a whole bottle of fuel injector cleaner light goes off and car feels quicker and smoother few days later light turns on and back to running slow and inconsistent power feeling when i press the gas drive home from school and the lights still on when i get home some driving later and the light goes off and feels faster again now: i’m gonna buy a other bottle of fuel injector cleaner and use it as i get gas hopefully getting all the old dirty gas out and gone for good

[@kevinfink2203]

2003 Malibu blower fan shuts off, check engine light comes on, blower starts working again, check engine light gone the next day.

[@gyanbatlay2231]

my car check engine light comes then after my car goes off....urgent help

[@nubianking2018]

I have a chev malibu 216..check engine light goes off and on all the time...no one knows why..its solid not blinking....anyone out there can help me with this.....

[@cherokeebriggs510]

2013 golf r cel for p0036 and went away by itself

[@tommyodayiv9734]

How about my check engine has been on for months. Been having problems with starting.and stalling while driving slow then turning back on while driving. Sometimes have to put in neutral while rolling to start .notice problems when damp out. Will drive fine for days then do it again. Already changed main realy still no fix. Was thinking ignition switch? Oh ya it's a 2001 Honda accord 4 cylinder lx.any help would be great. My own mechanic is stumped.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Try another mechanic? A MIL and a ton of symptoms can be tricky to diagnose

[@kevk9028]

Hey Charles, I want to purchase vag-com but I'm unsure which model to choose for my VW Touran 2.0 TDI uk. Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

+kev. k I would get he one that costs about $350. It should do all you need.

[@lindamoate6276]

My check engine light will go off for two days n come back on what does that mean

[@HumbleMechanic]

You have a fault that is only occurring sometimes. It will pass the test and fail the test

[@lindamoate6276]

So is it anything that I need to worry about

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yes. Get it checked out

[@lindamoate6276]

Ok thanks

[@ashegheaty]

My 3 month old 2k miles hyundai tucsons engine check light started blinking a few times then the light went away then after a minute it started blinking again for a few seconds then it went away and when this happened i felt a mild shaking then this never happened . It was really really cold and the road was salty. Any thoughts ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

a misfire of some type. That is about all that will make a mil flash

[@cryptoniconline5328]

Please guide me my car check light on when I start and after sometime it go off what is problem

[@HumbleMechanic]

You have to check codes to see the system that is having a failure

[@darrellallen4409]

My light just suddenly started flashing on Honda accord

[@RockyandTuck]

Flashing is bad. It could also be misfiring cylinders and potentially damaging the catylac converter

[@sharonday2058]

Can you tell me y my engi e lights keeps commin on every so off done on my Peugeot partner tippee diesel engine thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

The computer is seeing a failure. One of the systems is not passing their test

[@reltihfloda7419]

My engine light turn on so i went to mechanic he was locking on computer and could find nothin why how

[@tabbysprague5374]

It was weired it was on for months then just shutt off

[@quadare1]

Ur the best 💯

[@174wolf]

BMW has a shadow memory that never gets automatically deleted, at least with the MS43 ECU.

[@miketorrez288]

hay humble, question? Ford expedition my check engine light turns on and off in some days. when it's off will the car pass inspection?

[@HumbleMechanic]

in NC it will. As log as readiness monitors are set, and the light is not on. Well I should say "commanded" on. If the bulb is burnt out, it fails.

[@brianbarcus5853]

thanks!

[@stevethenorthernsonstorie1406]

why does my check engine light blinks 3 times and than my car shuts off it is a 92 stealth rt fwd

[@HumbleMechanic]

Odds are this means you have a fault stored. ODB1 cars have a number of ways to check faults. I am not sure how your car displays it, but the number of blinks probably points to a system that is having an issue

[@stevethenorthernsonstorie1406]

thank you for getting back to me i'm thinking its a fuel pump hope its a relay but cant seem to find it on the stealth here's hoping.... car as stopped running since this post flashed 3 times & stopped

[@halfpintpersonality5943]

my kia rio has a bad o2 sensor light came on got in car next morning and the light was off so keep your secrets kia

[@joachimjohan1215]

WHY do you say "keep them coming" when you dont answer charles?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I answer as many questions as I can.

[@joachimjohan1215]

what do you think about the Icarsoft scanners/tablets?

[@HumbleMechanic]

+Joachim Johan I have no experience with them

[@joachimjohan1215]

okey, Thanks man! youre the best vag youtube channel! ;)

[@1sincerenaz]

This happened with my avalon

[@dumuzi9662]

I think it speaks volumes about our car company that the most alarming facet of its existence is when the light occasionally goes out #volkswagen

[@Ekorslk]

My check engine light was going on and off on a cam sensor and crank sensor and my tags just expired and had to run to emissions. Ran to it when it turned off and when they scanned my car they re pulled it up haha so now in waiting on my parts with expired tags :p

[@rayraychavez5444]

My check engine light is only on when turn key but once I start my truck it’s not there haven’t blink YET what may it be

[@hajrudinkavazovic2231]

Lol that is normal nothing is wrong with that 😂

[@juniorgar3617]

Didn't answer the question lol

[@robertespinoza2740]

???

[@willmas138113]

U talking too much

[@HumbleMechanic]

Or not enough. 🤔