Jeff

Just got my car back from the shop -- my mechanic did a complete check, changed the oil and belts -- told me in his judgement, the car is "perfect". That was about a week ago, I've put about 50 miles on and the check engine light came on this morning. I looked everything over, nothing overt wrong. I'm thinking I'll ignore it and drive the car this weekend and get into the shop Monday.
Anyone see that as a big mistake?

Tom W

The check engine light comes on for many emission related problems. Bad oxygen sensor, gas cap loose or not sealing well, carbon buildup, etc.

Best to use some Techron (or equivalent) and see if that clears it up. You may also want to use the search option with "check engine" to find the many, many times this has been discussed.

96P993

I dont think you should ignore until you know what the codes are that the computer is putting off. There are many many reasons the check engine light comes on and until you know what it is I would be careful..This light could be as simple as a loose gas cap or could become very complicated..I truly believe every 993 owner should have and OBC II computer in their garage..

GratefulJED

Perhaps it is from the belt sensor wheel.

Jeff

I did go through the search -- seemed to me most of the time the car is drivable but one should eventually determine the cause. Also, the belt sensor wheel was replaced along with the belts.
Thanks for responses.

Matt Vaughan

Jeff, were the spark plugs changed as well?

Jeff

Matt -- no, the plugs were not changed

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Hi Jeff:

Good, sound, and accurate advice here; all of it.

I'd simply affirm that you REALLY need to know exactly which code tripped the CE light to determine if its an issue or not. I would not ignore or postpone this.

I'd also affirm the purchase of one of the software OBD-II scan tools for a laptop, Palm, or even desktop so you know for sure, what is going on.

PWC

Risk analysis:

Ignore the light and find out later that something is fundamentally wrong with your P-car "read something with your engine!" translation big bucks and big problems;

or

Be conservative - park the car - take the weekend off and confirm next week that there is nothing wrong with your beloved P-car.

I'd choose the latter.

Jeff

Thanks for the information -- I'm parking the car until I can get it into the shop. The OBD-II scan tool sounds like a good investment as well. Any thoughts on where to look for one?

Jeff

Just read all about the OBD-II scan -- of course, there is a web site that most of you probably already know about -- just in case it's -- <a href="http://www.OBDii.com" target="_blank">www.OBDii.com</a>