Random question #1: Check engine light cost
#1
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I had a 95, looking at 95-98. If the CEL is on in the 96-98, what is the typical cost to fix? I'm not fully up on the issue and search is sort of all over the map in terms of info.
#2
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
It would depend on why the CEL is on. It could be something minor like a faulty sensor or it could be
the dreaded SAI problem. SAI issues can sometimes be solved by flushing the system. This method
can buy some time before a top end rebuild is required. Cost estimates? I'm probably not the best
person to answer that.
the dreaded SAI problem. SAI issues can sometimes be solved by flushing the system. This method
can buy some time before a top end rebuild is required. Cost estimates? I'm probably not the best
person to answer that.
#5
Rennlist Member
#6
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Also bear in mind that the car would not pass inspection with the CEL on. By searching the archives you'll find the procedure to turn off the CEL, reset your readiness codes, and be able to get through inspection.
#7
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Get a OBDII reader and you can find out what the code is for and figure how much it will cost. When my CEL came on a few months back, it was just because of the DME relay had gone bad --$35 and 2 minutes of my time.
Trending Topics
#9
Rennlist Member
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Now, if you don't want to spend any time investigating/fixing the problem, then yes, walk away.
Personally, I would not walk away until I knew what the issue was.
#10
Drifting
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: South Bay, Los Angeles
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Edit: What Darin said
^^
If it's nearby, might be worth going and reading the codes off it. Might keep other buyers away and give you negotiation leverage if it turns out to be something minor.
![Smilie](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
If it's nearby, might be worth going and reading the codes off it. Might keep other buyers away and give you negotiation leverage if it turns out to be something minor.
Last edited by dcdude; 07-01-2009 at 01:31 PM. Reason: too slow
#11
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Ah...agreed...but remote is a bit tough. I guess I can ping him and see if he has the fault codes, but I'm highly doubtful since he's relatively unknowledgeable and just parroting his mechanic.
#12
Burning Brakes
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Is this the one with the O2 sensors that need replacing? If so, that would trigger a CEL. Still, I would walk if you can't get the actual codes from the guy's tech. Takes a few minutes with an OBD2 scanner and will pretty much tell you if the car needs a top end.
#15
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Saratoga, CA
Posts: 993
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Cabrio: If one were to take off the filler cap and start the car, would that automatically trigger a CEL? and would it disappear after putting on the cap?