check engine light '08 turbo
#1
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I'm about 1600 miles short of a 45,000 mile service and my check engine light came on today. It's not flashing but I don't want to screw something up. It'll take a week or so before I can get it scheduled in the shop. How long can I safely drive it without taking a chance on damage? Input appreciated.
#2
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Location: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
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It isn't on because you're due for a service - it's on because something is wrong. Without knowing what is wrong, no one can intelligently answer your question. That's why it's very handy to own a Durametric or ICarScan - they can tell you what the car thinks is wrong. Then you tell us - and we'll be able to answer your question based on data, not guesswork.
If you're in the USA - you might try stopping at an Autozone or similar big-box car parts store. They will usually read the stored OBD-II codes for you. These will give a basic idea of what is triggering the CEL, but a vehicle specific code reader can dig deeper into the computers on the car and help narrow it down.
It could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or as complex as a holed piston. The light is binary - it's either on or off - and the message is simple "Check Engine Now.."
If you're in the USA - you might try stopping at an Autozone or similar big-box car parts store. They will usually read the stored OBD-II codes for you. These will give a basic idea of what is triggering the CEL, but a vehicle specific code reader can dig deeper into the computers on the car and help narrow it down.
It could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or as complex as a holed piston. The light is binary - it's either on or off - and the message is simple "Check Engine Now.."