T O P I C R E V I E W
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98snaketool
Member # 1294
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posted
I have a 98 cobra with only 30k on the motor and the check engine light came on today. The car seems to be running fine. It had a tune-up (Sparks etc.)last december. Oil is fine. Should I be worried and take it in right away or is there any home remedies you guys might know of. Does it just need another tune-up??? Its nagging at me, any insight/ideas would be appreciated. - Brian
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Gear Head
Member # 779
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posted
The codes need to be pulled to see why it threw the check engine light on.
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98snaketool
Member # 1294
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posted
How much should that run me. And can you explain what you mean be "the codes". Thanx
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Gear Head
Member # 779
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posted
When something isn't running right the computer will throw out a "code" or message and in turn will turn the check engine light on, it's the engines way of telling you something isn't working right. If you dont have a code puller then you need to take it down somewhere to have it done and I have no idea how much they would charge you for that because I never take my car anywhere to have it worked on.
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Norgs
Member # 649
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posted
shops charge a min of 1 hour to pull the codes...so it can be anywhere between 90-130 $ at least to tell what is wrong with the car
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the50ho
Member # 73
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posted
I usually just pull codes at work, (another perk of working at a car dealership in the shop)....many times, I've been told you can go to autozone, and they'll do it for you for free with thier scanner.
I'd head to autozone if I was you, bring a piece of paper, and write everything down they tell you. Untill then, we really can not be of ANY assistance.
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white1990stang
Member # 2307
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posted
or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.
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94gt
Member # 3060
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posted
yeah, ive used the jumper wire method, and it worked ok. Kragen sells a $40 deal that will display what codes are being output on a LCD
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zpyro35
Member # 3745
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posted
quote: Originally posted by white1990stang: or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.
this is generally the way to go. you have to know what the codes mean though; I'm sure you can find somewhere on the internet (or probably a Hayne's manual) that tells you what the codes are and how to interpret them.
I've heard that AutoZone was sued for checking the codes for free cuz the dealerships and tune-up shops complained it was taking away from their business. but
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J's DDLY SNK
Member # 2016
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posted
quote: Originally posted by zpyro35: quote: Originally posted by white1990stang: or you can run a jumper wire to your eec and start the car and the check engine light will flash.
this is generally the way to go. you have to know what the codes mean though; I'm sure you can find somewhere on the internet (or probably a Hayne's manual) that tells you what the codes are and how to interpret them.
I've heard that AutoZone was sued for checking the codes for free cuz the dealerships and tune-up shops complained it was taking away from their business. but
Yup, they are not doing it anymore. At least not the one on Capitol/Story in San Jose.
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1Sicgt
Member # 714
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posted
Where are you from, I have code scanner.
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Joooestang66
Member # 2828
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posted
Where are you located? Im in the Sac area, I'm a Ford tech. I can fix it right the first time for a reasonalbe price.
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98snaketool
Member # 1294
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posted
The check engine light went off two days later and has not come on since. Is this normal and should it stay on if there is something really wrong. Should I still check it out or might it be just a wiring glitch. Also I'm in Ny right now, but I appreciate the offers guys.
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Joooestang66
Member # 2828
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posted
I'd still have it checked out. The CEL dosen't come on for nothing. It could help you avoid future problems.
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bobbystang
Member # 2747
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posted
autozone for free i work there tehy'll take care of you
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Joooestang66
Member # 2828
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posted
If you like your car don't take it to Autozone. They have a "scantool" which pulls DTC's, but that's it. There's so much more to it. Yeah sure a guy who works at Autozone with barely and automotive knowlege can pull codes, but ask him to interpret them. He'll either try to sell you parts you don't need or give you some off the wall explaination. Just take it to a dealership or a reputable independent shop that specializes in Mustangs or Fords. It will cost you a little, but atleast your car will be fixed right.
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