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MissMargoChanning — 1 month ago(February 12, 2026 09:48 PM)
Your "check engine" light is on
Don't you just hate it when that happens???
Now you have to have EVERYTHING checked out!
You asked a pretty question; I've given you the ugly answer.
Fasten Your Seatbelts….
It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night! -
Nimbex — 1 month ago(February 12, 2026 10:06 PM)
No.
You simply need to have your vehicle's computer (aka PCM or ECM or ECU) scanned and the specific code or codes retrieved that generated the CEL. The code that generated the CEL will generally point to a system (such as a random misfire on all cylinders or a specific cylinder) or a sensor (such as, for one example, MAP sensor circuit).
Although people are intimidated by automotive computer systems, troubleshooting is actually easier than in the days of carburetors and older electronic ignitions, or the even older breaker-point ignitions. -
Nimbex — 1 month ago(February 12, 2026 11:10 PM)
No, I am saying that your vehicle's computer is notifying you, via the CEL, of a condition that deviates from the manufacturers recommended parameters.
By having a scan performed, which takes about a minute, a code will be retrieved that will narrow down what the condition actually is.
If, for example, the code translates to "random misfires, multiple cylinders", replacing the spark plugs and spark plug wires might fix the problem (and I suppose that you could call that a "tuneup"). But that particular code could also be related to an issue with the fuel injectors or a coil (or coils, depending upon the type of engine).
But there are a lot of potential codes, and the first step is retrieving the specific code (or codes) that is generating the CEL. -
Nimbex — 1 month ago(February 13, 2026 12:37 AM)
It depends upon the vehicle and what the code is.
Once I worked on an '02 GMC w/5.3 that was throwing a code for one of the knock sensor circuits.
To get to the knock sensors (there are two of them) on that one, the intake manifold has to come off (and I am sure you know what all else has to come off to get the intake off) because those two sensors are imbedded in the valley pan.
And since that truck had been involved in a lot of off roading for years and years, the engine was super dirty and a few hours of the job were involved in cleaning.
That job was a bit of work.
As opposed to an '03 Dakota with a 5.9 that was throwing an EVAP code/"purge system solenoid major leak" that turned out to be about fifteen minutes of work to replace some old dry cracked vacuum lines.
It just depends. -
Donna2.0 — 1 month ago(February 13, 2026 01:01 AM)
Sorry but only a fool would pay 30 grand for a vehicles whose check engine light is on, and the transmission is slipping. Only a fool would accept your agreement about you repairing the problems without deducting from your sale price.
Put a muzzle on Tits Malone, PI -
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Nimbex — 1 month ago(February 13, 2026 01:00 AM)
Speaking of Dodges, had another one with a 3.9 and a code that referred to the cam position sensor. Wouldn't run. Replaced the cam position sensor and still no go. Ohmed out the circuits (ground wire, sensor signal, 5v reference signal) and they all checked good. Pulled the water pump and the timing chain cover off and sure enough, the timing gears were wiped out. Several hours on that one.