Instrument panel - Check Engine Light, etc.

[scottibabee]

Hi everyone,I discovered this site in researching about my problem. I have a 2003 Vibe FWD Auto that I purchased last July with 10,000 miles. It now has 23,000 miles.Recently, my check engine light went on. A friend told me to change the air filter and check fluids before bringing to the dealer, so I did that. My car was due for an oil change anyway, so I brought it to the dealer. They told me there was a vacuum leak or something, but they reattached it so there was no problem. Also said my AIR FILTER needed to be changed (note, it was changed 2 days ago) and my front brakes were worn, so it would cost $270 + tax. I said no thanks for now. I know this crap happens all the time, but to be so blatant about it. Anyways, I didn't say anything because I'm shy. I got in my car and noticed that the open door light was on. Apparantly, someone didn't shut my trunk all the way. Its news to me that to fix a mechanical problem they need to open your trunk too I drive away and notice that at least one of the lights in the instrument panel (the one that I think indicates that the car lights are on) was not on. That's one of the lights that I am sure was on all the time. I shut the car down and started it to see if the light is even working, but its not (the check engine, air bag, open door lights were working). I just pulled out my manual and will check later if any other lights are not coming on, because I can't remember if lights like the ABS, etc. were on before.Here's my questions, after this long-winded story: Is it possible they lied about the hose and they really messed with my lights to get the engine light to not stay on, in the process knocking out at least one of the lights? If not all the lights work, is it covered under the warranty, meaning that I could bring it to the dealer and they would fix at no charge?I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

[Jahntassa]

If you're talking about the little green light in the lower left, that tells you your headlights are on. It'll be on if you manually turn your lights on, or if they're on from the automatic light circuitry.. Make sure your parking brake is all the way off.. if it's up a notch or two, the auto lights won't turn on. Did the check engine light go out after they messed with it?Also, next time you see a check engine light, bring it to an autozone, they should tell you what code the engine is giving, and we stand a good chance of letting you know what's wrong if you tell us what it was.

[joatmon]

with the car running, if you use the manual switch to force your headlights to be on, (not just parking lights) the green indicator in the dash should light up. if it doesn't then I'd say it's broke.when you first put the key in the ignition, and turn it past the accessory position, stop at the ignition/run position, just before you turn it to start. The instrument cluster indicator lights should light up, it's a light test, and the check engine light should be one of those that lights up, for just a second or so. I have ABS on my Vibe, and the ABS indicator lights up during the light test when first starting the car, but it probably wouldn't light up if your car doesn't have ABS.The construction of the instrument cluster is not one that would make it easy for someone to go in and disable an individual light. I suppose it might be possible to cut a wire or something, but as much as we may distrust dealer service people, it is hard to imagine that they would go that far. Should be under warranty, so if there was a repair needed to cure the CEL, the dealer would have gotten paid by GM to fix it, so there's not much incentive to trash your car that way.

[Jahntassa]

It wouldn't be too hard to unplug the auto light sensor...so see if the light comes on by manually turning on the headlights..

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by scottibabee »Here's my questions, after this long-winded story: Is it possible they lied about the hose and they really messed with my lights to get the engine light to not stay on, in the process knocking out at least one of the lights? If not all the lights work, is it covered under the warranty, meaning that I could bring it to the dealer and they would fix at no charge?No. It isn't possible. Unless you're a conspiracy theorist. The light you speak of, as said before, is the indicator your headlights are on. That will be on if your lights are either automatically engaged, or manually.

[simon]

I had a vacuum leak on my 2003 just after I bought it. Took it to the dealer they fiixed it, didn't try to sell me anything else. Check engine light went out. No problem since (100,000kms ago).