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Random Check Engine Light

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 3:44 am
by dustie
Hey guys, During my excursion to Colorado yesterday I threw a random check engine light.. I havent hooked a code scanner to it yet and I know thats going to be the default answer but just curious if any one has any ideas before I get that far.. I am going to San Diego today/tomorrow (not taking my car) and dont have time to do the code scanner till after then. Basically I drove 8 hours from Vegas to Colorado, loaded my car with a friends stuff and drove straight back. I let the car sit for a while in CO figuring the 8 hour drive probably took a toll on it. Had no problems the whole way cruised nicely didnt really push too hard kept RPMs below 4k even mountains. (Did find sections of Utah with the posted speed limit 80mph which was nice) Then on the drive home I was going up one of the steeper grades along the way and my check engine light popped on. I found a safe place and pulled over. Checked everything I could visually, checked under to make sure nothing was leaking or damaged, checked filters, all fluids ect. and nothing was wrong from what I could tell. The car ran perfectly normal as if nothing was wrong. I babied it the last 3 hours or so home just in case (as I had no choice but to drive it). I was thinking maybe it was the altitude difference? I went from below sea level to like 7k+ above. I know that the car has also never left so cal/nevada/az so it is used to lower altitude.. Any other ideas or anything that might be going on?

Re: Random Check Engine Light (dustie)

Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 4:34 am
by trb
Did you make sure the fuel cap is on tight? That is probably the most common check engine light cause. I had it happen on our 06, because my daughter forgot to tighten it until it clicked.

Re: Random Check Engine Light (trb)

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:20 am
by dustie
Not the gas cap, I was low about a quart of oil that has already been replaced. Other fluids all fine. Don't hear any difference in the motor, don't feel any difference at any point. I'm going to plug the code scanner in probably Tuesday and drive the Xb until then. Any other ideas or opinions would be greatly appreciated

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2012 2:43 pm
by Salsa Guy
With out a code it's hard to say. Reset it and see if it comes back.