Dealing with a Check Engine warning

[Lefty]

The Check Engine light has come on in my 2004 Vibe and I need some advice on how to deal with it.

Ten days ago I took the Vibe to a Monro repair shop for an oil change. The manager then convinced me to buy a new set of tires and have a wheel alignment. Last night I drove the Vibe for the first time after dark since I had the work done and noticed that the Check Engine light was on (steady, not flashing). It may have been on for ten days without my noticing it, although I can't be sure about that.

I've checked to see that the gas tank cap is on tight and that the tires are the right size, but I'm wondering if somehow an improper tire installation or improper wheel alignment could be at fault.

The Vibe has 93,872 miles on it and I'm currently driving it only about 3500 miles a year. I'm 82 years old.

Any advice would be most welcome.

[jayoldschool]

The tires and alignment have nothing to do with it. Even if you put different height tires on each corner, the light would not come on. If the car has optional ABS, it would illuminate that light.

So, we need to figure out why the light is on. Go to your local parts store. Pep Boys, Advance Auto, whatever. Tell them that you need a code read. They will do it for you. For free. Once you know the code, get back to us.

[Lefty]

The closest auto parts place is an AutoZone store. Their website doesn't say anything about free code reading and does advertise code readers that you have to pay for. Does anybody know if they do code checks for free?

[vibrologist]

Lefty: many auto parts stores do code checks for free. Just go and ask. Write down the actual codes and post them here.

[ehoff121]

Before you drive it any further, pop the hood and check that the oil filler cap is on securely and then check the dipstick for oil level. If the tech wasn't careful, he could have under or over filled it. Up to an 1/8th inch over the top fill line is okay (unless you have the updated dipstick, which few people bothered to get). Also, check under the front end for any oil leaks that would show the oil drain bolt wasn't tightened enough.

Unless you live in California or Hawaii, AutoZone will absolutely read your codes for free.

From their web site:

The AutoZone Fix Finder*
An easy-to-use tool to troubleshoot why your Check Engine Light is on, Fix Finder utilizes an extensive database
of repair solutions from ASE certified mechanics to help you get to the most likely fix.

How Does AutoZone Fix Finder Work?
Fix Finder pulls your vehicle information, code and mileage.
This data is analyzed to give you verified fix solutions for your specific vehicle from over 5.5 million ASE-Certified technicians' records.
These solutions are given to you in a FREE, easy-to-read MYZONE HEALTH REPORT.
Visit Your Local AutoZone Store and Let Us Help You Find out If the Problem Is Simple or Serious
Your Check Engine Light may be indicating a simple problem that’s easy to fix – such as a loose gas cap. Or, it could be a warning of a more serious problem that could damage your engine components.
Finding out why your light is on now can save you money and trouble down the road.

*Service Not Available in CA & HI.

[Lefty]

Just checked the oil level and see that the oil on the dipstick is about 5/8th of an inch above the maximum line. Does that make the car dangerous to drive?

[jayoldschool]

That amount of fill is probably very close to where it should be filled.

[ehoff121]

Did you clean off the dipstick before dipping it for the reading? If so, it's too full.

If it's not too long of a drive to the Monro, I'd call them up and ask to speak with a manager. Let them know that the check engine light came on and they overfilled your engine. Ask what they are planning to do to make it right?

If the AutoZone is near the Monro, get the codes read first, so they can't clear them out without you knowing what they were for.

[Lefty]

I took it back to Monro and after doing a code check they said I must have not tightened the gas tank cap enough at my last fill up. They cleared the check engine light but also changed the oil level to the recommended level. The check engine light has not come on again. Thanks for the helpful comments.

[jayoldschool]

If you have the original dipstick, the top one in the photo, and your oil if "filled" to the top mark, your oil is now under-filled. You don't need the new dipstick, just measure your old one, and mark it in the correct new "full" position (and top up your oil).

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=37406&p=437602&hil ... ck#p437602

Using this higher fill line (and an oversized oil filter) likely saved my engine when I experienced a bad leak. Since that thread, I have gone to an even larger V6/V8 filter. More oil is better.

viewtopic.php?t=44768

[SWC2003Vibe]

Did the increased oil capacity (New mark on the oil dipstick & larger oil filter) result in a measureable reduction of oil consumption?

[jayoldschool]

No. My engine didn't consume oil before going to the raised fill.