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Check engine light stays on
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annemarie
New User
Jun 17, 2008, 8:01 AM
Post #1 of 4
(1400 views)
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Check engine light stays on
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I have a 2004 2WD 4 cylinder Dodge Durango. Shortly after getting it the check engine light came on  . I took it to the dealership and they told me it had nothing to do with my engine it was electrical and they "fixed it". Cut to a month or so later and it happened again, I took it back to the dealership, it was "fixed" and again a month later it came on  . I went on with this back and forth for a while and gave up and have been driving with it on. No problems with the vehicle, just the engine light. My problem is I need my car inspected and it won't pass with the check engine light on. I don't want to spend my money now that my dealership warranty is up for something I know is only electrical. Too, I have moved too far from where I got it, to again take it back to the dealership. A friend told me he had the same problem with his vehicle (non-dodge) and he unplugged and replugged his battery and it reset his electrical system and I have a feeling that is prob exactly what a dealership or garage may do (and have done).
How do I do this? I can change a tire, check my oil and the basics, but this is new to me.
Thanks!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 17, 2008, 8:50 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1397 views)
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Re: Check engine light stays on
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Many parts stores are now giving you a code reading for gratis - of course in hopes of selling some parts. AutoZone is one - they boldy advertize that service.
If the CEL is on then there's info to be retrieved and you should have been told what it was when the vehicle was under warranty. Sometimes a reset can last for a long time or be a fluke that doesn't come back.
There are things that will allow the vehicle to run perfectly but a fault is detected. Some of these teeny tiny electrical things can cost a fortune and you are right - in places where you are linked to the state's registry you won't get a legit sticker with it on. Many will reset by disconnecting the battery neg cable for a couple minutes but then the computer doesn't have a trial period of "all is well" - that might be a few days or X # of miles to tell the inspection station that the vehicle is ok and then they default with a rejection with a grace period at least in my state.
Hey - it could just be a wire or plug to something but a code reading (get a print out or code #s too) should lead to the problem or problem area and go from there,
T
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jun 17, 2008, 1:52 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1392 views)
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Re: Check engine light stays on
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I just did a quick count of the possible trouble codes for this year of Dodge; there are 246 different basic codes.
Not one of these codes tells us exactly what is wrong with the vehicle; all it tells us, is what circuit the computer has seen a fault in. Which could mean; senor, sensor wiring, computer or a mechanical issue that sets up a chain reaction; causing a false code?
Codes do not come with a description or procedure of; “hey (dummy) that’s broken, change this”; I wish it was that simple. LOL
By your description; whatever is turning on the light, is due to an intermittent issue. Intermittent computer related issues are the hardest to diagnose; what do you repair or replace, if everything is working as intended, while your test equipment is connected?
Without knowing the whole story behind this; I would say the dealership did the right thing, by not guessing at what this intermittent is.
I’m a garage owner and a technician; I make my living by checking/testing vehicles, selling parts and doing the repairs. If feel confident, as to what is causing a problem; believe me; I would be trying to sell you the part & repair; no doubt the same with them.
I can’t believe I’m defending a dealership (just feels wrong. LOL) but maybe you’ve found one that has pride in there work and respect for their customers?
Dan.
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Canadian "EH"
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comnavguy
User
Jun 25, 2008, 7:35 AM
Post #4 of 4
(1369 views)
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Re: Check engine light stays on
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If you haven't found your answer yet, as you've been told, Autozone checks these for free - on vehicles newer than 1996.
If you are inclined to do some of your own diagnosis, there are fairly inexpensive OBD II meters on the market. They are fairly simple to use, to determine which sensor is causing your check engine light to come on. Once the light is on, it's stored in the computer, and the only way to turn it off is to fix the problem.
Disconnecting the battery will turn the code off, but it will come back on, and you can't fool the the inspection computer by disconnecting the battery to reset and then to "hurry" into the inspection station.
Let me know if you need more info.
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