Check Engine Light On?
Free and Massively Helpful!
It doesn’t matter what make or model car you have. Every car is going to eventually have a check engine light come on. The best way to save money here is to simply know why it’s on.
Our Example Code P0455
What’s A Check Engine Light?
Truthfully a check engine light can come on for thousands of reasons. It can be something as simple as your gas cap is loose. Or something super complicated that it can baffle some of the best mechanics. But Let’s go over a quick way on how you can save a ton of money on costly unnecessary auto repairs.
Learn Why It’s On
I have been a mechanic for over 15 years now and I will admit that Check Engine Lights can scar a lot of people. People will sometimes panic and begin thinking that this will instantly cost them hundreds or thousands of dollars. But there are two simple methods that you can use to learn what’s wrong with your car.
Method #1 – (Free One)
Nowadays you can go to just about any chain auto parts store and get your car scanned for free. All you do is drive up to your local auto parts store (I prefer Advance Auto Parts, you can read on how to save money there HERE) and ask the store associate if they can scan your car. I have never seen any of these chains charge for this. After the associates connects a scanner to your car, the associate will give you the code/s the car has on its computer. Most of the associates at these stores will usually give you possible causes and possible solutions.
Method #2 – (Your Own Scanner)
Over the years I have gone through many different vehicle scanners (OBDI Scanner) and I have to say that the best one I found is one of the lower cost ones. You can find some for as low as $30 but they usually have very limited capabilities and you can spend thousands on specialized scanner. But, Blue Driver has been my favorite. It’s usually $99 dollars. The greatest part of this scanner is that it is frequently updated by the manufacture through your phone and actually has great customer service (The updates are free!). This scanner will usually be better than any of the chain stores usually use and you can simply rescan your cars computer in seconds and at anytime.
Quick Note –
The Blue Driver is super easy to use. You simply download the app and connect this little device to your cars OBDI port. Every modern car has this port. This port is usually located driver side just below the dashboard below the steering wheel. On the app you press scan and it tells you what issues the cars computer has detected.
Sample Problem
As we stated above we are going to use the code P0455 for our sample problem here.
Using method #1 or #2 you will be given this code. This code is extremely common and usually super easy to fix.
What Does P0455 Mean?
P0455 means Large Leak in the Evaporative emissions Control System, or Large EVAP Leak. To find what these codes mean is actually super easy. You simply google any code you receive and you will begin getting possible causes.
Now What Do I Do?
If you google P0455, you will be shown a ton of pages and information about this specific code. Most of these pages will direct you to first inspect your gas cap. If your gas Cap is loose voilá, you “most likely” fixed the issue. If it seems fastened properly a very likely cause for this issue is your gas cap is probably bad.
What Would a Mechanic Do?
In many instances many mechanics will tell you to just replace your gas cap. But if your car is at the mechanics there are a few different routes that this can go, even though they end with the same problem.
Route #1
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- You will receive a charge to scan and read the cars computer (usually the same as we did above).
- Depending on the order the mechanic shop takes. The mechanic shop will perform a smoke test (this can get a bit pricy)
- There is a method test the gas cap (should be before the smoke test but not always done in this order)
- Finally you will most likely be sold a gas cap with an up charge. (should be expected)
Route #2
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- You will receive a charge to scan and read the cars computer.
- If the mechanic is attempting to save you money at the chance the light will come back. The mechanic will simply replace your gas cap and just tell you to let them know if the light comes back.
What Should I Do?
From being a mechanic for the last 15 years, here is my suggestion.
First, I would ask you to make sure your gas cap is tighten properly. Secondly, only if you where a bit more savvy in repairing your car. I would ask you to visually inspect the fuel lines. Just make sure nothing looks broken or cut (but if you weren’t I would say skip this).
If you told me the gas cap looks fine I would simply tell you to replace your gas cap. Clear the codes and see if the light comes back after a few days. I do recommend using dealer parts when possible but just try to never pay dealer prices.
How Do I Save Money On Dealer Parts?
One of my favorite sources to purchase parts for my cars is through RockAuto.com. Using their site may seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you try it’s actually really easy. You will many times find that original parts for your car will be less expensive than after market parts. Also Original are usually easier to work with because they are usually identical to the ones the factory installed.
Conclusion
If your Check Engine Light is on and you don’t have a OBDI scanner, simply take your car over to one of the chain auto parts stores and get it scanned for free. The associate that scans your car will at least be able to give you free advice on the most likely possible causes. In this instance this issue can be fixed with a $15 dollar gas cap, when you would have most likely spent a few hundred at a mechanic shop.
I recommend purchasing original manufactures brands on line. But also know that you can get deep discounts at Advance Auto Parts. Find out how (HERE)
Get Your Own Scanner
I use this scanner all the time and I recommend it to everyone. It has over 7k reviews on Amazon!