I was driving to work this morning, and my engine light came on. I have a 2001 Cavalier 2.2L 4 Speed Automatic with a little over 80,000 miles on it. The car was running fine, but then the light came on, and I freaked. I opened my manual, which said one of the problems could be due to my fuel cap not placed on properly. When I got back home, I checked, and sure enough, it was loose. However, when I went out later on, the light was still on and has not gone away. How long will it stay on? Should I go to the mechanic just to be safe even though my car is running fine?
go to advance auto [or other fine parts store] for free scan and reset of light
nah,, the computer needs a few start ups before it will clear the code.
the car's computer checks for evap system leaks every ignition cycle. once it finds a problem and sets a code (check engine light on), you must fix the problem. once the problem is fixed, the computer will reset on it's own after a certain number of ignition cycles so long as it doesn't still detect a leak. if it doesn't shut off, after a day or two, take it to your local auto parts store and have the computer scanned. if the light was a result of a loose cap, the code should be something like; large evap system leak detected, or small evap system leak detected. if it's something related to the evap system, have them clear the codes and watch for the check engine light for the next few days. if it's not evap system related, then i recommend taking it to a trusted auto service center. (auto parts stores like o'reilly auto parts, advance auto parts, etc. will scan it for free by the way) good luck!
