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lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 day agoone of which is routine maintenance like oil (5k miles these days) […] On most cars, if it blinks when starting up then goes away, it’s time to change the oil. If it stays on, it’s past time and/or there’s another sensor tripping.
The “check engine” light will never illuminate for an oil change reminder. If the vehicle is equipped as such, it’ll have a separate “maintenance reminder” light.
It takes like 30 sec to diagnose at any auto parts store,
Pulling codes ≠ diagnosing
If you’re taking it to a parts store to pull the codes, get the specific codes and nothing else. Don’t listen to the parts store guys, they are there to sell you parts.
sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
One of my older cars (2006) did trip the check engine light for oil changes IIRC. I could be mistaken though.
Regardless, checking the codes is always a good idea, never assume.
Absolutely. But pulling the code is absolutely the first step to figuring out what went wrong. Sometimes it directly indicates the issue, and sometimes it trips due to another issue. I take the code, do a little research, and if I’m not confident in my own diagnosis (or it’ll be a costly repair), I’ll take it to a mechanic.
But don’t just sit on the check engine light. Figure out what it is and address it. In my state, you can’t pass emissions testing w/o having a clear check engine light (and yes, they check if you cleared it) or apply for an exemption, so we at least need to take care of it by then.
lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 day ago
100% on all points. I used to be a mechanic, and I DIY 99% of my vehicle’s needs (except windshields, tires, and full alignments).
I’m curious what car you had that tripped the check engine light like that… 🤔
sugar_in_your_tea@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
Again, I could be mistaken, but I thought it was my Toyota minivan. My other Toyota (2007 Prius) definitely has a “maintenance” light, and the minivan also occasionally threw check engine lights due to the fuel sensor (often tripped with low fuel in the tank), so I could honestly just be misremembering.
lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 day ago
Was it a Sienna, by chance? I have a 2008 Sienna with an ominous-looking maintenance reminder light.