My check engine light is on... what is the worst reason why?

Question

I just had the oil changed on my 2002 Mazda Miata 3 weeks ago. All the gages seem to be fine. I have no money to fix any problems at the moment-- I am waiting for my student loans to come through.

So obviously I must ignore the problem for the time being--- yet I am worried that my car could break down while driving, "blow up" lol, not start up, or that I am doing more damage to it by ignoring the problem.

What is the worst problem that would cause the engine light to turn on?

And how much does it cost to have the problem diagnosed?

Answer 1

Go back to the place that changed your oil. they may be able to link up to your OBD (on board diagnostic) system and tell you what the problem is, tell them it came on right after you left. Most of the reasons that the check engine light comes on are related to emissions, don't be terribly alarmed if your car seems to be performing normally.

Answer 2

Check to see if your gas cap is on properly, most common cause. If it doesn't go off after several days, bring to dealer and have them scan codes

Answer 3

Take your car to AUTOZONE...they can run a check on your car with their code reader.....it's FREE. They will know what you need. As one person said....it could be nothing more than a loose gas cap....or it could be your engine getting ready to blow up.

Answer 4

is it a red check engine light or yellow/orange? red is critical like low oil or something, yellow/orange is non critical.

most auto parts houses, ie orielly's, autozone, etc. will pull and define codes for you at no charge.

Always check your oil after having it changed at oil change place, they are human and occasionally forget to drain oil or forget to fill oil.  

Answer 5

if you have a advance auto parts around they will hook up the computer and tell you whats wrong  or disconnect the battery and this will clear the light if it still comes back go to the auto parts to have checked

Answer 6

well first which light is on check the manual to see what that like refers to and the worst off any check engine light is eventually your car breaks down