Check Engine Light

[fadler11239]

:huh: I just finished my 45,000 service and all service is up to date and done. All of a sudden, the "check engine" light comes on as I pull into the garage. It won't go out. The manual says, "blah, blah, blah.........damage, catalytic, call dealer". I email dealer since they were closed, they say, no big deal............ They said it could be the gas cap. It could be the oil cap. Any other ideas? The dealer calls that light, "mission control", but to me it sounds like an excuse for $65/hr.

[Tool Pants]

No way to know why it when on without knowing the fault code. Autozone will read your codes for free I hear. Make sure the dip stick is seated. It is true about the oil and gas caps.

If the fault is not detected again after a number of drive cycles the light will go out. If you cannot wait then disconnect your battery and the light will go out. Jeff

[fadler11239]

Is there anything in the front bumper that could have caused it? I took a rap on the front license plate frame the day before it appeared that drove the poorly mounted front license frame (the previous owner jury rigged mounting hardware) into the bumper a little. The screws on the frame may have intruded on the front bumper space.

Thanks for comment guru.

F. Adler

[Tool Pants]

The check engine light is for issues with the emission system, and it does not know if the car has taken a hit. Other than owner neglect (like the gas and oil caps and stick) the most common is oxygen or air flow sensor. I take it you replaced the oem paper filter at 45K. Did you vacume any junk out of the air box?

Do not know what year you have but 1998 to I think 2001 had a recall for the gas cap. See if you have the recall sticker under the rear trunk.

I would just drive it and see if the light goes out if you do not want to disconnect the battery. Jeff

[fadler11239]

Thanks again. I replaced the gas cap at 45K since I saw the recall on that on-line. You are very helpful. Wish I could return the favor but boxster is new to me.

1998 Boxster and 1971 914/4 now

1989 951

1987 924S

1976 924

1972 914