Question for any car person, engine light was on, for a few weeks then suddenly off?
Posted by FortuneForsaken1159@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 7 comments
I have a 2015(?) Honda Oddessy that I borrow from my family and I use it daily (To and from work, groceries, etc.). A couple weeks ago the engine light went on and it said to check the exhaust system, so I went around to the back of the car and didn't see anything wrong (yea I'm slightly dumb, thanks).
I had brought up my concern to my father and he said that he will look at it later he never did, so I planned to take it to a mechanic when my work schedule was more free. And just a few days ago the engine light turned off without any intervention from me or anyone else and things seemed normal, I am concerned but want advice first, should I still take it to a mechanic?
oh and there was an incident half a year ago with the same car that we had found out that some rats had chewed a belt in the engine, making it hard to steer, you needed to literally wrench the steering wheel to drive it (almost got into a crash on the highway that day and had to get it towed from where I'd parked it in my college parking lot)
Shadow5503@reddit
When was the last time you checked the engine oil level? Is it very low?
This engine family has an oil consumption problem that results from the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. Honda had a 10 year extended warranty where they would rebuild the engine, but it has expired at this point. All the engine oil fouls the catalytic converter, which eventually causes the engine light to come on. Not certain this is your problem, but it’s common enough on this car. There are relatively low cost fixes available.
Most auto parts stores will plug in and read the engine computer for free. If the light comes back on, consider having this done and then post the engine error codes that were read. They are very helpful in figuring out what is going on.
FortuneForsaken1159@reddit (OP)
To update you it was simply the gas cap not being tightened enough causing air to leak in, and no mechanic in my area is willing to take the time to scan my car for free.
But, I did talk to a mechanic that had a similar case happen to their spouse, and told me it was simply the gas cap not being tightened enough (till the two clicks are heard), as I had gotten gas when the light was on and the light had shut off 1-2 days after I'd gotten the tank filled. Thank you again for your advice!
FortuneForsaken1159@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much! I will see if I can head over to a canadian tire and see if they can do that for me, and I will keep you updated!
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
Bring it to any Autozone and they'll do an OBDII Scan for free. FYI-Many times it comes on from a loose gas cap.
FortuneForsaken1159@reddit (OP)
I had gone to Canadian tire, and you were correct and it was simply the gas cap, thank you so much! (also I live in Canada and no one does a scan for free sadly)
Expert-Masterpiece70@reddit
You're entirely welcome, glad to hear it was just a loose cap
TraditionalTackle1@reddit
Sometimes a loose gas cap causes that, I think if the light went off then you are probably fine. During lockdown a squirrel built a nest on the transmission of my car and started eating the wires. Apparently they are made from corn syrup and rodents love them. They had to take my engine out and replace all of the chewed wires. Fun times.