Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'01 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT Service Engine Soon
Q:
I have
a 01 Eclipse GT 31k miles. I was driving today and the service engine
soon light came on. The car is running great. It was just in two weeks
ago to check fluids and received an oil change (which it gets every 3000
miles without fail). I put gas in Monday using 1/4 of a tank. I checked
the cap. I noticed it did not make a hissing sound like usual. I filled
it with more gas, and put the cap on again until it clicked several times.
There are no abnormal smells...Nothing...I'm leaving for a 700 mile trip.
Is it safe to go or should I beg the dealer to fit me in? How long will
it take for the light to go out if it was the gas cap?
-
Christina
A:
If
your service engine soon light came on due to the gas cap not being tightened
correctly the warning light should go out in a day or two of driving.
If youre leaving on a trip and need peace of mind youll have
to have someone plug into your vehicles computer and ask why the
warning light is on? You dont have to go just to the dealer for
that service. There are many automotive repair facilities that have the
equipment to check your vehicles computer. There are even some parts
stores that offer that service as well. Once you know why the warning
light came on. you then have the information that tells you if the vehicle
is safe to operate on a long drive.
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