First time here...own a 99 3.2 with 100K. had it a year, works/runs great then today.....
Maybe it was the half cup of hot coffee my dog spilled over the shifting console this morning before I even had the key in the ignition???

when I started up today the check engine light lit up. hasn't happened before. Just wanted to ask about seriousness of this before going to dealer and being saddled with ridiculous cost estimates for needed??? repairs.

Any help is appreciated. the part about the dog spilling the coffee is true

 

check your gas cap

 

bring it to a parts store that does free diagnostics (most do) and have them pull up the code. then come back to us and let us know what they find.

 

Definitifly has to do with : Maybe it was the half cup of hot coffee my dog spilled over the Maybe it was the half cup of hot coffee my dog spilled over the shifting console this morning before I even had the key in the ignition???

Maybe you need to clean the coffee spill under the shifting console .

 

whats the deal with checking your gas cap?

 

because a bad or not screwed on all the way gas cap can cuase the light to go on

 

/\/\/\
yup he is so smart. it really helps to read the manual. or look at your gas cap it says right on there.

 

Id check out my manual, but when i bought the car they didnt give me one..... my check engine light came on like the 24th a lil while after i put gas in but its been on ever since, but ive also filled up twice....

 

I believe the manual told you to try it 3 times. If it doesn't work, you may need to get it digged. Or do a diagnostic like fsttyms1 said. The seriousness of it is well, very broad. It can mean many things, so better get it checked up before your sorry and end up paying more. Take care and good luck man! Pce out

-VL

 

the check engine light doesnt come on to add a pretty light to your dash! if it comes on it means something is wrong. why not just bring it somewhere to find out what is wrong. not doing so could lead to a more costly fix down the road

 

thanks for all the posts....i should have noted that i immediately cleaned up the coffee spill and immediately checked the owners manual and did what it advised.

i posted first because of a basic mistrust of dealer service depts and was hoping for some gudance since i am very much not a car guy in the first place

so since it costs $100 at the dealer for a diagnostic check i guess i'll go do that

thanks to one and all

oh yeah, the dog is now in the back seat permanently

 

so since it costs $100 at the dealer for a diagnostic check i guess i'll go do that

You can get your car scan or diagnostic check free at pep-boy !!!!!!!!!

 

try out a honda dealer. they are typically cheaper. Mine charges 40 bucks for diag. or try a parts store first. they do it for free

 

yup, it was the spilled coffee and something called the "mode" sensor was affected. not a big deal says the dealer.
thanks for all help