75ZT Community

PaulT wrote:http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/01/ban-check-engine-lights/

I agree too, a good article. But he is being slightly disingenuous. It is obvious why there is the current situation. Depends whether you see it from the customer's point of view, or the 'trade' point of view! Even if the relevant code were indicated, it's only D-I-Y spannermen and the like that would be able to either sort the problem themselves or take it to a mechanic with the fault pre-diagnosed. As we know, "of your £150 bill, Sir, the £100 of it is for knowing where to look". So basically it comes down to the public needing to be able to trust 'the trade', or, of course, attend a nano meet!

The problem is the warning light does not differentiate between a minor or a major problem - am I safe to carry on or do I need to head to the nearest mechanic.

PaulT wrote:The problem is the warning light does not differentiate between a minor or a major problem - am I safe to carry on or do I need to head to the nearest mechanic.

True, but also isn't it true that the really critical functions involving possible catastrophic failure or serious engine/transmission damage have individual icons appearing anyway? I'm thinking of temp, oil, brakes etc. I thought if 'our' engine warning light shows and car is driving normally it means 'arrange a service appointment'?
Whatever, I can't see motor manufacturers disadvantaging their franchisees! If challenged on it they'd probably say 'if your car displays a malfunction we recommend only qualified personnel rectify it. Our staff are all experts and underlying faults may only be identified by our specialised equipment. Also, your warranty may be jeopardised.....'.

First, the check engine light was actually introduced as a legal requirement by the US. What it is actually telling you is the emission control system isn't working as it should, so you are pollutig more than you should. Therefore get your car fixed. That's all it means. They also have a rule that things that bring on that light should be able to be read by a standard code reader (scantool). We being slavish followers of all things American, introduced our own version.

Look at another aspect. As part of emissions repairs, you might need to place the engine ecu. So now theres a law that anyone who needs to do this work can ask the manufacturer for all the information they need to adapt new parts to the immobiliser. Would you trust politicians to make sure that crooks can't get the data for your immobilser? Look at the number plate laws for example....

Regarding major or minor, they do differentiate. I can't say this is 100% true but in general a yellow light means go get it checked out, a red light means stop and get it fixed right now.