| Have you ever taken something in for a repair only to | | | | control process. Some cars, such as the Mini Cooper, |
| realize that the problem is something so basic you | | | | will not even start if the cap is not tight. Imagine how |
| should be embarrassed you didn't notice it? This would | | | | stupid you'll feel when your car is towed off to the |
| include things like the broken refrigerator that is broken | | | | dealer only to have it be discovered the "dead" car is |
| because the plug came out of the wall! | | | | the result of a loose gas cap! Talk about sheepishly |
| With cars, the "stupid is as stupid does" part is found | | | | paying the bill! |
| with the check engine light. The name seems to | | | | The second thing to be checked is the oxygen sensor. |
| suggest some significant problems, no? Well, the | | | | The emissions system is essentially monitoring and |
| modern car has become so computerized that this | | | | treating a confluence of gasses. The "O2" sensors do |
| often is not the case. Much of the issue arises out of | | | | this. They burn out. They are expensive. Depending on |
| emissions. | | | | the car, you can expect to pay $200 on up to have |
| Cars produce pollutants as part of their running | | | | them replaced. This is not something you should |
| process. The combustion engine is, after all, essentially | | | | discover yourself like a loose gas cap, but it is by far |
| a massive number of controlled explosions that propel | | | | the most common reason the engine warning light |
| pistons, a crankshaft and eventually wheels. In newer | | | | comes on. It is an expensive repair, but not as bad as |
| cars, the emissions from these explosions are | | | | an engine block or new head. |
| monitored closely and if anything - and I mean | | | | When the "check engine light" came on in older cars, it |
| ANYTHING - is out of whack, the check engine light | | | | was usually the sign of an impending big problem. That |
| will come on. The problem can be catastrophic [the | | | | isn't the case with newer cars. The repair is often |
| engine is going to blow], but usually is not. Instead, it | | | | related to the emission system and is mostly annoying. |
| could be one of two stupid things. | | | | Just make sure you check the gas cap before calling |
| The first thing to check is the gas cap. Yes, the one on | | | | for help. |
| your tank. Creating a seal is part of the emission | | | | |