Frequent Engine Light

[tlonon]

I've had my car for less than six months,
and the engine light has come on at least seven occasions
I used to be able to make it go off by going about 5 in reverse then kicking it into drive
but it's not working anymore
anyone else having this problem?

 

[B1GHAM]

LMAO - Have you ever had the check engine light read?

If youre signature is correct on the year of the vehicle (Its I-4, not V4 BTW) then you should be under the warranty period.

I assume you have an automatic? If this is the case, you really shouldnt be dropping it from reverse to drive at ANY speed.

just get the CEL checked out. If the vehicle is under warranty then it will be covered and its better than causing more damage to the vehicle because you dont know whats going on (or what you're doing). For the sake of your vehicle, stop trying to "quick fix" your car with remedies that are doing more harm than good.

 

[tlonon]

yeah
the reverse-drive wasn't intentional
I did that backing out my driveway
yes, It's still under warranty, but this is like.... the fourth time I'd have to take it to the dealership, it's just a pain

 

[tlonon]

yes I've gotten it read.....and everytime I've taken it to the dealer, it's nothing.
frustrating....

 

[B1GHAM]

yes I've gotten it read.....and everytime I've taken it to the dealer, it's nothing.
frustrating....

the light wouldnt pop on if it was "nothing". If that was the case, It wouldnt come on. It could be something pointless that wont affect the drivability of the car, but they shouldnt tell you its nothing.

Try to find out what the Code # to the CEL was and what the diagnosed issue actually was (even if you say it was nothing). Also, Id recommend taking it to a different Mazda dealership if your current dealership cant fix a reoccuring problem. In your Repair Order invoice, they should list what/why the check engine light is on and possibly list a code associated with it as well.

 

[tlonon]

light just magicly(sp) turned off

 

[tlonon]

its on... again

 

[xshellshock]

go to an autozone and have them read the code for you. thats the only way anyone can help you.

 

[comixx]

How recently have you filled the tank with gas when you notice the CEL coming on?

When I first got my 3, the CEL would come on intermittently, then go off after a couple days. I went to Autozone, they told me the error code. It turns out that the fuel system is really sensitive to pressure loss due to an imperfect seal at the gas cap...now I just really crank it tight after filling up and no CELs.

I dont know if this is your issue, but it's something to consider. They may be saying "It's nothing" because they know after 40 starts that particular CEL error will self-clear...

 

[tlonon]

It does seem to turn off when I'm about half a tank, I just noticed that.
yeah, I'm taking it to autozone. I'll post what happens

 

[tlonon]

lol
I turned on my car to go to autozone, and before I was able to get out of my neighborhood the CEL went off.
I don't think my car likes me

 

[VRMS6]

you do realize the dealer can pull codes even if the light is off. The ECU will store the code untill its read....

 

[tlonon]

oh
didn't know that