Motor Check - Dash board light

[Mazdaqueen]

Any time that light comes on, I live stressed out. Is there any easy way for a girl like me to diganosis what is wrong with her PR5 without taking it to the shop and paying houndreds of dollars for just a diagnosis?

 

[pw~mp5]

In the US you could take it to one of the auto parts chain stores like Advance Auto, Autozone, OReilly's or Pep Boys and they will check the code for free. You could buy a code reader, they start around $50.

http://www.google.com/search?q=obd2+code+reader&tbs=shop:1&aq=f

 

[thecrash91]

go to the autoparts store like advance autoparts and have them check it for free. assuming your referring to the check engine light. either way its usually not much to stress over, because the check engine light is typically emissions related components of the car.

edit: totally didnt see poster wasnt in the US lol whoops, my B

 

[Stickman]

Around here Autozone is free. Even w/ a code read, the printout will still give a number of possible problems, few inexpensive, so no sense in paying for the readout.
My understanding is constant light on is not an immediate "stressor". Flashing light, pull over.
I've been lucky, so far everytime light comes on, I just retighten gas cap & that takes care of it. Try that before you start replacing.
Good luck.

 

[mazdamom49]

Mine started coming on all the time in around May this year. It was totally emission based. I have 230K and go through a qt a 1K. I wound up having the bulb taken out cause I was tired of seeing it on all the time. But my car goes in every 3K for oil change and I know when something is wrong, so I was comfortable having the bulb out. Not going to switch out my exhaust until needed. Not worth new catalytic converter, especially not living in CA.

 

[Mazdaqueen]

I noticed this happens when am in the highway driving at 80mph. Does the air or wind have something to do?

 

[P-Funk!]

No.
It is worth checking out (don't just take the bulb out )

 

[MazdaSpeeder]

FYI...If it starts flashing, don't drive it anymore. As long as it is just solid, you can drive it but should get it checked out.