Check Engine Light came on today!!!

[Meat Head]

Well......I was driving to work this morning and my wife's Dodge Charger CEL came on (solid on not flashing). Anyway, the car is running flawless and I'm wondering if any of you have ideas of a possible common problem that would cause this. If this is just a hick-up, will the code clear and the light go off? This is the first diagnostic light I’ve had come on so I’m a little worried. I don't normally ask questions about my wife's Charger on here but I respect your opinions

I'm considering buying a diagnostic reader but I don't want to spend a lot of $$$. What do you suggest?

[thstone]

Either buy a code reader ($50) or have it read out at a local auto parts store (sometimes free), then post the code here. Without the exact code(s) it is difficult to provide any detailed advice.

In the long run, a Durametric cable will allow you to read more data and perform specific diagnostic tests on your car and pay for itself over time but its $150 used to $300 new.

[Chuck W.]

I have an Actron CP9180 code reader. I bought it several years ago for under $100. It is great for situations like yours. It will give you the code, you google it and know what you are looking at. I have had simple things like a loose gas cap to big ones when a rodent got to a small wire. On my truck it identified the O2 sensor that was bad. I replaced it for $20. The code reader allows you to clear the codes and check engine light too.

[Jake Raby]

Probably something dumb... The CEL will pop if you leave the gas cap loose, but when cars come herwe with rods hanging out of the block, the CEL had never illuminated.

[Jamesp]

Post the CEL code to this site and there will be a stampede to see who can get you the correct answer first. Kind if nice actually.

[kk2002s]

Pretty hard to give any direction without codes. Start with a basic $50 code reader to at least get codes and reset some. It is also good to keep in car in case

[Meat Head]

What is a good brand / model "cheap code reader?

I'm going to be away from my car for a week so it will be awhile before I can get codes. Why did this have to happen the day before I take my family on vacation !!! I will be thinking the worst for the entire trip.

Thanks in advance for all of your insight.

[runjmc2]

Actron....many models but the entry level should be fine to read and reset. Less than $40 at most parts stores....get the codes, research and go from there.

[Deserion]

I have the cheapo OBD2 reader, and also a Durametric.

Generally, to me if the CEL/MIL is not flashing, it's important but not critical.

But in Volkswagen circles it's a rite of passage, a milestone when you get your first CEL.

[RawleyD]

Originally Posted by Meat Head

What is a good brand / model "cheap code reader?

Autozone does it for free, basic codes

[jeffm]

Probably the best $25-40 you'll spend. Will let you do some minor troubleshooting then allow you to reset the code. This helped me quite a bit when troubleshooting my SAI and vacuum leak.

[Kurt V]

Originally Posted by runjmc2

Actron....many models but the entry level should be fine to read and reset. Less than $40 at most parts stores....get the codes, research and go from there.

The Actron does a great job. And like the others have said, you can just google the code number to find out what it means. Then just clear the codes.

[Meat Head]

I'm back from vacation and the first order of business was to take my wife's baby to Autozone to get the codes for the CEL. Well, the Charger is throwing a 1123 code. Autozone will not clear the code (they said it's against the law for them to do it). The car is running flawlessly.

Does anyone have a thought on what could be the problem?

I've read that it could be a leaking fuel injector or to much fuel pressure but the car seems to be running fine.

Should I be worried???

[RandallNeighbour]

P1123 Oxygen Sensing Adaptation Area 1 (Cylinders 1 - 3) - Lean Threshold

All the codes are here on my web site. Bookmark it:

Boxster Check Engine Light Codes

I was going to guess it was an O2 sensor. Be sure to replace them all at once (there are four on your car) or you may just confuse the crap out of your ECU with the sensitivity of the one vs. the dullness of the others. You can get less expensive replacements on OxygenSensors.com that have the correct plugs ($110 or so per unit, but they have a cheaper brand...). Buy a O2 sensor wrench from Autozone and you can do it yourself and save money. You just need a jack to get under the back of the car.

http://www.oxygensensors.com/catalog.php?&pkey=1317203

I replaced all four of mine a while back and within a day of driving, you would have thought I got 10 hp more out of the motor. It's well worth the time and money to replace them. Fuel economy went up as well.