What problems can happen from ignoring the check engine light?

[SILVER97LE]

I have a Nissan pick up that has had the light on for 5 years and it has never missed a beat. My 97 240's light just came on. Is it mainly hurting the efficiency of the engine or am I actually going to cause harm to the car?

[Hijacker]

generally the CEL comes on when a component of the EFI system begins to go out, or has failed completely. For example. You can get a CEL when the O2 sensor stops working, or if a plug comes undone from its connector.

What happens then is that the ECU will give you a code to tell you exactly what's causing the CEL to come on. It'll give you a series of flashing lights, which you can cross reference with a code list to tell you what's wrong.

[corn322]

here's a step by step on how to read the codes:

http://www.240sx.org/faq/artic...h.htm

[Ubernoober]

It makes old people cry, dogs burst into flames, and kittens chase plutonium and cheese sandwiches...

[corn322]

so the kittens are chasing plutonium and sandwiches at the same time?

[masticatingcow]

so the kittens are chasing plutonium and sandwiches at the same time?

I think so. That's always been my experience, anyway.