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Check engine light/weird smell
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ritz
New User
Feb 18, 2012, 11:06 PM
Post #1 of 2
(7309 views)
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Check engine light/weird smell
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I've had some problems recently with my 01 Taurus. It has 98,000 miles on it and although I am a bit overdue for an oil change it's been a very reliable and dependable car. Lately the engine has been making some noise; it's an almost "tinny" hollow sound. Despite that the car has been running fine and there hasn't been any decline in performance. Earlier tonight however, the check engine light came on and was accompanied by a burning smell, almost like burnt rubber. I turned the car around and went straight home...it drove fine and there was no indication that there was anything immediately wrong at that point. After checking the oil (it wasn't too bad, although I'll definitely be getting a change ASAP) and making sure the fuel cap was tight I did notice that there was a broken wire that was leaking some type of fluid under the hood. As far as cars go I'm lost, I have no idea what this wire is or if it would have anything to do with the engine light (common sense tells me no.). Anyway I started the car up again and there was no light, but I'm sure its only a matter of time before it goes off again.
Assuming the car is running alright, will I be doing permanent damage by continuing to drive it? Money is very tight and I'd really like to avoid paying a bundle if at all possible. I attached a picture of the wire that was snapped as well, circled in red.
Any help would be very much appreciated, thanks in advance!
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Feb 19, 2012, 8:50 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 19, 2012, 6:07 AM
Post #2 of 2
(7266 views)
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Re: Check engine light/weird smell
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That's not a wire. It's the hose for the windshield washers.
The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.
Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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