Help! Help! Help!

I just purchased a used 00 galant ES, sold as is therefore no warranty and new to this brand. I've always and still own a toyota so I need some info on any little quirks on this cars maintenance as well. Back to the problem, this car has 96,809 miles on it and being used I don't know how it's been treated other than it is completely mint almost inside and out, the owner obviously adored it. My service engine light is now glowing after my 1st two trips for errands tonite. I don't have a manual either so therefore I don't know if this means a serious technical issue is happening or possibly a service change reminder of some kind, I'm cluleless as there are no signs of any engine problems such as noises, odors, or smoke. My tech savy step-father even did a thorough inspection before purchase. With the year model and mileage is there any known particular up front issue I should address first? Should I continue to drive to find problem or stay parked and seek dealer help?

Clueless and fearful
Amanda

 

well you cant really tell why it comes on if there are no engine signs of maitenance. a dealer would be kinda smart just beware because they will inspect your whole engine and say that a bunch of **** is wrong just to get a quick buck especially since your a female. so be careful at the dealer or car shop

 

Did you get it AS IS from a dealer? If you did, go back to the sales person that you purchased it through and tell him right out. "I know its as is, but I feel as a dealer you should atleast hook it up to the computer to tell me whats wrong with it." The dealership should atleast have the courtesy to give you that after only a few days after buying it... Don't have them fix it tho!

 

Many autoparts stores can read the trouble code for you for free. Write down the code and get back to me here. DON'T take their recommendations or diagnostics too seriously and start purchasing whatever they try to sell you. After all, there's probably a reason why their selling parts rather than working out on the field as a technican. Good Luck!

Joel
Diamond Star Technician

 

Hey Joel,

I went to auto zone today and the code came back as a 421, warmup catalyst threshold. His book quoted possible catalyic problem or maybe even some exhaust sensor. He coded my car to turn off the service light and it hasn't relit and I've driven over 50 miles afterward. He was very polite and didn't try to sell or dianose, but did tell me that if the light came back on immediately or later that I was welcome to bring it back by and he would retest again. With my current mileage do you suggest I need to visit a garage asap to view either probs? Since the catalyic could be getting clogged or just a sensor, how serious are these?

Thanks,
Amanda

 

Thanks everyone for all advice and assistance!

Amanda

 

You should be ok for awhile... But the light could keep coming back... Im guessing since it didnt come back on right away thats its prolly a sensor going bad... But since its not on again yet you hopefully wont have to replace it.. (For now)