Idiot light came on while on road trip - safe to drive?

[sanic]

About an hour into a three-hour drive (and three back tomorrow!), the amber light on the bottom left row (looks like a motor) came on. Manual calls it a "Malfunction Indicator Light" and says that it indicates some sort of emissions control problem, possibly related to the gas cap (it was seated correctly).

Last night I filled the tank and inadvertently topped off again, causing it to shudder a couple of times like it did the last time I topped off before that. Not sure when the idiot light came on.

Car seems to drive fine with no problems, but will not remote start, which is unusual. Called a mechanic friend who said it's probably OK, but since there's plenty of you owners out there, maybe one of you has seen something similar before.

Please don't tell me I'm going to be stranded in the mountains :/

 

[Breezybro]

Did you reseat the gas cap again? If so you're stranded, sorry.

 

[rwnoutlaw]

Bad / cheap fuel can cause the light to come on (happened to me) ran down the fuel level and filled it up with top tier gas and light went out


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[Breezybro]

This is why I only get top tier

 

[The Champ]

If I'm reading your post correctly, your light is not flashing as in situation 1 below.

1. Light on and staying on – the vehicle seems to run okay, with no noticeable problems. It is okay to keep driving. The light may not be on the next time you drive, or it may stay on for several trips before it goes out. If it stays on you should schedule an appointment with your shop.

2. Light flashing – a flashing check engine light indicates there is a fault that can harm one or more of the components on your vehicle. It is recommended to safely pull off the road and stop the vehicle. Many manufacturer’s would recommend having it towed to a shop. If it was not flashing too long you can shut the engine off, restart and try again. If it flashes again you should again pull over and call a tow truck.

3. Light intermittently coming on – as long as it is not flashing and the vehicle is running okay you can keep driving. If the problem persists the light will stay on. If it is an intermittent condition the light at times may not be on. Schedule a visit to your shop to have it diagnosed.

 

[kevjam79]

Where are you?


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[4Flattires]

Check Engine Light

I am embarrased to report that my check engine light came on after an at home oil change. The dealer mechanic checked it over and smoke tested it. Smoke leaked from the oil fill cap that I did not tighten. Four or five beers are not the best assistant when working on your Sonic.

 

[sanic]

Just an update; made it home safe. Filled it up with premium once it got below a quarter tank, and the light turned off the following morning. Remote start works again. Will get the code recalled and checked later. Engine seems a tad loud at first start.