Dis Mechanics??? again.

[PUZZLDY5]

My service engine light keeps comming on for about 10 minutes or so and then it goes off and stays off for the rest of the drive home or to work. (approx 30 min drive one way) It doesn't come on right away or anything like that, it's completely random. The car runs fine. No noisees or strange smells and all the gagues seem to be in the normal range.

Any suggestions on what could possibly be wrong before I take it to the dealership and get robbed.

 

[declansdad]

Is your gas cap tight or has it been replaced?

 

[BunsenH]

Check to see if your gas cap in on correctly and is tight.

 

[PUZZLDY5]

I did that. It seems to be secure.

 

[BunsenH]

Most chain auto stores (Advance, Autozone, etc.) will read your fault codes for free.

 

[kristen821]

Most chain auto stores (Advance, Autozone, etc.) will read your fault codes for free.

To me, it sounds like it could be a short of some type with the sensor or the actual check engine light. Try turning your key to the on position (not start position) to the off position real fast a few times and a code will most likely pop up then you can google the code

 

[momof1princess]

OP, my car does this frequently. in my case, it is the EGR valve sticking open. when the valve opens and then doesn't close again properly, the check engine light will come on. after a few seconds to a few minutes, the valve will unstick and close, so the light goes off.
the PP is right-you can take you car to advance auto parts and they will hook a code reader up to it and tell you what it says for free. i did that recently with my grandmother's minivan.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My engine light was on recently. It turned out to be a wire going into the wiring harness. A relatively simple fix even though it took two hours to diagnose.

My brother is a mechanic and said do NOT wait to get engine lights seen (for all the others here driving around with engine lights on! ).