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I have a 1998 Lincoln Towncar and the Check Engine Soon ...
Sent to Car Experts January 14 08:29 PM

I have a 1998 Lincoln Towncar and the Check Engine Soon light just came on. Is it safe to travel as I had a trip scheduled tomorrow and the garage will not be open until Monday.

Optional Information:
1998 Lincoln Towncar v-8

Already Tried:
nothing

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $8
Answer
January 14 8:40 PM (11 minutes and 14 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

That is a warning light that comes on if the computerized engine control system detects an engine performance or emissions problem. 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 some not as serious.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retreive the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will get you pointed in the right direction. With a 1996 or newer car and you have an AutoZone in your area, they will read them for free.



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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
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Reply
January 14 9:36 PM (55 minutes and 50 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: if I choose to drive it before getting scanned, what's the worse that can happen? Also, this is the first time I've used this and not familiar with it. I thought the charge was $8.00. Is that not right?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 14 9:43 PM (7 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

The problem can be any number of different things. Some would mean nothing and some could lead to damage or breakdown. I can't tell you what your situation is until you get the codes read.

As far as the charges, You can pledge any amount from $8 up. You have chosen $8. You have to pay a deposit before reading the answer. If the answer was helpful, then you click on the accept button and I get paid. The money sits in escrow until you click accept.



Edited by Hammer Time on January 14 2006 at 9:44 PM

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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2714 Car Accepts
ASE Mastertech with Adv level Engine performance cert.
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