My check engine light won't stay off?

MISTAKE #1. Never allow a non-mechanic at Auto Zone to read your on-board computer with with a $29.95 code reader! Pulling a code and clearing it is another idea doomed for failure! The code will still be in the computer! Firestone is just as bad. The stored code will cause the check engine light to pop back on.

You eliminate the code at a Chevrolet Dealership where they REPAIR the emissions CAUSE.

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These onboard computers do give you trouble codes, but these codes only give you a place to start. The codes tell you what circuit to look at. If you check out a repair manual you will see a ladder diagram to complete the diagnosis. In other words check this if good go to step 3 if no go to something else.

You're learning an expensive lesson. Sometime a shop will give you a price break on diagnosis if they do the repair. If they don't do the repair you're paying them for the use of the machine and their expertise, which is worth something. You do get what you pay for.

This is deep into one human condition that seems to prevails teens in America these days. The term is delusional. Delusional as in not in contact with reality. Somehow teens new being car owners or operators do not have the money nor maturity not the emotional balance to realize, to be aware that only professional mechanics know how to repair automobiles. I called my auto repair shop and they also have a diagnostic fee IF the repairs are not done at their shop. People do need to pay for services. Would you agree to that? The manager also told me that if the repairs are done at this shop the diagnostic fee is $0 and the customer only pays for the repairs. In this business, a national chain, only certified and experienced mechanics are hired. The lease on the land the shop is on is $15,000 a month. I care not to know as to insurance, compliance fees, training, maintenance of equipment, parts, utilities, etc. I must presume the shop you went to has the diagnostic fee that is cancelled if the work is done there. There is no reason to know a code. You are not a mechanic and guessing has never fixed a car. Check Engine light is related to environmental reasons for the most part. This car needs a professional mechanic before it falls apart. I drive a 2001 Audi TT with 90,000 miles and it is in perfect condition since it has been serviced, repaired, modified by professionals. If you work, do you work for free? I bet you do not. Car shops do not work for free. Sorry but every business needs to make a profit. Either pay the money for proper repairs or sell the car since cannot or will not pay to keep it in proper running order. OK? Reality is tough. Face.

So your complaint is that they charge to find the cause of your problem? Because you think you ought to get it for free? If so, go back to Autozone since that work out SO well for you the first time.

$90 is actually lower than the going rate for diagnostics.

Firestone is a good place to go for tires and batteries. It is NOT the place to go for engine diagnostics. Find a reputable independent shop or the dealer.

Take it back to Autozone or to another autoparts store. Many autoparts places check the codes for free. Your problem may also be related to a stuck open thermostat. Those are usually easy to replace.

Hello Casey,

I am sorry to hear that the check engine light is not staying off in your Cobalt. I would suggest reaching out to your local Chevrolet dealership’s service department to see if they would be able to diagnose the concern you are experiencing. If you would like my assistance in working with the dealership, please email me your name, contact info, VIN, mileage, and dealership you would like to work with at socialmedia@gm.com. If you need help locating a dealership, I would be more than happy to help you locate one too. I would just need your zip code as well. When you send the email, please include “ATTN GREG” in the subject line so that it gets delivered straight to me. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Gregory W.

GM Customer Care

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go back to auto zone