Check Engine Light On

[Globalexcuse]

I was wondering if I can only take my car to the Chrysler dealership for this issue, I have purchased my car, I own it, I don't want to pay the kind of rates the dealers ask. Is it possible to get a computer to diagnos the issue? or will I have to take it to a dealer for that?

Thanks

[srt8danno]

Welcome to the forums! Sorry you're having troubles.

You can find out the code it is throwing yourself by following the directions in the thread below. The other threads discuss what those codes are……the lxforums post gives you a complete listing and explanation. At least you won’t be in the dark about what is going on with your car and then can decide if it should go in for service. Good luck!

Check engine light came on

Access EVIC Data & Diagnostic Trouble Codes

http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=12361

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/110683-post3.html

[Globalexcuse]

Thank Danny,

I don't have Warntee anymore that's why I want to avoid the dealership, I just notice that this is for 300c cars, I only have a 300 I hope that is not an issue, I was reading thrw the forums I notice something about a "code reader"? would that help me? also I read something about pulling a fuse

Pull fuse 11 for 15-20 seconds?

and it listed fuse 14 as another PCM fuse?

would this help me?

I appreciate your help..

[lukeinva]

Hey if you have a auto zone or advance auto parts around you go there they will pull the code for you for free. Then they will cross reference the code to see what it says. They can usually help you out to diagnose the problem. Just remember all the codes dont tell you what part is broke they just tell you what the problem is. I had a high idle in my saturn it turned out to be the intake manifold. Yeah that sucked I had to pretty much take the engine out just to change that freakin gasket!! It sucked!!

[kevenj]

The problem with having Autozone or similar pull a code is that is only part of the story; they may be able to tell you what SYSTEM is malfunctioning but there is no way they can tell you what PART to replace or repair. It is not that simple. A good independent shop that does driveability work should have a scan tool (Snap On, OTC, and others make them) that will access your car but you still need a competent tech for that to do any good. Ask friends or co-workers or get recommendations from local parts stores (not the mass merchandiser, but a real parts store like Napa that sells to the shops). I'm a parts counterman and I've got a pretty good feel for which mechanics in my area know their A$$ from a hole in the ground and which ones don't. But no if you are out of warranty you do not have to take it to the dealership.

[05Silver_C]

If your in the albany NY area or near fort dix nj, I have a code reader