QuestionHi, I'm thinking about buying a 1997 Cadillac Catera from a used car dealership. I test drove it earlier today and I notice the check engine light was on. I asked the salesman and he said it just came on the other day. The car has 78,472 miles on it. Do you have any idea why that light would come on?
AnswerHi Joe,
My comical answer is open the hood and see if the engine is there!
Now, being serious--The check engine light tells you there is a problem with the emmision system. Could be a major or minor repair.
The codes must be checked with a scanner. GM uses a tech II. There are hundreds of problems that can set this light off and before buying the car, you really need it fixed.
Even if the light goes out does not mean the problem is no longer there. It is just when the light comes on, it will set a trouble code.
This will cause running, performance and economy problems. If your area requires emmisions testing, the car will not pass.
Rob
