Switch off dashboard engine light

ArthurMcB

Registered User
Messages
613
Hi

How much would a mechanic/garage charge to just plug their diagnostic in and switch off an orange engine light i have on dashboard?

Is it something they'd even do?

I plan to address underlying issue, just not right now.

Thanks
 
Why would you want it switched off?
If it's annoying you, you will soon get used to it

Are you planning to sell it?

Seriously, a dashboard warning light should not be ignored but the underlying issue should be fixed
 
Fair point. I hear ya. i plan to get it fixed.

Its just annoying me hence the question - is this something i can have done, is it possible.

Thanks.
 
It is possible by clearing the fault code but as soon as you start the car up again it will in all probability re-occur. You could have someone disassemble the dash and remove the bulb, but that's both irresponsible and dangerous.

You can buy a low-cost OBD/EOBD reader to interrogate the car's computer and read the actual fault-code giving rise to the light and help get to the bottom of the problem. HALFORDS, AMAZON, Micksgarage, Screwfix, and others are potential sources for such a reader. Make sure whatever you buy that it matches the make/model/year of your car. Interpretation of the codes is a different matter where you may need additional help from either the manufacturer's web-site, the good auld internet or a buddy with inside knowledge of these things.

FYI OBD/EOBD
 
As above, it’s generally easy to read and clear a code, but it won’t stay clear if the underlying issue is still there. I.e the point is that you fix it then clear the code. If you clear the code and issue still exists it will come back on next time you start car, or after a drive etc, depending on issue.
 
This one is decent, father's day special on at the moment, handy piece of kit for more modern cars just to know what is going on when you are left waiting for the tow truck at the side of the road. And for clearing any non essential faults etc.

Takes the guessing out of whether the AA man can get you going again and how much beans you are eating for the next 2 weeks to pay for whatever needs to be fixed.

 
Cheers. €90. Not too bad, i suppose.

Had my local mechanic look at it since. He said catalyctic converter needs to be cleaned. I wasnt getting a smell or anything but thats his diagnosis. €400 to have this done. Reasonable?

Man - cars really are a money pit.
 
Seems a little steep, it’s mostly labour to take it off and put it back in after cleaning. However depending on the car it can be a difficult job, they are often not easy to remove to avoid theft. If that’s the issue it’s certainly worth trying it, as replacing it will likely be much more expensive.
 
I was able to switch it off myself in my last car. Go to dashboard display settings and if there is an 'OK' button, or similar, hold it down for about ten seconds. It clears orange light warnings. But only for a temporary period, it will return if the car is not serviced properly.
 
If it's annoying you could try putting a sticker over it until you get it fixed. The annoyance might push you to get it fixed sooner, so maybe there's value in that.
 
Thank you very much, thats a great recommendation. Someone else had suggested this to me.
 
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