Malfunction Indicator Light q's

[salyers890]

AKA "check engine" light came on today with 5106 miles. I'm pretty pissed to say the least, but comforted that I'm not the dude who got robbed and smashed at the bodyshop (sorry bud).

The only differences that have occurred were. ..
A) alarm system put on 2 and a half weeks ago
B) accidentally pumped mid-grade fuel into the ride


car runs and drives fine, but it would totally suck if something went already. Not sure if it was my jeep or something else on the road, but I smelled something funny today while drivin on the highway with the O/D off at around 2500 RPM's.

any hints on what this could be? it'll be monday before i can make an appt. to take it in - but I'm sure they'll get me in fast when they find out i'm within the 1yr/12,000 miles (ANYTHING breaks -they fix).

[04unlimited]

Have you popped the hood. That is usually good for about ten minutes of head scratching.

Midgrade gas shouldn't do anything but make the engine burn slightly hotter. Which will shorten engine life in the long run, if every tank is the good stuff, but shouldn't do anything that would make your engine indicator come on.

I have heard of some computer modifications that will cause the light to come on, but I haven't heard anything about an alarm tripping the light.

Sorry I can't be more help. I haven't had a similar problem yet.

[salyers890]

no biggie - alarm install tapped into the brake pedal switch (for the auto-start disengage) and the break in the circuit tripped the light. it stays on for 40 "key-on" cycles before it switches off - a little tip for those looking to install alarms.

[04unlimited]

Good to know. Glad you got it sorted out.