New owner 00 MT...check engine light 1st week!

[jharrison]

Just bought a 2000 MT with 70,000 mi. last Monday. Tonight the check engine light came on. The first thing I thought of was maybe I didn't tighten the gas cap correctly so I topped off the tank and made sure it was turned the recommended number of times. Have started it a few times and it hasn't gone off. This is a very tight car that seems to have been taken great care of. The only thing I have noticed is some "bucking" around 35 to 40 mph. I've seen a few threads where people have mentioned that is not uncommon in these cars. The rpms seems to be steady and normal. Hoping to get some suggestions on how to approach this. Should I give it a little time to see if it resets itself? How long before I should take it in and have the computer read? I haven't even had time to dig into the owners manual and this sight is so extensive. Would appreciate any help you all can give.

Let's get this party started!

[Leeper]

Find someone/someplace and get the code(s) read, until we have that we can't do much for you. You might want to start by putting your location under your name so that maybe someone near you can assist. Once you've got the code post it and perhaps we can help.

Regarding the bucking, search the archives as that is not the least bit uncommon and usually very simple to address.

[jharrison]

Thanks, Leeper. Location added. I'm in Wilmington, NC.

[gilbertguy]

The bucking or "herky jerky" issue is well known for this vehicle, it is normally associated with a clogged or blocked EGR plate passages or a bad EGR valve. If you have some tools and basic ability the EGR plate cleaning is pretty cheap and easy and usually helps out a lot. The EGR valve is more of a last resort because the valve is expensive but it is very easy to change yourself.Here are some links that might help you.

ERG Plate Removal/Cleaning - With Pics
EGR Valve Internal Repair

As Leeper mentioned earlier first thing to do is get the codes so we know what the problem is, it may or may not be for the herky jerky issue.

[jharrison]

Car has been dropped off. Hope to have codes later today.

[Eli]

Be aware that most auto parts stores will check the codes for you for free, and it takes just a few minutes.

There's no reason to drop your car off and have a stealership charge you $90 just to tell you what's wrong with your car.

My bet: P0420 and they'll say the repairs will cost $2000. At that point you laugh in their face and tell them to FOAD.

[jharrison]

Eli, I didn't take it to the stealership but did take it to a neighborhood repair shop that is a honda specialist. I wasn't aware that the auto repair stores would provide that service. I'll file that tip away for future use. As soon as I hear something I'll post it. Thanks.

[Eli]

Well, at least you've avoided the stealership.

Unfortunately there are very, very, VERY few mechanics out there that know anything about the Insight, it's likely your "honda specialist" is included.

Get the codes, run away, and post here. We'll be able to help you. Especially being a new Insight owner, they will look at you and see dollar signs.

Case in point: Someone recently posted here that their car suddenly quit while driving. They took it to a shop, they "diagnosed" the problem and came up with over $3000 in repair costs.

The actual problem? The car was out of gas.

[jharrison]

I don't plan on letting them do anything until I post the codes/appraisal of the situation on here. Appreciate any help you all can give me.

[racer26]

Alternatively, buying a cheap code reader for your own use is a good idea, or better yet:

Get retepsnikrep's OBDIIC&C Gauge that's being released in the coming weeks. Its specifically designed for our cars, and it can thusly read all the IMA information too; something inexpensive code readers can't do.