I got my first CEL on friday with about half a tank of gas and 4,100 miles on my new 2006. I hoped maybe the gas cap hadn't been tightened enough (I live in NJ, where you're not allowed to pump your own gas) but took it into the dealer and waited for 3 1/2 hours for them to check the code (had to wait for the special hybrid technician to free up).
Anyway, I'm told that "one of the engine computers" was broken (which one? I say, and they told me the ECM) and the catalytic converter was also gone. He said that they're not sure which failed first and contributed to the other failure. they ordered new parts and told me not to go on any long trips. (!!) I should have told him that the last time I was in a car with a faulty cat it burst into flames, mechanics always loosen up a little when you tell them your slightly-related horror stories.
anyway, I'm bummed that my BRAND NEW CAR (first new car, too!) has this problem so early! I do wonder if this is the reason I have a weird "scooting" feeling when I'm driving on the highway, like, a little burst of speed that goes away immediately, and without the assist lighting up, and also if this is why my mileage is low (I'm getting about 54 mpg with a 5-speed, though I'm sure it's down a little b/c it's cold, and I haven't overinflated the tires yet, and I do drive kind of fast occasionally). Plus, I have a 60-mile round trip commute, and I'm hoping my wee insight doesn't burst into flames...
Anyway, I'm told that "one of the engine computers" was broken (which one? I say, and they told me the ECM) and the catalytic converter was also gone. He said that they're not sure which failed first and contributed to the other failure. they ordered new parts and told me not to go on any long trips. (!!) I should have told him that the last time I was in a car with a faulty cat it burst into flames, mechanics always loosen up a little when you tell them your slightly-related horror stories.
anyway, I'm bummed that my BRAND NEW CAR (first new car, too!) has this problem so early! I do wonder if this is the reason I have a weird "scooting" feeling when I'm driving on the highway, like, a little burst of speed that goes away immediately, and without the assist lighting up, and also if this is why my mileage is low (I'm getting about 54 mpg with a 5-speed, though I'm sure it's down a little b/c it's cold, and I haven't overinflated the tires yet, and I do drive kind of fast occasionally). Plus, I have a 60-mile round trip commute, and I'm hoping my wee insight doesn't burst into flames...