Check Engine Light

Discussion in 'Automotive' started by Von Jones, Oct 25, 2019.

  1. Nancy Hart

    Nancy Hart Veteran Member
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    Well, that's not very nice. Best not seen. ;) That is what made me paranoid about car batteries. I get nervous and shake every time I get near one.
     
    #46
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  2. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @John Brunner

    It should be more widely known that batteries produce hydrogen gas, which leaves through the vented caps. If present when any serious arcing takes place, the hydrogen may explode, cracking open the battery container, splattering the area with sulfuric acid.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Which may result in this:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    And even this:
    [​IMG]

    Frank
     
    #47
  3. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Nancy Hart

    Those of us who HAVE seen, are keenly aware and use precautions at all times, such as wearing no metallic jewelry or rings (fingers have been lost through short circuits). Those unaware, and have NOT SEEN, are akin to ostriches hiding their heads in the sand; such protection is useless.

    Thus, I must disagree with your contention. KNOWLEDGE promotes safety.

    Frank
     
    #48
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  4. Nancy Hart

    Nancy Hart Veteran Member
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    Oh, I've seen it first hand. :eek: It also promotes an irrational fear, especially the first time you see it. I had loose cables on the lawn mower battery this summer and tried to avoid testing them, only as a last resort. Hands shaking.
     
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  5. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Nancy Hart

    Is it then mainly the unknown or little understood "surprises" which intrude upon your space? For example, electricity being the least understood, most used facet of modern living, it baffles and frightens many.

    Now, let's say you were sitting at your computer working, and a small shadow crossed your vision, down by your feet.......close examination revealing:

    [​IMG]

    What would be your immediate reaction?

    Frank
     
    #50
  6. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    Ahem. So maybe the rain was a godsend so that I could see what you had posted. T'was an eye opener for sure.

    Sooo, I don't wear jewelry but I'll make sure that I won't wear my zippered sweater. So I did good to get a pair of rubberized gloves when at HF just to be safe.
     
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  7. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    I don't want to over complicate this for you...

    Your risk lies in shorting a screwdriver or wrench (anything metal) either across the battery terminals or between the positive terminal and the car (when the negative cable is still attached.) Your hands are not gonna conduct as they would working with AC household current.

    So if those gloves fit well and you can keep a good grip on your tools, there is no harm in using them.
    But the they are bulky and they put you at risk of dropping something across the terminals, you're introducing risk for no real benefit.

    (I feel like one of those lawyers who writes warning stickers for ladders.)
     
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  8. Ed Wilson

    Ed Wilson Veteran Member
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    Getting back to the check engine light, I once owned a Ford Escort which had the check engine light on all the time so I just put a piece of tape over it. When I went to the dealer for service they never brought it up

    Still with Ford, I went looking for a new Ford Focus when they announced it would be the last model year in production thinking I would get a good deal. The salesman took me out for a test drive but it would not start. When he went back for a portable battery, I inspected the exterior and looked under the door where the gas filler cap goes. There was no gas filler cap. When the salesman came back I asked him why and he said it keeps the check engine light off. I got the impression that I could have bought it that way. True story. I left.
     
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  9. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    I looked at the YT videos again and not one of the three videos mentioned which order to disconnect the terminals but two did disconnect the black/negative first. Only one mentioned having enough slack. This I have to check to make sure there is.
     
    #54
  10. Von Jones

    Von Jones Supreme Member
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    I am all about safety so you are not being over complicated about this. I appreciate it.
     
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  11. Beth Gallagher

    Beth Gallagher Supreme Member
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    I have a Lincoln MKX; it doesn't have a gas cap, either. Freaked me out when I first saw that. I have never heard anyone say that it was to prevent the Check Engine Light. In fact, that goes against the logic since a loose gas cap often causes the CEL.
     
    #56
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  12. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    You're driving around without a gas cap? Is this safe?
     
    #57
  13. Al Amoling

    Al Amoling Veteran Member
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    My Ford Fusion has no gas cap either
     
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  14. John Brunner

    John Brunner Senior Staff
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    I don't understand. Are these cars lacking gas caps by design???

    Man, I've led a sheltered life. My 2019 Mazda has one.
     
    #59
  15. Al Amoling

    Al Amoling Veteran Member
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    yes mine has no way to accommodate a gas cap
     
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