I am new to the car. My engine light on after I started the car the display tells me to take the car to the work shop. I called around and they told me $99 for diagnostic. Can anyone help with any suggestions how I should handle this problem. Thanks so much.

 

Was that from a dealership or an indie? (my indie garage doesn't charge for diagnostic readouts)

You could get a Durametric cable/software to read the engine codes, however, unless you're ready to start repairing your car by yourself, just take it in.

 

Get the code read and don't drive the car unless you have to. Could be nothing or could cause more damage by ignoring it....

 

Don't know if this will help, but some auto parts stores will do a free code reading for you. If you know the code then you know what you're dealing with. If you can't find someone take it to a shop or dealer.

 

Thank you all for your replies. Any recomendation for an independent garage in Ventura, Ca.

 

Go by a big auto part store like AutoZone or Pepboys. They have code readers and will read the codes for free. Then come back here and post the codes.

 

+1 for PepBoys. They'll plug in an OBDII reader, and then just come back and post the codes, or google them and you should be able to find them.

 

The code is P0300 which is "Random/multiple cylinders misfires detected".

 

One common cause of that is the coil packs. Over time, the plastic covers crack and can cause some crossfire. Especially in wet conditions.

 

Thanks a lot. Do you know how much it cost to replace it? Can I drive 80 miles to my indie garage for repair?

 

Is it raining or did you just drive through a puddle/wash the car/engine/sitting outside over night in heavy fog? Strange that it would throw multiple missfire code for no reason. If it is cracked coils they should dry out and settle down until wet again.

 

I am in California and it hasn't been rainning for 3 months. I drive this car for a few miles once a week. I reset the CLE and hasn't seen it comes back yet.

 

autozone, pep-boys, advance auto - all the parts stores will scan and read for free. They will delete them also if you ask. good luck w codes.

 

Coil packs are like 30 bucks each. While you're in there, you might as well change the plugs, so 6 coils, 6 plugs and say 3 hours labor?

 

Sounds like it could be coil packs like stated above. I have two recommendations - one is to find yourself a great dealership or indy and establish a relationship. You'll need one whether it's now or later.

Second, start driving the car a lot more. They do not like being garaged and sitting idle.