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Check engine lights (CELs) draw various reactions from car users, from immediate panic to utter ignorance. But if you have a check engine light on, there are two possibilities that you need to consider: whether your check engine light is flashing or stable. The former would almost always happen when you are driving the car and represents a computer system emergency. This means that if such a thing happens to you, pull over at the nearest safe location and call roadside assistance. If you get a stable check engine light while you are driving, pull over at the next exit and examine your engine bay. Make sure your petrol tank filler cap is on tightly. Your car’s mass airflow sensor is located upstream from the throttle body, and has a wire attached with a coupler. A clogged MAF sensor can be easily cleaned with a Mass Airflow Cleaner spray. Check your air filter to make sure it isn’t clogged. Refer to the level markings on your coolant reservoir too make sure it is full. Then, turn on your engine and wait for the thermostat switch to open the valve. Your cooling fan will come on immediately when the valve opens. Coolant level should not fall below the minimum mark on the reservoir. If it does, add the appropriate water-coolant mixture to the radiator. Inspect your cooling fan to ensure that it intermittently turns on and off. Whether your car is equipped with one or two fans, both must come on when you turn on the air conditioner. If both fans are continuously on with the air conditioner turned off, this is indicative of a bad coolant temperature sensor. The check engine light is your car's computer trying to communicate with you about an error or malfunction that has been encountered. The appropriate and requisite response to a check engine light is a comprehensive scan through the On-Board Diagnostic port. OBD-I error codes are displayed when you turn on the ignition, as a flashing light. Count the number of times that the light flashes, and that’s your error code number. OBD-II module is both a memory and control unit for your car's computer, and requires a scan tool for diagnosis. You can always do the scan yourself with the right scan tool and your vehicle's service manual. But an experienced technician will have complex diagnostic equipment and a better chance of solving the issue with the minimum amount of effort and money. Some codes like for airbags and emissions control systems can only be removed with advanced (and expensive) tools by a technician or at the dealership. Preventive measures to prevent engine malfunction Change your engine oil at the appropriate interval. If you don’t know what that is, and if you have an older car, check with car owners manual. Flush the cooling system once every 5 years and fill up with new coolant. Check your engine often. tug gently on all couplers to see if they are on tightly. Ensure that your battery terminals are clean. Inspect oil and coolant regularly, check for discoloration and change in consistency. Ignoring a check engine light is like knowing you have high blood pressure and refusing blood tests or medication. Small issues can spiral into catastrophes that may render your vehicle useless or too expensive to repair. In any case, having a check engine light on means that your car is not in its best shape, which means that it will not give you the performance and efficiency that it was designed for. Most people will avoid getting their car scanned because the scan itself costs money and their car runs fine. But in such cases, it is either a problem that is a disaster waiting to happen, or it is just a sensor failure. While the former may set you back by a few hundred to thousands of dirhams, the latter will cause your car to run in a worst-case scenario sort of way. For example, if your check engine light is due to a bad O2 sensor, the computer will lean the air-fuel mixture going into the engine. This will cause you to have a lot less power, jerky throttle even with a steady foot, and cause your catalytic converter to heat up since lean mixtures have higher exhaust temperatures. Eventually, this will ruin your catalytic converter and cause your vehicle to fail RTA tests even. A hot catalytic converter is the leading cause of vehicular fires in the 20th century. With modern cars becoming more electronically complex, the effect of the check engine light is not limited to just the engine. The on-board diagnostics interact with all electronic control modules and sensors on our vehicles to ensure their functioning and your safety. Take care of your car so it can take care of you. P.S. I have been writing this since few days for an "exceptional post", hope reply also qualifies as admin didn't responded to the guideline of exceptional post request.

The check engine light is part of your car’s so-called onboard diagnostics system. Since the 1980s, computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing. In modern cars, a computer also tells the automatic transmission when to shift. When it finds a problem in the electronic-control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator labeled “check engine,” “service engine soon,” or “check powertrain.” Or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, perhaps with the word “check.” In addition to turning on the light—known as the International Check Engine Symbol—the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a misfiring engine. The code can be read with an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer—standard equipment in auto repair shops. There are also a number of relatively inexpensive code readers that are designed for do-it-yourselfers. The code will typically just point you in the direction of the problem, and still requires an experienced professional to fully diagnose and repair the issue. if the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic. In late-model cars, a blinking light usually indicates an engine misfire so severe that unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system, where it can quickly damage the catalytic converter, leading to an expensive repair. If that happens, you should reduce power and have the car or truck looked at as soon as possible. If the light is steady, the problem is not an emergency, but you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Today’s automotive computers often try to compensate when there’s a problem, so you might not notice deterioration in performance, even though your fuel mileage might be suffering and your vehicle emitting unacceptable levels of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. If the check engine light comes on, here are some tips on what you should do: Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so. On some cars, a yellow check engine light means investigate the problem and a red one means stop right now. Try tightening your gas cap. This can often solve the problem. Keep in mind that it may take several trips before the light resets. Some vehicles have a separate indicator that warns of a loose gas cap. Reduce speed and load. If the check engine light is blinking or you notice any serious performance problems, such as a loss of power, reduce your speed and try to reduce the demands on the engine. For example, it would be a good idea to stop towing a trailer. Have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent expensive damage. Use built-in diagnostic services, if available. Many modern cars have integrated remote diagnostic capabilities, with the ability to report on trouble codes and schedule a service appointment. Today, many automakers—including Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, and Volvo—support remote diagnostics and the ability to schedule a service appointment.

As luck would have it. Just now on the school run a AD plate came up right behind my gutless sunny which was doing 80 in a 60 zone, so already just on the radar grace line of 20 above. I trundled along then he started to flash me. I knew not too far away was a radar so decided to pull an old trick out of the hat. I didn't move until just 500 mtrs from the radar by this time the tailgater has probably lost it. So I quickly change Lanes. Hoping he guns it and gets flashed He mashed his pedal as soon as I scooched over and away he went and me anxiously waiting for the flash But Mothertrucker spotted the radar just in time and braked and I didn't see a flash. Ah well you win some and you lose some. Patrol 1 Desert Dude 0 this time round.

yes i am super excited to join this drive. Thanks

Following on from the school run thread, @Frederic made a good point. The small car is expected to make way for the big car. This is one thing I hate. I get sick of people tailgating me and flashing their lights every day, no matter what lane I’m in. I drive a fiesta. It’s a small car but it has a modified engine twice as large as the standard car and probably more horsepower than the guy who dreams of owning a land cruiser but could only afford a prado. My brakes are also modified. Nothing gives me more pleasure than brake checking the guy behind with the flashing headlights then accelerating away faster than he can only dream to. If you tailgate smaller cars, you are a loser. No ifs, no ands, no buts. The real reason is you are trying to compensate because you have a small p****.

Hey Abdullah, Best is to take it to your garage which you regularly go to for repairs and ask them for an OBD Scan, they'll be able to find the fault code through the computer. Cheers, Jas

Last night while driving I notice that the Check Engine Light came on all of sudden. Initially I couldn't understand but after searching little bit I now confoirm that its check engine light. Of course I step out and open the hood and check that engine is there, just kidding. Inspect all around for any leaks, let car cool down and check the engine oil level seems normal. What else Im missing and how to fix this light? How much it may cost and how long it will take fix? Can i drive now or is it urgent? Any VW suggested mechanic here>

just get it scanned and from there we could guide you where to run...

100 Points awarded to @Frederic for "Exceptional Post". 100 Points awarded to @Derick for "Exceptional Post".

Can you answer these please: Which year model How many kms driven From how long you have this car? When and where it was last serviced? Which engine oil do you use?

If you're being tailgated, enable your windshield spraywashers. A lot of the water flies over your windshield and ends up on his windshield, but with the sand in this country it becomes a dirty mess...🤣

i had that pleasure too ended up wasting 3 hours just sitting in the police station because i dint bother to move when he flashed and we both were barking windows rolled....

100 Points awarded to @Shamil for sharing the "Full Drive Video".

Easy, install a rear facing light bar facing up on your small car... they flash you, flash back 🤪

To be honest, me as an all time 4x4 driver of three different kinds - from poor man - expensive - rare I never push people based on their car size, but the stupidity they do on road. I equally flash or occasional honk on severely dangerous drivers no matter whether they are in Patrol or swerving tiida 6 lanes in 5 seconds to catch an exit. I do exactly what Desertdude said, drive almost at speed limit - not too low, not too high and on 2nd or 3rd lane, if free. I rarely use overtake lane with all Schumacher doing there best lap and you will see flashing in fast lane every few seconds. So if you are in fast lane buddy, I don't blame them. If you are in 2nd or 3 lane, simply leave the gas and let car slow down slowly and boiling them even more is a best technique I learn than the road rage of braking. Road rage will always result in him coming in front and doing the same and you never know what type of psycho driver you bump and how much free time he has to waste. Every time I used to brake hard before, I use to spend so much time in hide and seek, racing and boiling my blood for no reason. Another good way to kill the road rage is when they pass by you raise the hand saying Thank you with a dumb smile to confuse the retard and he will realize this on next red light better than flipping the bird and cause all the heat.

It depends on my mood if I am good in the head then before someone moves in closer I just move away and let them pass...and sometimes they flash and honk and roll down the window and bark I don't care they want to pass they can overtake and get on with it..

@Barry you need to try the Mumbai local train. The beauty is that you don't need to take any effort to get on or off the train. Your co-passengers would assist you even when you don't need it.

You're starting to sound more like my Brit buddies than an Irish man. Even they stop whinging after a year or two of how things are not like back home.

Well come to driving in the UAE the land of the 4x4s. Now hope you understand the aversion to small dinkys. Been driving the absolutely pathetic 2019 Sunny lately and hating it ( come so close to writing a scathing review of it here at least a dozen times ). Although I have no tailgating issues even though I am in the fast lane most of the time but doing the speed limit never over or too under. And if somebody does pull up close once in a while AND I'm doing the limit I let him enjoy seeing my ass because I don't move over. Maybe you're just too overtly sensitive, and expect the car to be a tiny dot in your rear view mirror or maybe you're just driving too slow all the time?

Noooooo waaaaaay dude... This is so beyond awesome man... So happy for you 🤘 Does this mean you'll be leading some trips now? This is super wicked 😁 am jealous now

If you don’t know how to check the points @Derick mentioned, I would strongly advise you to go directly to any garage.

Thanks everyone for prompt response, I will check all these stuff and if its still there I will gor computer scanning. Any recomendation for scan shop in Dubai near business bay area?

RTA Renewal is a mandatory process in UAE for all vehicles from private to commercial use. Vehicle Registration Renewal is mandated and conducted by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Vehicle renewal is a fairly simple and quick process conducted at multiple RTA Vehicle Testing Centres as a precondition to RTA registration renewal. Any new light passenger vehicle is registered for three years. After that, you have to get RTA car registration renewal every year. These RTA car renewal rules are in place to ensure that vehicles plying on the road meet emissions regulations and are safe to operate. This alleviates the negligence of vehicle owners in maintaining their car. RTA vehicle testing is a regular part of vehicle ownership in the UAE, but it can sometimes give you anxiety if you are driving an old cars. If you are well-prepared, you can make the entire process more convenient and quick. Since 2019 RTA offering an amazing service where you can get vehicle renewal online and get the new registration card by courier delivery. The basic sequence of events before you get the car registration card (Mulkiya renewal) are as follows - Complete the vehicle purchase formalities Apply for and obtain proof of car insurance Prepare your vehicle, get it inspected, then get the inspection passing report from RTA testing center. Documents required for RTA Car registration or renewal - Emirates ID Car Insurance Old vehicle registration card UAE Driving license Vehicle test passing certificate. The best way to avoid fines is to keep up with the dates. When does the expiration expire? You need to get your inspection done on or before that day, but only as long as you can immediately get your registration. If you fail the test, you will have to pay a re-test fee and get your car repaired. Hence, if you have an older vehicle and have been delinquent with some oil changes, give yourself enough time to get the car to a mechanic or fix it yourself before going for inspection. You just can’t drive your car if you’ve failed your inspection and run out of days in your registration card. Even if you are within the 1 month grace period, the fine for driving without valid registration is a whopping AED 500. Not just that - the car will be detained for a week. The best way to save money is to not pay fines. All the components of your car will be inspected during the test. The brakes and handbrake will be checked for their proper and acceptable working. Emissions testing will be performed as well. Make sure your car is otherwise clean and shiny and remove unnecessary things from the cabin. The test for light passenger vehicles costs AED 170, and usually takes 15 minutes. Heavy vehicles inspection will take a few more minutes at the inspection center. These and commercial vehicles have a more comprehensive checklist to clear. Here are the few popular places for car passing in UAE - Tasjeel vehicle testing - Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates Tasjeel vehicle testing centres offer chassis testing and comprehensive test plans, but they will drive up costs. Wasel vehicle testing - Dubai Shamil vehicle testing - Dubai Adnoc vehicle inspection centres - Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western region

Hey Guys, unfortunately I am flying out Thursday morning, so I won't be able to attend this trip. I'll see you all in December! Cheers, Jas

It was a joke xD obviously

2014 122000 1 year 2 months back at enoc dont know

And then they call the cops on you...and you'll be in big trouble my friend ....

I've been here in the UAE for 12 years and this part still annoys me. I can understand when there is a clear path in front, but during a light/medium traffic where there are also cars in front of me, do you expect me and all the cars in traffic to move out of the way for you? I mean, I also want to go fast but obviously there is some traffic in front of me. And add to the tailgaiting the way they park, haphazardly occupying 2 spaces. We get it, you a VVVVVVVVIP, hence you park that way. Seriously, I don't know whether to get upset or pity them.

Thanks for the invite @Rahimdad, excited to see you all on Friday!

Hmmmmmmm We all love UAE and are happy for the opportunity to earn tax free cash but there is no denying the metro needs some proper enforcement. Some people here don’t realise the opportunities they have. Treat your fellow travelers with respect. No offence to my Indian friends but you don’t have to climb on the roof of the train to get where you are going. Metro trains run every 3 minutes. Wait. You will get to where you need to go.

Thanks @Emmanuel for posting such a wonderful drive, really looking forward to this one now. After discussion with all our senior members I would like to invite @Shamil and @Jas Gajaria to join us for this drive so that we can get a first hand look at your driving skills in this area and pave a path forward towards developing you towards the next level.

I used GAIA and found the UI fairly simply no so much with motion X ..not sure if this is only me ...

@Jas Gajaria it will be good if you can Explain us with your mods,cost and gains you achieved with it. Just a humble request so whoever is looking for mods will have some knowledge regarding it.