2001 Elantra "Check Engine" light

Hello All:

Was wondering if anyone had experienced something similar to what I've
been experiencing.

Over the past 2 months or so, my "check engine" light has all of a
sudden come on at intermittent times -- 3 or 4 times so far.

The first time it happened, I figured it may need to just have the
60,000 mile service and that would take care of it. Then it came back
shortly after that and it just happened again today.

Every time I shut the engine off and turn it back on again, the check
engine light is gone and the problem seems to be solved.

It may be my paranoia, but everytime the check engine light comes on,
it seems to me that the car's engine seems a little weaker accelerating
at a stop light. Otherwise, the engine feels and sounds the same to
me.

A friend of mine suggested it is probably a computer glitch, and it
very well may be. But I wanted to post here and see if there was
anyone else who had a problem such as this and what their experience
was.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

That happened to a 98 Neon that I had...in my case it was a misfire in
one cylinder that would happen once in awhile. It turned out to be a
spark plug wire that was shorting every now and then causing the miss.
New wires solved the problem.

 

Rather than guessing, take the car to the dealer or Autozone and have
them read the computer code(s). That will tell you what's wrong.

 

If you have an Autozone near by then go have them read the codesfor
free. It may have some stored. You might want to have the codes read
even if you have to pay for it. Your problem could be a precursor to
something more serious.

 

Rather than guessing, take your car to a service shop and have them read
the computer codes (Autozone and some other big parts chains will read
them for you free). That will tell you what's wrong, or at least point
you in the right direction. You could also buy a code reader and do it
yourself.

 

This sounds like a transmission issue. Once the computer detects a
transmission issue, it may put the transmission in third gear and keep it
there, causing you to have poor acceleration from a stop. When you cycle
the key off and on, it will go back to normal until it detects the
transmission issue again. Most likely, it's an input or output speed
sensor. Have it looked at and repaired. Starting off in third gear isn't
good for your transmission.