Q: Service engine light only in warm weather

asked by on January 04, 2017

My service engine light has been on over a year. The code is for emissions. My mechanic has changed some parts but still.. it stays on. I live in North Carolina. Both last year and this Christmas I went to New Hampshire for the holidays. The light stays on here in North Carolina most of the year. But as soon as I am in 20 degrees or less the light goes off and stays off. For 2 weeks in the cold.. no problem.. as soon as I drove south again it came on again.. on the very rare occasion that it is low 20's or less in North Carolina, it stays off also

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

brake pedal goes all the way down
I am assuming that once the brake pedal engages the brakes, that the car stops ok. One thing in particular comes to mind and that is seized or binding caliper slides. One piston calipers have to be mounted on slides....
Brake lights not turning off
Your brake light switch located under your brake pedal could be stuck or even electrically short to power, forcing your brake lights to stay on. Also, your brake lights themselves could be short to power as well which forces them...
Car will not accelerate while driving
Hi, is there any more information you can give us about the acceleration issue? These cars are known to have a slight hesitation when starting from a stop so it may be normal. Since the car is under 5 years...
Transfercase won't engage into 4lo.
You should first lock in the front hubs and try to move forward in 4hi and then put it in neutral and shift to 4lo. It may take a little move forward and moving shifter to lock it in. My...
Battery issues - 2013 Chevrolet Sonic
The battery may not be able to hold a charge because if the battery is dead (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-is-dead-inspection). In order to check the charging system you will first have to have the battery charged and tested to see if battery needs...
My 2010 kia blower fan stopped working but was fine last week. This occurred a few times in past. Works fine then stops blowing ag
The blower switch and the plug connection on the back of the switch, as well as a faulty blower motor are likely, too. I would check the blower motor first as you can easily power the motor directly to see...
where is the crankshaft positioncensor. located on a 2001 Alero
If you have the 4 cylinder engine, the sensor is mounted in a hole in the engine block that is accessible once you remove the right wheel/tire assembly. If you have the 6 cylinder engine, to get to the sensor...
Charging system warning light.
You may have a failing voltage regulator that could be allowing the alternator to supply too much or too little amperage to the battery resulting in the battery never maintaining a consistent charge as it is designed to. The voltage...
Under load low power
What you are describing sounds like you may have a clogged or damaged catalytic converter. The catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) converts toxic exhaust gases into less harmful pollutants that are suitable to be expelled into the atmosphere. When the catalytic converter...

Related articles

2012 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado: Which One Should I Buy?
When you’re ready to really get some work done, there’s nothing like a full size pickup truck. These trucks are ready to haul a big load and really get in there and get busy. SUVs are great for moving people,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Love Camping
Do Do you love camping, getting back to nature and enjoying life in the great outdoors? If you do, then you know that getting there can be half the fun, and it’s even better if you have a great ride....
Top Automotive News & Stories: October 1-7
BMW i5 images leak, an ultra-lux Jeep, hydrogen-fueled Colorado ZH2, Fisker's electric future, record plug-in sales, NHTSA Road to Zero, and more.