Just curious have you tried resetting the cars computer. Sometimes that fixes check engine light
Originally Posted by Ravasher
Bad idea to start with at least. Go to autozone and have them run the OBDII diagnostic for free. You should get a Pxxxx code that will have a name and brief description of the code. You can google the code with your year make model and see what common issues happen with your vehicle and possible solutions. Take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt. Just because one car had the same code and they did xyz to fix it does not necessarily mean doing xyz will repair your car also.
Resetting the computer will delay the process of getting the car inspected, it will only turn off the check engine light. The state inspection machines measure the "readiness status" of 12 different areas of the car's emission system, meaning has the car had time to measure all the areas that it needs to measure to determine if there is a problem. If the car has more than 1 area that it has not had time to measure if it good or bad, the car will fail the inspection by default. The only way to reset the readiness status is to drive the car, usually between 50-150 miles of normal everyday driving.
With that being said, a car can be "clear scanned" through the state inspection computers by a state inspector. That means hooking the OBDII cord to a good car and documenting in the computer the bad car. This can easily be detected by the state when the DPS does it's audits of the inspection station, but the station and inspector carry all the legal liability for the illegal inspection. The sticker they put on your windshield will be a valid sticker and will show as valid when LE runs your plates. WORST OPTION TO USE.
Alternatively, drive up to the Sherman area up 75 in Grayson county. Take your registration sticker off your car (it can be reapplied). Disconnect your battery cables and reset the on board computer. Go to an inspection station and ask for an inspection and VI30 form, also known as a "green sheet" to register the car. If they ask, they won't, but if they do say you live somewhere in Grayson county, just have a fake address ready to tell them. Grayson is a safety inspection only county that does not do emission testing. NOT BEST OPTION.
BEST OPTION. Follow the advice of most and have the vehicle repaired properly. The check engine light being on does not mean your car is giving off bad exhaust or not operating as efficiently as it should in all cases, it could just a simple sensor that measures if there is an issue that is faulty and making the light come on. BEST OPTION.
Good luck, PM if you need any help.