Originally Posted by j.arnaldo

According to a friend who used to work at a dealership a few years ago, it's a gimmick to "motivate" (i.e. scare) the customer to bring in the car for a check, usually ranging from $30 to $50 dollars. I had a Maxima prior to my Z, and the "check engine soon" light came on; I paid a visit to that friend; he just popped the hood open, stuck his hand deep in the engine bay, and told me to check the light...Presto! The light had gone out! THAT'S what they charge you for, guys! On another case, my mother's '96 Ford Escort has had that light on for about 5-6 years now, with NO consequences at all. You decide.