Check engine light on

[ScottinMA]

Last night driving from MA to VT my check engine light appeared. Also noted that it stalled at idle after the light went on (not blinking). Had it checked with a meter by a guy at NAPA that was closing up for the day. He noted that two codes were present affecting both sides of the engine and he thought it was a vacuum leak having ruled out an oxygen sensor and the customary gas cap issue. It was running very lean. So later I'm running down Rte 100 in Waitsfield and came across a garage: "Haps Garage." I know that there isn't much of a chance but I ask this guy if would have time to take a look at my car and told him about the code reading. So, he puts down everything he was doing and takes a look but first wants to know what the hell kind of car is this thing! Within seconds he diagnoses a vacuum leak by listening while it idled and discovered that a screw besides the EGR to the engine was missing. Went inside and came out with a replacement screw and all is good. Charged me $10 which happened to be all the cash I had on hand and wished I had a $20 to give him on top of that. So,if you're ever running down Rte 100 in Waitsfield, VT and pass "Haps Garage" there is a guy there named Alan that is alright!

Scott

[PHO2GR4]

Geez, your mechanics are much nicer than the ones around here. If my 'check engine' light came on, I'm pretty sure my local dealership would open the hood, check it and say "Yup, the engine's still there! That'll be $285.00..."

[ScottinMA]

My point exactly! Sometimes our faith in people is restored. This was my occasion.

Scott