If you want a correct answer you have to say what it is.
A car that pings can activate a knock sensor and you can test the fuel.
A car that does not specify high octane would be unaffected unless the fuel had some other problem.
A car with a check engine light can be tested for a code which leads to the correct test.
Continuing to drive with the light on would be in FMEM.
This means the computer reverts to a watchful self adjustment of sorts.
It's best to Read the code, write it down, run the pinpoint test and evaluate.
The gas cap, the knock sensor, the HEGO sensors, etc can be in play as well as the computers mode.
Erasure followed by a complete drive cycle can allow the code to have a chance to return, or stay away.
You dont say what it is, so even this information may or may not specifically apply.
To answer your question -- NO!
Any emission related concern on an OBD-II equipped vehicle requires two identical events before the CEL is illuminated. This is called two-trip logic and applies to all motor vehicles in the US after 1996.
If the gas cap clicks when installing it, always twist it back on so that 3 clicks are heard. This is calibrated to be the proper tightness to not set an EVAP SYSTEM CODE, that will light the light immediately. Tighten the cap and drive, the light should go off after the EVAP TEST passes once again.
As for the regular gas (if premium is required), the PCM (engine management computer) will adjust the spark timing to reduce detonation from the reduced octane fuel. A single tank is not a problem. Drive it to empty and refill with premium, the sparking timing will readjust to the newly added, higher octane fuel.
Most modern cars and trucks are designed to run on regular fuel, in fact some of the newest cars are designed to run on ethanol fuels. I doubt a slight change from premium to regular is going to cause a check engine light. But that would also only be true if the fuel is water free and if in fact you are receiving premium fuel from the gas station you are buying it from. This is a cautionary statement most gas stations receive fuel from a common distributor, and most gas stations put regular gas in the mid and premium tanks, there is no laws against this practice, and then you have another problem, if a driver puts diesel in the gas tank the way they usually resolve the issue is to flood the tank with gasoline to dilute the diesel. This happens more than you can imagine, if you doubt it walk over and talk to a tanker driver, they will usually tell you about all times they have seen it happen.
I really doubt that. a little pinging from too low an octane rating is not going to set a code. Go get it diagnosed for free at Auto Zone or Advance Auto so that you know it's not just a small emission system leak. It might be the gas cap loose if the vehicle was doing a self check on the emission system at the time. I'd check the gas cap to make sure she even put it back on!
Could. Drive it awhile until you consumed the regular and then add premium fuel. You can try to reset the light by disconnecting one battery terminal for a few minutes then reconnect it. Drive car and see if it reset. If it comes on again you have another problem that needs to be professionally diagnosed using the OBD II connector
Try tightening the or re-installing the fuel cap - often that is the cause of a check engine light after a fill up. Minor Vacuum leak detected.
If the car requires premium, it could cause the SES light to come on.
You could add some octane booster to this tank of fuel to increase the performance. And possibly eliminate the light. Many parts stores offer free engine light check.
It really depends what the recommended minimum octane rating your car requires and how hard the car was driven. If you use a lower rating octane while under moderate to heavy acceleration, your engine is more prone to "knocking," which is highly dangerous and can be costly to repair. The knock sensor in your car may be the reason your check light turned on. I would recommend getting your check light diagnosed at your local auto parts store or your dealer.
It sounds like your car's ECU might be misinterpreting the octane level and not adjusting for its performance accordingly. Either that, or it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap. If it's not the latter, you'll need have someone run the code for the light, or obtain an OBD-II scanner yourself to see exactly what the problem is. Here's an example of the OBD-II scanner you need http://www.etoolscity.com/launch-cr-v-ob...
Only if it causes pinging. Did she tighten the gas cap, a loose gas cap can cause check engine light
The most likely reason for the light is that your daughter didn't screw the gas cap on tightly -- the most common reason for a check engine light.
yes indeed :
if the manufacturer requires premium gasoline and constantly the car is refueled with normal petrol..the engine warn lights propose a serious engine damage..if she goes on with ignoring that !!-
If tightening the gas cap doesn't solve the problem, the dealer of the car can read the fault code and then will know EXACTLY what is causing the check engine light.
no it would not. it would ping not misfire. could be something like water in fuel when she filled if they dropped off a load about an /2 hour before it mixes water that floats but chances are that happened are slim and could happen to anyone. 1st thing is to get the code pulled and go from there
the engine may run a little rougher, but use premium at all times.
not really... unless the spark plugs are worn or not the right gauge.
unless that gas is soo 'thin' there's condensation.. then that may make the idiot indicators go on.
first thing.. check the gas filter.. see what gunk is in it... then check distributor... after that... it depends...
cause the light ??.......maybe.....................check the gas cap,........top it off with premium, as soon as it goes down to 3/4 mark,... for a while,.................and dont worry,,,,,it will be fine.
i doubt it
