CEL in '99 - Safe to drive home?

[alatlc]

My CEL light came on last night about 190 miles into a 280 mile drive. The engine continues to run like it always has - no hiccups at all and warm idle of about 600 rpm. I just refueled and made sure that the cap was on tight, and I also made sure the oil cap was on tight and did a visual check of all of the hoses in the engine compartment. Everything seems fine (although I did not remove the engine cover to check the hoses underneath). If tightening the fuel cap hasn't solved my problem, is it safe to drive back home before I get this checked out? I'd rather have my independent guy check it out than take it to the local dealer, which I have zero info on. Thanks in advance.

 

[DMX84]

There seems to be a run with CE lights lately. I would guess probably ok. I would recommend going to a parts store and have them pull the code and find out for sure. If it is O2 sensor than gas mileage/performance will be affected. The local chains will do this for free.
DMX

 

[NorCalDoug]

You should be fine for the drive home, especially sine it seems to be running okay. Get the code pulled when you can.

I ran for a few months with an O2 sensor related CEL light on when I owned my 94.

 

[hank14]

Have you done any service or maintenance lately? Had you recently filled up before the light came on?

I agree that since it seems to be running fine, I would drive it until you can run the code.

 

[jjbodean1970]

put a piece of black electrical tape over your CEL and drive as normal!

 

[alatlc]

Yes. I filled up before I started my trip, and had gone about 190 miles when the light came on. No recent maintenance. I filled up again this morning, and made sure the cap was on tight. If the problem is that I didn't tighten the fuel cap, will the CEL go out on its own? If so, how long will it take?

 

[hank14]

Mine has come on after running out of gas. It had to sit overnight before resetting once I filled up. Or you could unhook the battery. I think 30 seconds will reset it.