1999 Chevy Lumina Check engine light comes on sporadically

CMK021

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

My husband wants to buy a 1999 Lumina and the which was just insepected (pennsylvania) for $2,000.00. The elderly owners told him that the check engine light has been coming on sporadically. Currently it is not on. Is there a way to test this before he purchases it. Also even if the light is not on can it be tested on a computer system? We are hesitant to buy this vechile not knowing why this problem occurs. Everytime my husband drives the vehicle the light is not on.

Any suggestions?

2 Replies

TEAG

MEMBER
158 POSTS

Have you or your husband seen the light on? If so. How long does it stay on? Does the car run any differant when its on? If it stays on for any amount of time, I'd take it to your local AutoZone or auto parts store. They usually will run a diagnostic check on it. Unless you know somebody with a code reader that you could borrow. Without any symtoms, theres no way to say exactly what could cause the light to come on. Theres a number of things that trigger that light to come on. Some vehicles are programmed to come on at a certain mileage. That dont sound like the case though. If it were, the light would stay on until reset. If the price is good for the car and its in nice shape, I wouldnt let the check engine light stop me from buying it. Most fixes are relatively easy to take care of. I do stress the word MOST also. But not all. If you could tell me more Id be able to give you a beter answer but I hope this helps you some. Just reply to this if you get anymore info on it and Id be glad to help.
Teag