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Should I fix check engine light before selling my van?

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Old Jun 4, 2023 | 11:00 PM
  #1  
Patpat's Avatar
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Default Should I fix check engine light before selling my van?

Hello everyone. I have a 93 Ford E-150. It has the 300 6 cylinder. I've owned it since 1998. I've had check engine light issues for as long as I can remember. About 15 years ago, I had it in the shop for some repairs, and asked them to check out the check engine light. They said they were unable to figure it out, and said it was problem a "check engine light malfunction". The funny thing is, I pass emissions every year. So obviously it's not causing engine performance issues. On the other hand, last year I was given a fail for the check engine light. I simply went someone where else to emissions done. The tech at the other place took into consideration the age of my vehicle, and ignored the check engine light. (what are your thoughts on this?).

I am wanting to sell my van. It runs perfect. But I still have the check engine light issue. It comes on quite frequently. My van has 193,000 miles on it. It's in good condition. I plan on asking $1500 for it. But perhaps people will be very hesitant to pay $1500 for a van with a check engine light coming on; despite the fact that it passes emissions. But if I take it to a mechanic, I can easily envision a $500 bill for this diagnosis, and repair (assuming they can figure it out). So maybe it's just better for me to knock off $500, and sell it for $1000. What are you thoughts, please?

 
Old Jun 5, 2023 | 07:58 AM
  #2  
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May depend on which state your attempting a sale in. A CEL can fail an emission test, or even many test stations won't run the test with an existing CEL.

If you can have the system scanned for code/s we may be able to help with a diagnosis. Quite a few parts supply houses will scan for DTC's at no cost.

Here in CA, a CEL is a test disqualification. And, without knowing the reason for the light, good chance it would hurt a sale being that emission repairs can be expensive, or cheap, depending on the DTC and the reason for...
 

Last edited by Hayapower; Jun 5, 2023 at 08:01 AM.
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