Modern cars have a vast array of symbols and lights on the display. Some are not intuitively recognizable for what they represent. It is time to simplify at least one of these lights by utilizing a symbol that more accurately conveys just what is going on. Instead of a cute little motor or other such design for your check engine light, I propose it be changed to a dollar sign ($). After all, whether something is really wrong with your engine is beside the point. If this light comes on in most modern cars, you are going to pay someone, at the very least, to switch the light off again. Modified 3-7-09: This could be implemented with an opaque suction cup that has a transparent dollar sign in the middle. Just place it over the check engine light.
-- saprolite, Mar 06 2009

This could be sold as an aftermarket modification.
-- plasticspoon, Mar 06 2009


If I didn't know better I would suspect this was a rant disguised as a lame halfbakery idea.
-- jhomrighaus, Mar 06 2009


//My check engine signal says 'Check Engine'//
In the UK, this would be spelt "cheque".
-- coprocephalous, Mar 06 2009


If any light does *not* come on (when it should) you are going to be paying someone to make it possible for you to be able to switch it on again.

Now what was the invention?
-- neelandan, Mar 06 2009


//If this light comes on in most modern cars, you are going to pay someone, at the very least, to switch the light off again.//

Not always. Sometimes it could be a result of something simple as forgetting to screw on your gas cap. Once you refill the tank, close the cap tightly and drive for a few miles, it goes back off.
-- Jscotty, Mar 06 2009


Just replacing the head gasket on my Citroen (I'm not - I'm paying someone who won't f*ck it up lots of money to do it for me). Third head gasket in five cars. I wish they'd make cars without head gaskets.
-- wagster, Mar 06 2009


Wagster, what do you do to your cars to suffer so many head gasket problems (apart from the obvious issue of buying a French car made from moneky metal)?
-- eight_nine_tortoise, Mar 06 2009


I am simply amazed that this lame rant is getting so much traction. There is no idea here!
-- jhomrighaus, Mar 06 2009


//Just replacing the head gasket on my Citroen // My neighbor had a 2CV that he imported into the US. Everyone referred to it as a VW Bug knock-off.
-- Jscotty, Mar 06 2009


[jhomrighaus] The idea is for the light symbol to be manufactured as a dollar sign. This does not currently exist. It would be utilized for my own amusement. On many new cars, the check engine light comes on after a specified number of miles has passed, not because something is actually wrong with the engine. It is a way for dealerships to make money under the guise of preventative maintenance. I believe that preventative maintenance should be performed, but that the check engine light should operate only if there is a problem that has been detected. The problem that it often detects is basically the dealer hasn't made enough money off of you yet. I have talked with more than one dealer mechanic that agrees the light is simply a way for them to make more money. If you think it is lame, that is fine. I support your right to rant about my "rant."
-- saprolite, Mar 06 2009


I know a whole lot about cars and I know that the CEL is not simply a money making device. Not only is this not an idea, its not even a new rant. This has been an ongoing complaint of car owners since OBD was introduced almost 20 years ago.

Now if your idea was to ADD and additional indicator on the dashboard which, based upon the mileage, type of diagnostic code, and current operating condition of the vehicle would provide and indication of the potential cost for repair. Then i would find that to be an interesting and halfbaked kind of idea. This idea feels more like proposing to rename the profession of Lawyer, to instead be called "Flimflammer".

Its funny and cute, but its not really an idea.
-- jhomrighaus, Mar 06 2009


The original idea has been modified so it is now technically an actualy object. No one is suggesting that the light should not come on. No one is suggesting that the singular purpose of the light is for the manufacturers to make money. However, it is put forth that if the light comes on in modern cars, it will cost you money a large majority of the time.
-- saprolite, Mar 07 2009



random, halfbakery