Hello, I have a 2001 GL Accent 27,000 km's on it with a problem. The check engine light keeps coming on. When the light comes on, the car seems to skip first gear when starting off, it seems to be dragging. On the highway, the engine seems to reeve at 4000 to 5000 RPM's doing 110 kms, it doesn't seem to be able to reach the last gear.
When the engine light goes out, the car runs fine again, changing all gears with no drag! This engine light goes on and off just about daily... I'm afraid to take it in for a check because the only time the car acts up is when the light is on, and with my luck, the light will be off, and I will end up with a huge bill I can't afford right now. Any ideas, anyone?
Thanks, Selina

 

It is possible that your overdrive is messed up.

 

That is what it feels like while the engine light is on, as if the overdrive kicked in! I know nothing about cars....but that much I do know. If that is what is wrong, how do they determine the problem?

 

They should be able to pick that up through the diagnostic codes. I would take it in and tell them the problem and that you have an idea that it is the overdrive. They should check the codes in your computer and I have a good guess that they wil find it.

 

Thank you so much for your help, I will make an appointment and keep my fingers crossed!

 

NO problem at all, good luck to you I hope it goes well.