Engine light on after slamming on brakes

My idea is that you need to retrieve the DTC. If you wish to DIY, use Mini VCI.

Low brake fluid would not cause the check engine light to come on, if in fact that is the warning light which is now on.

 

Simpplest thing to do is check your oil level, then go from there.

 

Well, convenient cause and affect dynamic with the wife admitting to a hard stop and then the appearance of the check engine light.
But I'd just approach it as a "Check Engine Light" and do whatever you need/want to find out why it's on.

If you're a DIY'er, that probably means retrieving codes and investigation.
If you're not?
It probably means a saving account hit and a visit to a dealership.

 

Did the light stay on, or light up just temporarily?

If temporary, check fluid levels, both brake fluid and engine oil. Several recent new members have discovered seriously low engine oil.

If the light stayed on, do as Patrick said and get the codes read. Some auto parts stores will do it for free.

 

try disconnect the 12v for a few minutes.

 

I had this on a previous car several times. First time (no code reader), my preferred mechanic expressed no concern unless it returned. It cropped up a couple times again, years later in cold and wet weather, when I had a code reader. Cleared it, returned once again a few days later, then never again.

If it was a continuing problem, it would reappear immediately. Just wait for it to come back.

Don't bother. If the light is currently out, then no need.

 

+1 to fuzzy's suggestion. Wait for it to come back (if it ever does), then go from there. A hard stop causing a misfire is a new one to me.

 

I think there can be erroneous codes, ie: it's not always where there's smoke there's fire. We've been having an ongoing brake warning issue: lights come on, and the brakes go into a subtly different sort of fail-safe mode. They still work, but effort is increased a bit.

I've been into the dealership with this issue three times now, and after the last visit, talking with the service manager, he was speculating it was a handshake thing. As they said in the movie Hud: "a failure to communicate", lol.

Anyway, he said: the next time it happens (if and when), drive there, leave the car running, they'll get a mechanic to come straight out, check while all the lights are still on.

 

Close. That was "Cool Hand Luke."