I have an '03 2.4L Turbo GT and twice this month the malfunction indicator light (the engine symbol in the instrument cluster) has stayed on when driving. The first time I took it to the dealer, it turned out to be a loose gas cap - boy, I felt dumb...but then I wondered why it took about 3 to 4 days before the light came on?
While getting that looked at, I had them check on the "ticking" or "tapping" noise I heard by the engine area when at a stop or at park. The dealer chamfered the radius cam caps. Since then I haven't heard the sound. Thank goodness.
Two weeks later, it happened again- the malfunction indicator light came back on! I checked the gas cap and it was on tight, so I had to take it back to the dealer. I don't think it's the gas cap this time. Anyone have an idea of what it might be? Has this happened to anyone before? If it has, what was the solution?
One more thing, at acceleration as I merge onto the freeway, I noticed a sort of pinging from the engine, especially in warm to hot weather. I noticed this even before they chamfered the cam caps. I don't think any type of pinging is normal. At night however, when it's cool or cold out, my car performs exceptionally well. What is going on? I really love my car and don't want people around me thinking I bought a piece of crap.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
JSP