I took my car in for a timing belt replacement since its 11 years old and never had it done. But it only has 79800 miles on it. So the check engine light came on about a month ago. I took it to the shop and asked them what it was and they said it was the catalytic converter. I dont have the money to do that along with the timing belt so I just said to do that. When I got the car back the check engine light was gone. Why would it just disappear after a timing belt replacement? I know the catalytic converter still needs to be replaced cause I can hear the rattling. Im just wondering why the CEL is gone. Did they turn it off?

 

They might have just reset it, what year civic do you have?

 

Its actually a 99 prelude. But why would they just reset it? If I hadnt asked them what the problem was and they just reset it I wouldnt think anything was wrong.

 

like croninc said it might have just been reset, it will probably come back after driving it for a few miles..

 

alright thanks for the replies. I drove it about 15 miles and nothings come up. i guess ill drive till it gives me problems.

 

I have a dead cat (aka catalytic converter) on my car, its been like that for a while. the CEL is on, unless I disconnect the battery. It will stay off for a day (2 at most) before coming on again. However I have no driveability issues. Just so you know

 

You reset the ECU [clear CEL's] when you unplug battery, so they just reset it. If there is a problem it will come back.