Sons been home two weeks between duty stations, family wedding last week and headed to California this morning at 5:00 AM.

Calls me at 7:20 "Check Engine Light just came on"…

This of course could not have happened in the last two weeks when we could have likely easily fixed it but instead now when he's 150 miles from home!

It was sitting a lot the last few months but still driven once per month. And driven all the past two weeks.

He stopped and got the code read P0015 Bank 2 exhaust cam VVT sensor. It's of course the most difficult one to get off. He said he tried to clear the code but doesn't think he did it correctly.

Online I saw the easiest fix is to change the oil. It has ~2500 miles since last oil change.

He was always in the garage with dad but mostly bc he just wanted to hang out with dad growing up but never was really interested in working on the cars. He said the car is running fine. When he stops tonight I'll have him clear the code again. Worst case he has to pay a shop to fix it or let me talk him thru it if he wants to save some $$.

it's the Variable Valve Timing solenoid...

when he got up this morning the light was gone so all good for now. At least we know a good mechanic near Pendleton that can help if needed.

One reason I got rid of my Chevrolet Equinox was the constant check engine lights. My wife has an equally bad Nissan Kicks but thus far (41,000 miles) I haven't seen a light.

Check engine lights are mostly nothing burgers. Now if the vehicle goes into limp mode and drives poorly then obviously time to get check it out.

You must be an uber driver

I've been driving on a P0455 code for 2+ YEARS.

you can't replace a $10 gas cap?