A Philadelphia mechanic has gone viral after warning car buyers about a hidden red flag to watch out for when buying a used car.
In a TikTok video posted by Harris Automotive (@harrisautomotive), a mechanic shares a story about a woman who brought her recently purchased car in for inspection — and it promptly failed.
“When you buy a used car, always check it,” he wrote in the caption. “This is a complete must-see video.”
The clip, which has more than 16,800 views as of this writing, quickly caught the attention of drivers who shared their own stories about sketchy used car deals and missing warning signs.
What’s wrong with the car?
According to the mechanic, the woman bought her car from a used car lot and brought it in for a standard inspection. But when he turned the ignition on, nothing happened. The check engine light never came on.
“Anytime you have a car, and that car starts up, your check engine light should come on,” he explains.
Because this did not happen, the car immediately failed the inspection. The mechanic soon discovered that the car had fake inspection stickers on the windshield, indicating it had last been inspected in September. “Fake stickers, we call them,” he says, referring to the fake inspection stickers used to hide vehicles that haven’t passed safety or emissions inspections.
In the video, he points out where the light should appear on the dashboard before disassembling the car to reveal the real problem.
“This piece right here in the middle looks like someone damaged it and took the lamp out,” he tells viewers as he holds up the missing piece.
He says the car will be repaired, but ends with a warning to anyone buying used cars: “Be careful where you buy cars.”
“One of the first things you should look for when buying a used car,” he adds in the commentary.
Why does the check engine light go off – and how do I check the check engine light?
If your car’s check engine light doesn’t come on when you start it, this is usually a sign that the bulb is burned out or someone intentionally removed it.
a light It was designed To alert drivers to engine or transmission problems, without it, you’re driving blind to potential problems and likely failing an emissions inspection, explains the mechanic from Harris Automotive.
Tampering with the check engine light illegalBut it happens more often than people realize. Sellers sometimes Light coverage Using tape, retract or reattach the lamp to hide existing problems. When you turn the ignition on, the check engine light should illuminate briefly during the system self-test. If it doesn’t, assume something is wrong.
There are several ways to check for tampering before purchasing used appliances. Start by turning the key to the “run” position without starting the engine; All dashboard lights should be flashing, including the check engine light. If it stays dark, that’s a red flag.
As some commenters have suggested, a quick scan of the vehicle with an OBD II reader can also reveal if the system is hiding any trouble codes. If you suspect the instrument cluster has been tampered with, have an independent mechanic check the wiring and circuit board before you drive anything home.
More tips for buying used
People who watched the mechanic’s video shared their own experiences, and plenty of advice for anyone shopping for a used car. One viewer urged others to prepare, writing: “This is why you need a scanner. Never buy a car without scanning it first.”
Others relate to the woman’s story very well.
“Yup happened to me,” one woman said. “I bought my first car from someone on Facebook, and they removed the check engine light, and when I scanned it, it literally had over 30 codes on it. I scrapped that car right away.”
Another echoed this sentiment, recalling: “This is what happened to me, and I only realized it when the car broke down while I was driving.”
Some commenters praised the mechanic for discovering the problem and warning others about the scam.
“Test it,” someone suggested. “Right to go to some auto shop to check for codes. If the dealer is on top of their game, they won’t care.”
Another user praised the video, saying: “What a great video. What a sneaky world.”
Others appreciated the advice.
“Oh my God!! You are the best!!” one wrote.
Another added: “Great knowledge.” “Highly appreciated.”
A third summed up the overall feeling by saying: “Oh, thanks for that.”
Engine1 I reached out to Harris Automotive via direct message on TikTok. We’ll be sure to update this if they respond.
