To all:

Well after almost two years and 48 thousand miles of trouble-free driving, my '04 MT HCH has finally started acting like a real car.

My engine light has now come on twice in the past 2 weeks.

The first time it stayed on for about 150 miles, then went out. The second time it was on for about 80 miles before going out. It is currently not lit. Both times I had less than a quarter of a tank of gas left. The condition persisted over numerous engine stop/starts both times.

I checked the usual suspects of course: Oil and coolant levels were good, checked the gas cap (it was tight), the weather wasn't extreme (actually it's been a very cool, but wet, summer in upstate NY). Except for the light being on, the car acted normally.

The only thing I have noticed is that my avg MPG started out lower subsequent to me filling the tank after the light went out. Usually I will be in the 55 MPG range after the first 50-75 miles after a fill-up but the two tanks I have filled since the light started coming on have averaged about 50 MPG for the first 50-75 miles. But I haven't seen my overall milage drop. My last two tanks in the database reflect the tanks used when the light came on, respectively.

I will probably just operate on the three strikes rule here, or have the dealer check it out at my next oil change, whichever comes first.

In the meantime, any thoughts? Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks in advance.

MC