What Is The Check Engine Light
The “check engine” light is part of the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system – the computer within the vehicle that monitors performance such as engine speed (RPMs), air to fuel ratio, and ignition timing. When an issue within the system is internally detected, such as engine misfires, deteriorating spark plugs, evaporative issues, or fuel mixtures running rich (less oxygen) or lean (more oxygen), the “check engine” light or “service engine soon” light will illuminate.
What happens if you continue to drive with your engine light illuminated? You may not notice that your vehicle’s performance begins to weaken right away. However, your fuel mileage may not be running as efficiently as possible and could be emitting high levels of pollutants into the air.
Here’s what you should do if your “check engine” light comes on:
Observe
Check the gauges on your dashboard. Do they indicate that your vehicle is experiencing low oil pressure or overheating? These indicators mean you should pull your vehicle over and shut off the engine immediately.
Check Your Gas Cap
Try tightening or replacing your gas cap. Gas caps these days have special seals as part of the vacuum fuel system. Sometimes a broken or misplaced rubber seal (on the gas cap) can trigger the “check engine” light to come on.
Reduce Pressure
If you notice that your vehicle’s performance has decreased, reduce your speed and avoid towing or transporting heavy cargo.
Avoid Emissions Testing
If your check engine light is on, it’s highly likely your vehicle will fail your state’s vehicle emissions test. In some states, your vehicle will receive an instant failure—even for a loose gas cap. Be sure to make sure all issues are resolved prior to your test.
When Your Check Engine Light Comes On
If the “check engine” or “service engine soon” symbol illuminates, observe whether the light is constant or flashing. A solid glow indicates your vehicle should be inspected soon, as there are many different causes (some vehicles have 200 codes, alone!). A blinking “check engine” light, however, is cause for concern and indicates that your vehicle needs immediate attention. It is highly recommended that you bring your vehicle in for further inspection by a trained professional. Waiting too long could cause further damage to engine components, for example, damage to the catalytic converter or burning a valve within the engine, which could result in an overall loss of power.
If your “check engine” light or “service engine soon” light comes on, don’t wait! Stop into Sun Auto Service today. Our highly trained, professional technicians will perform the proper diagnostics to determine the cause of your engine issues and get you back on the road, quickly.
goto autozone and they can check it for free
You can not disconnect the check engine light.
The Chrysler Cirrus did not come out until 1995. You reset the check engine light with a scan tool or by unhooking the battery. If you have not repaired the cause of the code the light will come back on.
With a scan tool.
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a severe engine misfire.
The bulb is burnt out or has been removed.
You need a code reader to reset & plug into port.
Could be just about anything without more information. Check your oil level first.
go to an auto parts store most will put on computer for you for free
My Cirrus wouldn't start with no check engine light either and it was not the battery because the radio, lights, power windows work. After taking to my mechanic he began checking the electrical system and found that the sparks plugs were not getting any power because the distributor was bad.
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON FOR MANY REASONS, THE BEST THING THAT YOU CAN DO IS GO TO A PERCISION TUNE IN YOUR AREA TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED.THERE ARE ABOUT 5 DIFFERENT THINGS IT COULD BE, POSSIBLY THE OXIGEN SENSOR IS BAD.THAT IS USUALY THE PROBLEM.
On my 98 Cirrus, replaced the fuel cap and then disconnected the battery for 10 minutes and the check engine light turned off. My wifes Lexus had a similar problem. Sometimes a different brand of Gas will do the trick too. ^ I tried this today and it worked! Thanks so much =)
With a scan tool.