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Check Engine Light
The check engine light comes on in a car when the engine is experiencing a problem. Ask questions here about your car's check engine light.
7,238 Questions
Why would the check engine light come on in a 2002 Chevy Malibu?
The light could come on for a number of reasons. The vehivle would have to be hooked up to a scanner to determine the engine code or codes. After you determine the codes you can isolate and fix the probelem. If the check engine light is on there will be a computer code that will appear on the scanner.
What does the check engine light mean on a 2003 Chevy Cavalier that is running fine?
Very good possiblity that it's something simple, but it wouldn't be a good idea to speculate without having you first run a diagnostic scan. OBDII compliant vehicles such as yours will tell you exactly the reason for the engine light. Rent, borrow or buy a code reader that gives you the option to read and clear diagnostic codes. If it's a misfire error code you can clear it and see if it comes back. If it's something simple like a throttle position sensor, MAP sensor or Oxygen sensor you can easily solve the problem, but recognize that some of the newer Oxygen sensors might be a little expensive. Check the code first then figure out what to do to fix it. This is what happened to my wife last weekend. It was caused by the fuel cap not being on properly. Check the fuel cap and make sure that it is on securely (tighten until it makes the clicking sound). The "check engine" light will not go out right away. I think the owners manual has a section on this problem. If it's not the fuel cap, then you will need to get the code reader.
BAD FUeL FILTER. BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. BAD MAP SENSOR. LOOK, GO TO ANY OF YOUR AUTO REPAIR STORES LIKE AUTO ZONE AND HAVE THEM HOOK UP A DIAGNOSTIC READER TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM , NO COST TO YOU, AND SEE WHAT IT READS OUT. YOU CAN BUY ONE OF YOUR OWN FOR UNDER 40.00 HANDY THING TO HAVE AROUND FOR ANY CAR YOU PLAN ON KEEPING. GOOD LUCK. Pull the codes from the computer, match the code to the troubleshooting procedure, follow the procedure to find the source. Repair the source, light will go out if that was the only problem. There are "monitors" or self tests the computer runs the car through a drive cycle, if a problem occurs, it may not run all of the self tests until that problem is taken care. Therefore, another problem may exist. It is emission related. OR hook up a scanner that is capable of clearing codes, and hope that none are still active. The " check engine light" is by far one of the most misunderstood technological advances It is a warning light that is illuminated when there is a problem affecting the EMISSIONS of the vehicle.. Don't let it bother you as it is a good thing once you understand it. One point that was brought up a recent meeting of technicians was that the amount of hydrocarbons is greater when the gas cap is left off than when the engine is running. Hydrocarbons are part of pollution emitted as gasoline evaporates. Going a step farther, one facet of the emission system is the "Evaporative" portion. This is when the fumes from the gasoline are leaking from the system into the outside air. This is one part of the emission system that can trigger a check engine light. I would say a small percentage of the vehicles that have a check engine light are the result of a loose or inadequate gas cap. But understand that many scenarios are possible with the "check engine light" The vehicle's powertrain computer (note that some vehicles have multiple computers aside from the powertain computer) will run a series of self-tests. They will only run under certain criteria. And they are different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some self-tests or
The computer under the hood is more than likely faulty. I have a 95 Neon (with parts car) and 95 Eclipse. The Eclipse was experiencing the same exact problem. It started out being only an occasional thing, but soon started to happen more often. I took the Computer out of the Eclipse and replaced it with the one from the Neon parts car. The mount and wire harness connection are exactly the same, and it bolted right in. This has completely fixed the problem and the Eclipse now runs like new. The "check engine" light is STILL on, but doesn't seem to be causing any issues. I replaced the computer about 6 months ago, and it hasn't acted the same since. How-ever this MAY be a short term fix, as the new computer module you put in may eventually go bad. You should be able to get a module from a junk yard between $20 - $50, but if you wanna go new the cheapest I've seen is around $150.
What does it mean when a Type 41 light comes on in the Jeep Liberty?
If I understand this right then the "type 41" is just the type of gauge that is used. It has something to do with the patents of the design. Something about the way the bulbs are installed or somthing like that. Hope this helps you. Good luck.Brad.
answer: I have had several customers with this question- the "type 41" is painted on the
front of the gauge. when the sunlight hits it just right it appears to be a light. it is not a warning lamp.
You need to have both the engine and abs checked for codes.
See related questions below.
What does it mean when the check engine light flashes on a 2000 grand Cherokee diesel?
A flashing check engine light normally means you have a misfire.
its missing 4 cylinders sir!
Would a bad catalytic converter make your check engine light go on?
Yes it would but that doesn't mean it is the cat
Can low coolant level cause Check Engine light to come on?
Possible, but not likely. The check engine light is mainly for emission failures not fluid levels. Have it checked for codes to know the cause.
your computer is dead.
a "bus" is what the main information transfer lines in a computer are called.
"no bus" means no information transfer.
that one is gonna be SPENDY. most likely a couple thousand dollars.
This does not have to be a computer problem. This can also indicate a loose fuse or a simple bad connection. The bus is simply the ground for the electrical devices in the vehicle. It's a fundamental rule: go for the simple stuff before you spend a pot of money on the complex.
Had a similar problem and the parking brake was the problem and needed adj-. A simple nudge until hearing the parking brake "click" was a quick temporary fix. Only difference was my truck would not start until this was done.
Make this simple for everyone NO BUS gauges not working is a AGGREGATING ASS PROBLEM. However when you fix it you'll kick your self for how easy it was and wont cost you but maybe 5.00. heres the basic your main fuse panel under the hood has a screw in it with a huge contact. that contact has gone bad/ dirty take out the screw blow out the contact with compressed air pack it with electrical grease put it back in put the screw in TIGHT HAND ONLY and watch all your gauges come back to life. I got a great mech here where i live and after 2 diff dealerships telling me buy a new cluster i knew someone was full of it. then one said my brain was dead . MINI NEWS FLASH IF YOUR BRAIN IN YOUR TRUCK IS DEAD YOUR TRUCK WILL NOT START! again very simple 30 mins fix had this problem off n on for 6 years in my 99 ram which i still have and drive on weekends mine is 1999 V-6 with a super chip i take out to joy ride. do what i said above an your problem will be solved. i haven't had another issue with mine in over 2 years and have gone about 14000 miles without gauges failing
relay
How to reset check engine light on a 2001 ford windstar?
Repair the problem that has caused the computer to trip the light. Reset it without repairing the problem and it will just come back on. Auto Zone will perform a free scan in most states. Normally you reset it with an OBD2 scan tool. You can try disconnecting the battery for 2 hours but this rarely works.
What is Chrysler check engine code p0058?
HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
symptoms
Other than the MIL light illuminating you may not notice any performance issues.
cause
A short in the O2 sensor heater circuit or the sensor itself
A faulty O2 sensor heater
Wiring or connectors are broken or frayed to the sensor or relay
Bad PCM or ECM
The fix
Correct wiring short or loose connector found in inspection.
and/or
Replace the bank 2 sensor 2, O2 sensor
Replace PCM if circuit has failed and no wiring issues present, good O2 sensor
Why is check engine light on and can you do damage driving the car I own a 1999 mercury mystique?
The light is on because the ECU has detected a problem with the emission's system. Can it do damage to continue driving the car? Not likely if it appears to be running ok. But there is always that possibility. Have the computer scanned with an OBD2 scan tool. The code it retrieves will tell you what part is being effected. Not necessarily what part is bad, but which part is being effected.
How do you adjust carburetors on a 1981 Honda cb 900c?
the easiest way is with a vaccume guage on the engine move the air fuel mixture screw slowly until maximum vaccume is achieved then back off slightly. If you are in astate that requires emmision testing you may want to have a professional do it. Make sure they are licensed!
What are the top reasons a check engine light will come on in a 1998 Chevy Malibu?
Usually it is the mass air flow sensor or the O2 sensor. Also, the theft system is known to turn the engine light on.
Why guess when you can go to Auto Zone or other parts stores and have the codes read for free.
Mine Came on after about 100,000 miles and it was just dirty spark plugs. Changes the plugs and the wires and it never came on again. Car was stuttering when going up hills and it fixed that too.
A loose, cracked, or defective gas cap may also be the culprit.
Mine was a small 4.5 inch vacuum hose that was cracked, located right in front on the top of the 2.4L engine. It is an easy & cheap thing to check before replacing sensors.
transmission fluid level is low
- I had a temperature sensor malfunctioning and sending a poor mixture of fuel to the engine. When I was accelerating a lot the engine would hesitate and jump. Repair was $200 and works fine now.
I had the same problem with my 2002 Malibu and had to have the catalytic converter replaced in it. You would have to visit the dealer to make sure, because advance or other similar stores cannot tell you what is wrong with it. A sure sign that it needs replaced is if the check engine light stays on and your losing power.
I had a 0403 error on my 98 Malibu and one place said it was the cat converter and both O2 sensors and wanted $550 took it to another place and they said it was just the cat converter and replaced it in 25 min for $220. That fixed the problem and I passed inspection ok.
Just to correct the one above me, I'm assuming that was a P0430, as p0403 would be an EGR code. And most places will not warranty a cat if you don't replace the O2 sensors with it. And not all cat failures involve low power, that only happens if they clog. To answer the original question, there are hundreds of reasons why the CEL can come on. And the theft system will not set a check engine light, though it can store a P1626 in the PCM for excessive cranking. That code doesn't request the check engine light though.
Remove the negative battery cable for 30 seconds. This works on pre '96 cars.
How to turn off check engine light on a 1996 mercury mystique?
The 1996 Mystique has OBDII (On Board Diagnostics Level 2) and requires a command from a "code reader" or OBDII monitor. It can also be shut off by disconnecting the battery for a long enough period of time, apparently - but I have an Auto XRay unit, so I just use that. If the cause is not repaired, the CEL WILL come back on.
How do you turn off the service engine soon light on a 2004 Chevrolet Venture?
Many GM vehicles have a box near the battery with a bunch of fuses. Pull the cover so that you can see the fuses, look for a button that says "oil" or something similar. With the key on and the engine NOT running, push and hold the button for about 10 seconds. If yours is different, look in the operators manual for instructions.
How do you reset the check engine light on a 2003 GMC Savana?
It is important to make sure the check engine light is not on when having a car inspected. A person can reset the check engine light by clearing the codes that are causing the light to go on.
How do you turn off the engine light on a 2003 Kia Spectra?
the light tells you the engine has a problem turning off the light doesnt turn off the problem but vice versa a machanic can plug ina computer under you stering wheel which will tell them the problem for about $100 when they find the problem labour is deducted from the price but not parts
What does it mean when the Ckeck Engine light is on then a day later it goes off?
There is a fuse and when that fuse shorts out the light willl go on and off. There is a fuse and when that fuse shorts out the light willl go on and off.
as crazy as this may sound, well, here goes. The engine light comes on. Okay.
What alot of people fail to realize is; is that the modern engines are loaded down with vacuum, and oxygen sensors. If you have been allowing your fuel tank to go below the 1/4 of the tank (between empty "E" and a quarter tank) your asking for all kinds of trouble. Moisture forms in the gas tank and is sucked through the fuel line from the fuel pump and the service light sees this as a moisture and so the vehicle's onboard computer is picking this up and disputing this information. Eventually, the sensor (oxygen sensor or dew sensor) may even get so full of moisture that it builds up enough osmosis or water pressure that the engine will actually sputter or miss or may not even run.
So my advice would be to never let it get to the critical point. (Don't wait till it's at a quarter to add fuel.
For now, add stp gas treatment. Put 2 bottles to chase the moisture out, then fill it up with the high super octane.
Put above 90 octane about every 4th fillup. It's good for the engine.
PS: always make sure your gas cap is on good. That's another sure way for moisture to sneak in.
Give it a shot....
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