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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 does the Check engine light comes on after starting and then goes off after driving?
The check engine light ALWAYS means that the computer has detected a "fault". Rather than have a special light for every conceivable problem that might EVER come up with your engine, the check engine light is supposed to warn you to read the codes that the computer has detected.
Even if the light goes off there should be a "stored code", meaning that there should still be something in the computer. If not, have the codes checked when the engine is cold, see what you can find.
If the same code returned you need to check for causes for a lean condition. ie: low fuel pressure, improper airflow, misfire, faulty sensor,...... If a different code, diagnose it.
96 is when obd 2 started but most manuf. had early version. the plug usually determined between 1 and 2. in extremely rare cases. gm. they might have a 2 conncector but 1 codes. just try both 1 and 2 with your scanner. you must have a scanner!!! There are no "correct" codes for Control modules.. unless you count the "1..1" {system pass} for the EEC-IV. Codes indicate a fault or error observed, either in real time or in running history. All TBird 4.6L (94 up) and 96-97 3.8L are EEC-V OBD-II, the others are all EEC-IV. There are actually two sets of codes relating to OBD-II, Standard/generic and MFR specific. here's a Ford -specific list: http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/eec-vobd2.shtml Note this list: http://www.obdii.com/codes.html Ford is Mfr "1" thus you would put a 1 in the first digit spot but the meaning is a little less specific in some areas. I assume you already know you dont actually NEED a scanner, though they are a good idea if you do your own maintenance... Autozone and several other parts stores will read the codes out for free. Insist, however, on getting the actual code and not just their definition of the code.
It is emission related. 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. OR hook up a scanner that is capable of clearing codes, and hope that none are still active.
Answerturn on car to where the check engine light comes on, dont start, pump brakes 3 times then start. I have a kia.
New AnswerI have a 2001 model Sportage, that has just started having this problem also (apart from engine rebuild, water pump, brake master cylinder and many trips on the back of a tow truck, it's been that many times it now knows it's own way onto the truck). When researching this on the net I also found another answer which relates to disconnecting the battery terminal, then reconnecting to see if light goes out (this worked for me me 1st day, now back on again, reason I came across your page) then the write up mentioned that he had to take his car to Kia and found that it was the oil pump, so as per his advise I will firstly try your method of brake pedal, if this is no fix I will take to Kia (AGAIN)to run on computer, anyone thinking of buying a Sportage, "DONT !!!!!!", I have even had to write to the head of Kia Australia to actually get a waranty claim made in the first year of owning.
Further AnswerI tried the brake 3 times on my 2001 model, did nothing, but after a full investigation over all pipes and tubes, I found one of the tubes coming out of the charcoal canister (I assume anyway)that at the base was a very small crack, so yesterday I fixed the tube and reset the circuits by undoing battery for a few seconds as in previous answer supplied, and as yet no warning light is on, but going for a big drive today, so I will post results for anyone who is interested.Real Answer
a check engine light is a warning that one or more sensors are reading odd numbers or are not working. with over 100 individual computers on this car, i cant say what it is. none of these answers will work, only reset the computer until it runs the test again, and finds the same problem. you can find a 40 dollar code reader to find out SPECIFICALLY what it is and go from there.
ANOTHER REAL ANSWER
If you live in the US, any auto parts store will run a diagnostic check on your check engine light for free. There is no reason to take your car into a shop and pay for a diagnostic test.
Once you know what the code tells you, you can address it.
Generally, the code that I deal with the most is a generic emissions code that, 95% of the time, is nothing more than a gas cap that isn't tight enough.
What does the check engine light look like on a 2000 Ford Focus?
A little picture of an "engine" to the left of the speedometer. Turn on the ignition without starting the car and the light should appear. If it does not, the bulb is burnt out or has been removed.
Check fuses
How do you reset the check engine light on a 1999 Honda Odyssey?
Try disconnecting battery for about 10 mins. or have vehicle scanned to determine problem and have codes cleared
Why does the check trans light come on in a 2001 Isuzu rodeo?
Poor GM engineering is the real reason that the light comes on. But seriously you need to have a dealer or service tech hook up the truck and get the code to determine why the light is coming on. Remember that this is a sealed transmission, GM decided to engineer it to never be serviced. So most repairs will need to be done by the dealer or a transmission shop. And don't let them scam you about changing the Transmission oil, like I said, it's a sealed transmission, they can't change out the filter and oil on it.
Does a GPS theft system cause the check engine light to remain on?
Depends on the vehicle, but most of the time no.
How do you reset check engine light on a 1997 Chevy venture?
With the vehicle off, remove the positive battery cable for about 10 to 20 seconds then put the cable back on the terminal of the battery. If the check engine reappears then there is another problem with the car.
Addition:
Although the above procedure may work, another alternative would be to check what is causing the Check Engine Light to come on using a scan tool or code reader. You can get a code reader pretty cheap at most auto parts stores, and some stores will even lend you a scan tool to check what the codes are, and some will do it for you at no cost. That way you will at least know what is causing the issue and have a chance of fixing it if the light does come back on.
What does P0420 bank 1 code mean?
Code P0420 means "Catalyst System Efficency Below Threshold (Bank 1)" P0420 is actually Catalyst System Efficiency Below ThresholdCatalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold.
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder #1. This code means that the catalytic converter is not cleaning the exhaust properly or the oxygen sensors are sending false info to the computer.
What are the enhanced scan tool capabilities on a Modis scan tool?
The MODIS Scanner graphs up to eight parameters of live data and displays complete trouble code descriptions for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Jeep and Asian imports.
If you mean a circle that looks sort of like a gear with an exclamation mark in the middle, it represents the Transaxle fault light. Have it looked at by a mechanic. I had this light come on while driving 75 mph....it slammed me hard. I dropped from 75mph to 45mph very quickly without doing anything. I noticed that the "transaxel light" came on. So I took it to Ford and they checked it out. The light came on as a safety warning. My battery cables were too hot. They replaced them and I've had no problems since. Good Luck !!! Ford zx3 owner
How do you reset the check engine light on a 1991 4 door Saturn?
You reset the light by unhooking the battery for 30 minutes. But the light will come right back on after a couple of driving cycles. The light is on because the computer has detected a problem with the emissions system. Have the computer scanned and this will help to find out what is wrong.
What makes the Check Engine light come on in a 1996 Saab 900S?
Whether in a Saab or any car, the CHECK ENGINE light is an indication that something has gone out of spec. It is most often something in the emisisons system. A code is stored in the car's on-board computer and needs to be read with a diagnostic computer. Once the problem has been diagnosed, the technician can proceed with repair. Saab generally uses a proprietary computer system, so only Saab dealers have the proper diagnostic computer. Some independent Saab shops have purchased used computers from Saab dealers and may be able to help. == == the check engine light will come on as a function of mileage since the last time it was reset. I don't remember >exactly< how to reset it so it doesn't come on each time you start the engine, but I do remember it has to do with using the "clear" button on the SID. I think you hold the clear button down, and after 4 or 8 seconds it will change it's mode and display...but keep holding it down and a few seconds later it will actually clear and reset the 'check engine' light. Sorry I don't remember what mode the SID display should be in to start the clearing process. (I just bought a 1996 SAAB 900 convertible a few months ago...had the check engine light start coming on, did some web searches and came up with this solution...which I partially remember. :{)
What would cause the engine light to illuminate on a 2000 Honda Odyssey?
there is no way of knowing unless you have your vehicle scan for trouble codes.anything we tell you will be nothing more than a guess. You can go to Advance Auto or Auto Zone and they will scan it for free and tell you the code and what the code means.
How does one read the code for the check engine light on a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Cycle the ignition key three times from off-run, off-run, off-run. Then watch digital odometer display for codes. It will say "done" when all codes have been displayed.
What could a service engine light mean on a 1997 Cadillac Seville?
It means the engine computer has detected a malfunction and set a trouble code.
What do Track off and check engine light mean?
There are pages and pages of things that can cause a check engine light. You need to have it checked with a scantool. Then the code can be diagnosed and repaired.
What does error code PO172 for the check engine light mean on a ford mustang 3.8lt?
The error code means "bank one fuel too rich". Too much gas spraying in (for a number of possible reasons)
Hi there
Had the same code and did some research after numerous trips to the dealer.
Bought a new Original MOPAR lockable gas cap at the dealer, nada.
Could have saved those 50 EUROs.
Bought a handheld vacuum pump with manometer for 30 EUROs and checked all the vacuum lines starting at the manifold. Found some small leak in the natural leak detection switch (diaphragm was cleaned and reset with some hylomar liquid gasket at the housing contacts, where some dirt tracks were found). Found some lines with cracks whcih were replaced, despite showing no vacuum leakage.
Purge solenoid was checked and worked as expected, same with the NVLD.
Code was purged, but did return after a few days.
Took the old original non lockable gas cap and dismantled such, since putting this one on again before did not solve the problem. Code came back.
Found a few areas of concern (vent valve seat, main O-Ring hardness) and expected the same with the "new" original lockable gas cap.
Turned to the net and spent 23.50EURO on a aftermarket lockable gas cap (CST5907).
Took it out of the box and found it to be different than the original MOPAR.
Different vent valve design, much softer main O-ring.
Lock works much better than the Original.
Put that one on, purged the code.
Has been a few months now and quite a few refills, code did not come back (yet?)
The NVLD system offers quite a few areas of potential failures, at least with our Durango it seemed to be the gas cap.
Best of luck!
What could cause the engine light to blink on a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu LS?
Most likely a ignition or fuel problem. Blinking is a major warning something is wrong, try going to a auto zone as they can check codes to let you know the problem. Hope this is a little help
Why would the check engine light come on in a 2000 Chevy Impala?
Hundreds of things could cause the check engine light to come on as with any car. To determine what the problem is you must use an OBD II code scanner. Autozone or some other diy parts stores will do this for you for free.
AnswerAlways check the Gas cap to make sure it on tight. A loose gas cap can cause this to happen. AnswerIt's either a faulty catayltic (sp) converter (We have a 2001 Impala and have had to have a new one installed twice), a faulty oxygen sensor or the gas cap (either not screwed on just right or, being 7 years old, the gas cap is not sealing correctly and you need a new cap. Good luck. AnswerOn my 2000 Impala, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve has required replacement about every two years. This causes the check engine light to come on. A sure way to determine if the EGR is at fault is to drive from a cold start, go for 10-15 minutes at 50MPH, and then coast to a stop. If the check engine light comes on during decelleration, the EGR is faulty - this is a GM test protocol for this vehicle. The EGR's function is to recirculate exhaust gases back into the engine for reburning, and if it is not working properly it can lead to poor fuel economy or failing emissions tests.Answer
here is a really common problem and fix. start your car andOpen up your hood and take some carb cleaner and spray it on all the rubber hoses you see in your hood. Carb cleaner evaporates so dont worry about messing anything up, and if you here your engine idle up then you have a vacuum leak and this is a very common problem.
How do you turn off the Service Engine Soon light in a 1996 Saturn SL2?
There is no reset switch ... it's a warranty/mileage item in the memory module. When the light comes on, instead of taking the vehicle in for service, try diconnecting the battery for about five (5) minutes before reconnecting it. The light should go out. If it doesn't, then a technician needs to check your system. I've had to reset the light on my 2000 Grand Marquis 3 or 4 times already.
Suljer Virginia Beach, VA
If you disconect the battery for 15 seconds and that does not make it go out then you will have to take it to some who can reset your computer.
if you have an autozone close by they can read, reset/clear any codes you have on your ecm..
The '96 and newer, I believe, need an OBD II scan tool. Don't just jumper the ALDL under the dash or you'll blow your PCM. The SES light coming on is the PCM telling you there is a problem somewhere in the system, and you should get the code to see where it is. Fixing it will shut that light off, after resetting the PCM (disconnect battery for 15 seconds, or pull the PCM B fuse for same time and then replace).
this may be random but i had to post just in case (i own a 94 sl2) i had put an after market air filter on the car, and removed the IAT sensor on the snorkle, that made my "service engine soon" light come on, put the iat back on, light went away, AND this was during a period where i disconnected the battery every night so i do not believe the battery trick is gonna help you in a Saturn...unless you truly DONT have a car problem that needs to be fixed, but if you do, then that light is not going to go away until you remedy that problem.
