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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

Can using different fuel or a faulty gas cap make the check engine light come on in a 1997 Ford Ranger?

Using contaminated fuel can cause an engine misfire which will turn on the check engine light. A faulty gas cap can for sure turn on the light.

What is the cause of random misfire on a 1998 Caravan 3L?

I don't have an answer, but do have a similar problem, with my 1998 GC 3L. In my case, the pending codes seem to be a Cyl 2, Cyl3 and Mutli Random misfire. However, final code is usually Cyl 2 misfire. Mine always happens at 6mph and when the van is slowing down. I have tried the basis, compression, plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor button. Also replaced #2 injector. No change. We do not feel any missing. Van runs very smooth. I am beginning to think it is a computer/sensor problem. It is very strange to me that it ALWAYS happens at 6mph and slowing down. This is based on the frozen data.

In a 1997 Chevy S10 Blazer if the Service Engine light is coming on and nothing wrong can be found and no bad connection what can be done to fix it?

i would check to see if the o2 sensors have gone bad they will throw you a check engine light when they go out

I have the same problem. It is the transmission.

I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer and shortly after the Service Engine Soon light came on, my transmission started "slipping" between 1st and 2nd on an automatic. This only happens when the car gets warm on trips longer then about 15 miles.

What is wrong with a 2001 Elantra if the check engine light flashes and engine is missing?

you've got big problems take it to a shop The engine is mis-firing, and allowing unburned fuel to get to the catalytic converter. IT may cause it permanent damage if it melts down. DON"T DRIVE IT IN THIS STATE. 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. Disconnecting the battery can create other headaches and will not likely solve your dilemma. Best bet is to contact the local snap-on dealer and have him refer you to a known good shop that specializes in this technology-he will know. The " check engine light" is by far one of the most misunderstood technological advances by the public. This is an needed in-depth understanding for the public. It is a warning light that is illuminated when there is a problem affecting the EMISSION SYSTEM only. Emission system being the pollution control system. Don't get a hard on against it as it is a good thing once you understand it. One point that was brought up a 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 that about 7% 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 17 different computers) will run a series of self-tests. They will only run under certain criteria. And they can be vastly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some self-tests are not run until preceding ones have run successfully. So if there is a problem in one particular area that is preventing another self test from running, you can have a situation where one problem is fixed, but another still exists. If you fix a problem and drive the car through a drive cycle that sets the monitor (or self test) the light will go off as it passes that criteria that triggered it in the first place. After 1996, the auto industry went to a idea called OBD II (on board diagnostics). This was to get all the manufacturers onto a similar plane for troubleshooting and powertrain control. While they still differ vastly, many corrections and adaptations were made for technicians to better fix the check engine light problems. Prior to this there were so many different and poor troubleshooting data from a check engine light problem that resolving the problem was much more difficult. Many early warning light of this nature were set to illuminate based on mileage. An Oxygen sensor was one of the things that were meant to be replaced when that mileage was hit. This is much like many current "Change oil lights

How do you reset check engine light on a 1998 Oldsmobile 88?

The check engine ligt is a tool that says you have a computer problem. You to put on a scan tool to see what codes are in the computer and to turn off the light.

AnswerPull 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 by the public. I am sure I will revise this as time goes on, as it is an in-depth understanding for the public. It is a warning light that is illuminated when there is a problem with the EMISSION SYSTEM only. Emission system being the pollution control system. Don't get a hard on against it as it is a good thing once you understand it. One point that was brought up a 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 that about 7% 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 17 different computers) will run a series of self-tests. They will only run under certain criteria. And they can be vastly different from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some self-tests are not run until preceding ones have run successfully. So if there is a problem in one particular area that is preventing another self test from running, you can have a situation where one problem is fixed, but another still exists. If you fix a problem and drive the car through a drive cycle that sets the monitor (or self test) the light will go off as it passes that criteria that triggered it in the first place. After 1996, the auto industry went to a idea called OBD II (on board diagnostics). This was to get all the manufacturers onto a similar plane for troubleshooting and powertrain control. While they still differ vastly, many corrections and adaptations were made for technicians to better fix the check engine light problems. Prior to this there were so many different and poor troubleshooting data from a check engine light problem that resolving the problem was much more difficult. Many early warning light of this nature were set to illuminate based on mileage. An Oxygen sensor was one of the things that were meant to be replaced when that mileage was hit. This is much like many current "Change oil lights� that are set based on a pre-set mileage.

How long does it take for the check engine light to go out after replacement in 1999 Si Civic?

This is not a question that someone should be asking as there are numerous trouble codes that will illuminate the check engine light. You dont "replace" the check engine light. You fix what's causing the light to come on, then reset the engine computer by pulling the main fuse under the hood. If you've properly taken care of the problem causing the light to come on then the light won't re-light. It's always best to reset the engine computer as a first step as sometimes the engine will do something to illuminate the light then resolve itself. Normally on an older Civic the cause is a worn out O2 sensor.

What is the engine code of an 2002 Acura 3.2 TL?

depends on the model of your TL TL premium

1999 - 2003 = J32A1 TL Type S

2001 - 2003 = J32A2

How do you measure incident light?

Incident light is the light that falls from the source onto the subject. It is usually measured with a hand-held instrument (often digital, these days) called an incident-light meter. Readings are usually taken from the subject's position, with the receptor-cell of the meter facing back toward the camera. Some incident-light meters are dedicated to that function. Others can measure "reflected" light (light that is reflected from the subject) and have a module for measuring incident light as well.

How do you turn off the 'maintenance required' light on an 98 Mazda protege?

Did you car just hit a mile marker 50,000 / 100,000 ? "Maintenance required" lights are, for the most part, to protect the manufactor when people do not maintain their car as they should. As long as the "check engine" light is not on,{ this light is important}. Remove the maintenance required lightbulb.

Why is check engine light on 2001 beetle?

it is on because the ECU has detected a problem with the emissions system.

Why is my engine light on?

The "check engine" light is a catch all indication that "something" is wrong. All it really tells you is that you need to go to someone who had a computer that can read the detailed diagnostic codes from your car to find out what is wrong. It doesn't indicate any one particular problem.

Why does your 2001 Mazda melinnia check engine light keep flashing?

A flashing check engine light means you are doing serious damage to your catalytic converter due to repeated misfires in one or more cylinders. If you get a code scanner (or go to an autozone, oreilly's etc. where they scan it for free) you will see a code such as P0301 (misfire, cylinder 1). Your catalytic converter is probably shot now. If it is and If you live in a state that does emissions inspections you will need to get the converter replaced after you fix the misfires. An old spark plug will generally cause the misfires.

What is the diagnostic code P0456 on a 2002 Dodge Caravan 3.3 liter Eng?

It's a "slight" evaporative emmisions leak.

These minivans seem to have an issue with the gas caps, most of the people I've heard of bought an after market gas cap to make it go away, a couple just made sure they tighted their gas caps better. If it's not that, then take it to a mechanic.

(After changing the gas cap take off the neg batt terminal for say an hour to reset the codes, if it still turns up, talk to a mechanic.)

call your local parts store

What could be wrong with 2003 ford windstar that runs rough more so when it rains?

tune up. check wires and plugs possible worn connection and arching off where it should not be.

Why is my service engine soon light on 2003 Pontiac grand am?

There are pages and pages and items that can cause a check engine light. You need to have it checked for codes with a scan tool. After repair light can be shut off with scan tool.

What does it mean when the check engine light appears on a 2000 Cherokee Sport?

Computer has detected a problem with the emissions controls. Fix ASAP. Generally this is an emission problem, it could be something as simple as your fuel cap is not on or it could be much more costly such as an O2 sensor. If the light is just "on" the problem is not critical, but you can not pass emission testing. If the light is "flashing" you should head straight for the dealer for repair. One quick fix - this has worked for me twice - is to disconnect the battery for a few minutes, this will re-set your computer and might turn the light off. answer take it to a auto parts store (auto zone ) they will put a computer on it and it will read a code and tell u the problem is. they should not charge u for it You may also check the wires leading to the rear O2 sensor. They pass over the drive shaft held in place by a clip. The clip hasbeen known to come loose and allow the wires to drop onto the drive shaft. They will then wear and cause the check engine light to come on.

How do you reset the service lights on 1991 BMW 318?

YOU HAVE TO GET DEALER OR SERVICE (MOT GUY) TO RESET OR BUY A GIZMO FROM THE USA ABOUT �80 WHICH WILL RESET ALL B,MS (SO YOU COULD MAKE YOUR MONEY BACK? This is not true for bmw's of this era all you need is some wire (like a coat hanger) and a bit of internet research to simulate the "gizmo" unfortunately I've lost the link from when i did it shortly after purchasing mine. Look for the forums specific to this era of 3 series.

Can lack of coolant cause check engine light to flash?

It depends on what you mean by going off and on. If it happens like a flashing light (check engine) It will not be low coolant. It usually mean that you have a random missfire and that it is bad enough of a missfire that it is damaging your catalytic converter. You need to get to an auto parts store that will check your trouble codes.

How do you read a check engine light on 2000 Chevy S10?

You need a OBD II code scanner. One can be purchased from your local auto parts store for under $100 and it comes with instructions and a list of codes and their meaning, or you can drive to most of your local auto parts stores and they will read your codes at no cost.

Acura TL check engine light on?

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.