0
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
How do you get rid of a check engine light on an 2004 Pontiac grand am?
Disconnect the battery from the car for about 10 minutes; If that doesn't work take it to the shop and have the codes read and reset.
probably something was left unplugged. Go to auto zone and get the codes read for free and it should tell you what it is.
Why would the check engine light come on in a 1998 Honda Civic LX?
I hve a 1998 Honda Civic LX and the check engine light would come on for a few days or longer, and then go off. I have had a mechanic check it out and each time it was the oxygen sensors. I have replaced them 3 times over the last 5 years. Each time I used the cheapest ones I could buy, and that's probably why they did not last long. Now I am using Denso brand and the problem is fixed.
AnswerGo to auto zone and find out for free.Reset check engine light on 2000 astro?
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.
It depends on a lot of factors. Some cars have a distributor cap that is sensitive to moisture. If yours has a distributor cap, pop it off and check the inside for spark "traces" or cracks or any kind of imperfection. If you see any kind of trace or crack, replace the distributor cap. If you don't have a distributor cap and/or don't have a problem with your distributor cap, check the air intake. You need to have some kind of carburator/throttle body de-icer. There is usually a tube that draws air across the exhaust manifold to keep ice from building up when the gasoline flashes to vapor at the injector or carburator. There is usually a sensor and vacuum line at the air intake that controls a valve to draw air across the exhaust manifold when the temperature drops. If that part isn't working you'll have problems in rainy weather. You will literally have an ice ball form if that circuit isn't working.
How do you cut off the Service engine soon light on a 2003 OLdsmobile Alero?
there are two things to do first you can reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for about 1/2 hour then if your light still comes on after that just go to an autozone and they will check the light out for you for free and let you know what needs to be fixed and what code you have.
Since you mentioned the flashing OD light, that could lead you to look into the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) and/or the neutral start switch.
Both are covered in the "Related Questions" below
Otherwise, you may be needing a trip to a professional repair shop for diagnostics
How do you reset the check engine light on your 1996 Honda Accord LX?
You need to borrow or purchase an OBD2 code reader with a check engine light reset. (most code readers have it) But bear in mind that if you don't solve the problem that set the code, the check engine light will come back on shortly.
The check engine light (service engine soon) comes on and stays on when a problem is detected by the self diagnosis system of your vehicle. Generally, the problem is in the emissions or something that is affecting the effectiveness of the emissions, but other causes can trigger the light to come on, too. To determine the cause, the vehicle will need to be taken to AutoZone or a shop that has an OBD2 scanner, or for 1995 and earlier models, an OBD1 scanner, While a scanner will not give you the magic answer, it will give you a code that narrows down the problem area.
The gas cap message can come up on the dash when there is a large vapor leak from the fuel tank. You need to check all of the vacuum lines going from the engine to the tank.
Disconnecting the power to the car, or computer for any length of time will not reset the check engine light, or service needed lights. The memory for these lights is stored in non-volatile memory of the computer in the car.
In an OBDI or an OBDII system you must access the computer to reset these lights.
As a suggestion if you have a local autoparts store they sometimes have a �Loan a Tool� program where you can rent a cheap computer access tool (This is not an endorsement, but I know Autozone rents this tool for both systems).
If after resetting this light, it returns then you will need to correct the problem before it can be properly reset.
1992 Mercury Cougar Engine Light stays on?
The check engine light (service engine soon) comes on and stays on when a problem is detected by the self diagnosis system of your vehicle. Generally, the problem is in the emissions or something that is affecting the effectiveness of the emissions, but other causes can trigger the light to come on, too. To determine the cause, the vehicle will need to be taken to a parts store or a shop that has an OBD2 scanner, or for 1995 and earlier models, an OBD1 scanner, While a scanner will not give you the magic answer, it will give you a code that narrows down the problem area.
Will your car pass pa inspection with the check engine light on?
Your car can still pass the PA emission test with a check engine light on. The details are if your car is 1995 or older, the light on is not as important. 1995 and older cars get the " Tail pipe test " If your cars emissions are within the limits on the tail pipe reading, your car passes with a cel, " Check engine light " on. Now on the OBD ll systems, on 1996 and newer car, and light trucks. You can still pass with a CEL on, depending on how many codes are stored in your ECM, that is your vehicles computer. If your vehicle is 1996-1999, you can still pass with a CEL on if you only have one fault code in your ecm. In other words let's say your cel is on, and the scan shows you have a bad O2 sensor. If this is the only code that turned on your cel, then your vehicle still passes the test. Not many people will tell you this information though! A lot of garages will not tell you that you pass, and try and get you to get the repair done. It is better if you do fix the problem though, as a bad sensor on newer cars can cause driveability problems. Hope this info helps someone!
What is code p0171 on a Ford Focus 2.0l Z tech?
Code P0171 System too lean bank one
The focus had a problem with the PCV Tube collapsing. Over time this makes a hole in the tube causing a large vacuum leak.
Symptoms
You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.
Causes
A code P0171 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters may cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled. There is also an issue with some vehicles where the MAF sensors leak the silicone potting material used to protect the circuitry.
There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.
Possible solutions include:
- In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
- Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
- Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure
On my 1998 Ford F150 i replaced the fuel filter, air filter and i cleaned the MAF (Mass
Air Flow Sensor) with a can of Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner. I then disconnected the NEG battery cable for about 30 minutes to reset the error code. That fixed the problem for me.
.
.
I have a 1998 F150 5.4 - the failure on mine was a vacuum leak at the throttle body end of the pcv line.
How do you reset the oil change light on the message center on a 2002 avalanche?
to reset the oil change lite turn the key in the ignition to the on posicion right before cranking it. then press and release the the gas pedal compleatlly three time with in five secounds. the message center should blink.if not try again this time press the gas pedal four times.
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.
How do you reset check engine light on 2002 Tacoma 34L?
take it to a Toyota dealership, have them run the code through the scan tool and reset the light as necessary
AnswerYou could, if you want to waste your money. All you have to do is disconnect the negative cable from your battery, wait a minute and reconnect it. This resets your computer. Also, you can buy a cheap code reader for around $50 instead of paying around $80 to get it done at the dealership. They are easy to use and plug in usually under your steering wheel or under the seat. They are useful for finding whats wrong but wont tell you great details like the expensive ones do.What causes a engine check light to come on?
That means that the computer has stored a "fault code". You'll need to get a code scanner to find out which component is having problems. You can usually borrow, rent or buy them at most auto parts retailers.
Does a bad O2 sensor cause the check engine light to turn on?
Yes, a bad 02 sensor can cause the cheek engine light to turn on.
It happened to my Honda Accord 96. Autozone OBD states that I have a "Malfunction Oxygen Sensor". I disconnected the negative battery cable and the check engine light went off. Until now it did not came back. It is more than a month now. I save a lot of money.
I heard an Auto Zone commercial yesterday saying that if "your check engine light comes on in your car, then come to Auto Zone and buy a new oxygen sensor" and that would fix the problem.
I went TO 2 Auto Zones today and they both checked my check engine light. both said that my O2 sensors are lean or bad. I further discovered that just replacing the sensors which by the way for 2000 Ford Windstar LX 9 parts are about (129.00) with labor about $250.00 is not a guarantee that the check engine light will go out. However if you do go to Auto Zone be sure to ask them for the codes and what they mean. The best thing you can do is take your care to a certified garage and have them to do a computerized diagnostic, in most cases it will cost you between $70.00-100.00, I will save you a great deal of heart ache $$$ later. There are approximately 900 items that can cause your check engine light to come on. Also, someone suggested disconnecting the battery for a minimum of 6 hours, reconnecting it and driving the Van 250 miles and see if the light goes out. will let you know how that works out.
AnswerSee "Related Questions" below for more...How do you turn off the service engine soon light on a 1994 Chevy G20?
9 times out of 10 replacing the oxygen sensor will do the trick. Or, try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
How do you make your engine light go off?
If it's the "check engine" light you can do two things. One, take it to Auto Zone and they will clear the codes from the computer or disconnect the negative battery terminal for at least 10 seconds. Note, if you still have a problem, the light will come back on sooner or later.
1995 Chevrolet C1500 service engine soon light?
There are pages of things that can turn the light on. You need to have it checked for codes.
See related questions below.
Why does your suzuki Verona 2004 check engine light keep flashing?
A flashing check engine light is an indication of a misfire.
