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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
How do i get the check engine light codes on a 2004 dodge neon?
Cycle the key to the ON position, then to OFF, then to ON, then to OFF then to ON and leave it there. Where the miles are normally displayed a letter P and a set of numbers will come up. EX: P0303. Once it says DONE it is done displaying the codes. When you have the code(s) use google to look them up. "2004 Dodge Neon trouble codes".
What does check engine symbol looks like?
The check engine light has a couple of variations, but is overall similar in all vehicles. It appears as either a small engine symbol with the words 'Check Engine," or without the words (or without the symbol and only the words).
You might also see:
- Service Engine Soon.
- Check.
- An engine with a hazard symbol on it.
(See related Links for images of the Check Engine light)
If your asking what the symbol is meant to look like, its an engine.
How do you reset the service engine soon light on 2003 Mitsubishi?
Go to your local Auto zone they will read it for free. If there are no faults they will reset it if it has faults they will tell you what to fix.
What would make a check engine light go on in a 1998 Honda Accord EX 98?
From my experience, its usually the bank 1 oxygen sensor. Lemme guess it sometimes goes off. But, always come back. Some strange reason the most expensive oxygen sensor goes out on the 98 Accords. Just to be sure find someone with a OBDIII reader, just to make sure. If it's a 4 cyl it could be the gas cap being loose.The convertor being worn (if it is and under 80k bring it to a dealer it will be for free)It could the fuel pressure regulor.But the most common is the canistor vent shut valve. If it is a V6 gas cap loose, canistor vent shut valve inop. or the convetor or the EGR tubing is clogged. If it's the EGR bring ti to the shop the intake maniflod must be removed and drilled and egr valve be replaced. Plus 8 yrs 80K miles all emission stuff is free. I have never seen a 98 Accord with a bad O2 sensor. Our Check engine lightm came on. We took it to "Auto Zone" parts shop. Their 'machine' said it was an O2 sensor. But when we took it to a car dealer, their 'machine' said it was the Cadalitic Converter. 2 weeks ago the light went off and hasn't come back on.
If it flashes it means damage is being done to the converter, don't drive it in this condition. If it does not flash, take it into an independent garage to have it looked at within a few weeks. It is emmission related. 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
What is the step button on a grand Cherokee to reset the service engine soon light?
You will not get a correct answer without veh info...spec production year. By the way, there is no such thing as a "step button" to reset the C.E.L. It requires the P.C.M to be "scanned" and code cleared.. but there is some alternate ways to solve problem short term.
1995 jaguar xjs v12 check engine codes FF 37 and FF 44?
Yes.
Whom ever just left this "yes" answer is a jerk! gO TO JAGLOVERS.ORG they have free down loadable books for your answer. Plus there is a forum for members to post and answer questions. It is a great resource with great people.
What is check engine code P0845 for 2002 Dodge Durango?
Trouble code P0845 means:Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch "B" circuit
I also have been fighting this demon. I've had the engine codes read and reset twice. I believe there is a short/bad connection on a harness somewhere. I've replaced the engine coolant temp sensor which didn't solve this problem. My temp gauge reads 0 and the coolant fans remain on constantly (both). My problem comes and goes however. I'll let you know what I find.
This is an update to my problem. I have installed a new coolant fan thermostat because now that it is Summer, my Malibu's coolant fans only operate when the air conditioner is turned on.
It didn't seem to fix my problem. My coolant gauge just decided to stay dead again. (it did however keep my car from overheating any more)
I had the same problem as the one above. I replaced the engine coolant temp sensor on 11/22/09 as my first try and still had the the problem. My next step was to replace the thermostat .... but first drain out at least 1/4 of the coolant. The thermostat removal was tough -- the top thermostat bolt on the cover is easy if you remove the nut and the two small little hoses on black piping bracket above in front of it and using a 13mm socket on a short extension go under the black pipe to remove top cover bolt -- not so hard at this step.
This next step was a nightmare, it was removing the bottom 13mm bolt on the thermostat cover. I made a couple of tools by cutting a junk 13mm open and closed end wrench in half to make a shorter set as there is no way with a long wrench - experiment on your own method here as there is not much room for hands or long tools especially if you don't have " EVERY TYPE TOOL IN THE WORLD. "
I put the new thermostat in and all else back together then refilled with Dexcool.
Note: be sure to purge air out of the coolant system - (1) loosen air purge cock ( about 1 or so turns ) located on front top pipe bolted on water pump passenger front side - as you are putting in coolant slowly during the circulating fluid process observe air purge cock outlet until all bubbles - air gone / coolant will be clear - bubble free. And also do not forget to re-tighten the air purge cock or over tighten it (brass).
(2) It's also a good idea too speed things up by removing one end of the small air return hose ON THE PLASTIC COOLANT TANK (just follow hose out from to top passenger side of radiator ) keep filling until full line on plastic tank is level then connect the hose back up - make sure too that air inlet pipe connection on / in plastic tank is not plugged up " (or cold) " as it will possibly break when removing this hose in the winter. Also, check tank level sensor for good connection on bottom. After all of this my engine light went out and thermostat temperature gauge works like new and my heater works better and hotter than the day I got the car.
I do not know if un-purged air trapped in cooling system will make this problem in someway later reoccur in case an inside pressure coolant sensor (??) is detecting low circulating fluid pressure from pump. If it does reoccur again for me (?) = I will update this article.
Why is ets and check engine light on on a 97 Pontiac sunfire convertable?
change the oxygen sensor and remove the positive battery terminal for two-three minutes to let the computer reset. This allows the computer to recalibrate for the new sensor. You might have to drive for a while for the "cycle" to complete. That's it.
How can you fix code 43 on 1987 Chevy truck?
Code 43 = Electeroic Spark Timing (EST) circuit low voltage detected
OR
ESC circuit problems.
Without being there to put a meter on different components and check it out, all I can do is point you to the electronic spark control module.
What does a code PO171 system too lean on my 2003 Chevrolet Malibu mean?
It means that the oxygen sensor is detecting a lean condition. This could be just a vacuum leak.
HOW DO I FIND THIS LEAK AND WERE IS THE MAF SENSOR LOCATED
Why does the check engine light come on and how do you reset it?
The "check engine light" is a warning light that is illuminated when there is a problem with the EMISSION SYSTEM only. Emission system being the pollution control system. It is a good thing once you understand it.
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The " check engine light" is also known as a malfunction indicator light (MIL). You can disconnect the battery red lead for about 5 min and it will reset. However, if there is a hard fault, it will come back on.
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Disconnecting the battery won't do the trick on OBD 2 vehicles.
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Without a scan tool designed to reset the electronic control module (ecm) a do-it-your-selfer can't reset the check engine light.
Pull the codes from the computer using an OBD (II) code reader. Match the code to the troubleshooting procedure, follow the procedure to find the source of the fault. After you have repaired the fault, the 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.
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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 lights of this nature were set to illuminate based on mileage. An oxygen sensor was one of the things that was meant to be replaced when that mileage was hit. This is much like many current "Change oil lights" which are set up to come on after a pre-set mileage.
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Great question and good answer above. There is one thing to add however. On my 2004 Buick for example I am required to manually reset the "check oil" light myself every time I get an oil change. This ensures that the system understands the condition the oil is in. If/when I do not reset it, not long after my expected date the light goes on by default as a reminder.
Your instruction manual would outline this. Mine for example is simply...
1. Insert key
2. Turn key to ON, without engaging engine (just before the engine cranks, and leave key there)
3. When placed to ON, press and depress the brake slowly 5 times in 5 seconds.
4. Turn key to off.
5. Turn key and start engine.
The check engine light is now reset, if it returns shortly it is an actual issue, rather then a reminder.
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Some Ford Mondeos have a 'Service interval expired' warning light. It is pretty much the same as the "check oil" light mentioned in the answer above.
On that type of Ford Mondeo there is a small hole in the display screen in front of the 'Service interval expired' warning light. To reset it, just turn the ignition key until the all warning lights come on but do not start the engine. Then press a tiny button in the warning light display panel by poking a straightened metal paper clip through the hole. If you hold it steady for 10 seconds whilst keeping the ignition on, the warning light goes out. It will come on again when the service time period again expires.
Autozone offers a service to read the codes for free with their scan tool and I'd think that they'd be willing to reset it after reading it.
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 ETS light comes on usually in responce to a cooling system problem in Cavaliers. The first thing to do is check your fuses. The Check Engine light always comes on when the ETS light comes on. You need to be concerned with this ETS system first. Usually it is your 30 amp fuse that needs to be replaced. On most cav's the fuse box us under your hood, on the right hand side. There are two fuses that are for the coolent system. Check these fuses first. If the fuse is blown, change it and the dash light should go out. If the fuse blows in a week or so again, then try to read the codes like the guys above say. When the fuse it out, the code reader is just going to say that you need to check your fuse. This is what happened in my car, and my mechanic said it was pretty common in these cars.
ETS stands for Enhanced Traction System, and has nothing to do with emissions or cooling. The Check Engine light does mean the emissions system has a problem. Have the computer scanned for the codes by someone who is able to interpret the codes and not just throw parts at the problem. This takes skill and knowledge, so take it to a professional, and don't waste money guessing.
no you need the catalytic converter replaced or removed but the o2 has a code of its own which it is P0141 and says the sensor is malfunctioning
Why is my check engine light not working?
If the light is not coming on when you turn on the ignition, check the bulb, it may be blown.
What causes the alternator light to come on?
It usually means that the alternator isn't charging properly.
What would cause the check engine light to come on for a 1994 Honda Accord LX with 174K miles?
Too many things to list. Take it to Autozone or some place similar and they will most likely read the computer trouble codes for free and you can have a better idea of where to go from there.
Why is the check engine light on in 2004 Jeep Liberty?
Could be any number of reasons. Get it to someone that can hook it to a computer and find out what is wrong before it becomes a Major issue. Good Luck.
Code p1443 and changed the canister purge valve but check engine light still on?
you need to unhook your negative cable for a few that will reset>
How do you set check engine light on 2001 Toyota Sienna?
Disconnect the negative battery cable for five minutes. This should reset the check engine light. But know that if you have not repaired the problem that set the light in the first place it will just come back on.
How do you reset beats wireless mine has a very dimn red light on wont turn off or on?
Wait for the battery to die. Your headphones will function properly one you recharge them.
If the check engine light stays on how do you get the fault code on a 2001 Dodge Stratus?
You need a scan tool to read fault codes.
