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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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
What caused the check engine light to come on?
Any number of problems can cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. Your best bet is to find a mechanic who can read the codes and tell you what the specific problem is. Shop around, though, because the cost of having a mechanic do this can be anywhere from $15 to over $100. It's a simple procedure, but like anything, if they have a corner on the market they can change anything they want. Or you can do it yourself...it's easy. You can purchase your own code reader through your local auto parts store or on line. I've seen OBD II code readers for as little as $50 on line. The OBD II will work on most post 1996 cars, but not all, so make sure the reader you buy will work on your particular car. Good luck.
It is on because the ECU has detected a problem with the emissions system. It can be a number of things. Have the ECU scanned with an OBD scan tool and that will retrieve the code that has been set. Use that code to diagnose the problem. The code will tell you what part is being effected, not necessarily what part is bad.
The check engine light comes on and stays on when a problem is detected by the self diagnosis system of your vehicle.
Generally, a check engine light is lit when there is a problem in the emissions or somthing that is affecting the effectiveness of the emissions.
What causes check engine light to come on in Honda accord 2004?
In todays motor car we have an huge amount of electronic "junk" that is a pain. (and costly to fix as almost all mechanics have no idea about electronic, so they flood the car with costly parts till the light problem goes away) If your "check engine light comes on stop the vechicle turn off the engine and wait till the motor has cooled down... check the coolant system (use caution with an over heated engine when you lift the radiator cap) and check the levels in both the radiator ,and coolant recovery bottle...WARNING...some cars have no radiator cap and you can not see in the radiator to check the coolant level, you can only see the recovery bottle. If the engine coolant is leaking, the sealed system is opened to the atmosphere and the recovery system will not work.....RESULT a bottle still showing "full" but you will have no coolant in the engine. This is a common problem with "SUPER DOOPER" BMW cars along with their plastic radiators. CURE.. to see what you have in you radiator, ask you mechanic to remove the thermostat from its housing, when the engine is cold, squeeze the BOTTOM radiator hose and you will see water squirt into the recovery bottle from the top or header tank, this will tell you that the RADIATOR is full. With this type of system this is the only way you can be sure. you must remove the thermostat as .if you don't, it will stop you from pumping the water into the recovery tank by squeezing the hose, the water simply wont move. Now, is it a problem driving with no thermostat...NO, your engine simply will take a little longer to warm up and so will the heater. Will it hurt the engine NO, you engine will run somewhat cooler....the next step. after the engine is cool dip the oil , check all brake/clutch fluid levels and automatic fluids, belt tensions and any and all you see fit. If all is well your problem is a light that is playing up. Most "light" problems are caused by a broken wire at the connected engine point, in fact most auto electronics faults are traced to a bad ground (earth) Last , since this light is coming on at times WATCH YOUR TEMP METER LIKE A HAWK as well as you OIL LIGHT / GAUGE. If you find no problem with coolant ,oil etc, you can be reasonable sure it is a dicky light ( MOST ANNOYING).. LET'S go back to the seventies when we did not have all this electronics auto junk built into cars, i have a 1989 4WD that i spent a lot of dollars on , in fact a fully rebuild from stem to stern. it has no bloody electronic junk and i can service / repair it in the back country with no problem. The only people who understand today's cars are the bloody engineers who designed them, do not expect you local mechanic to understand the electronics, it is way above his training.
What caused my 2001 Chevy Tahoe check engine light to come on?
An emission or performance problem will cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. You can take your vehicle to Auto Zone and have the computer scanned for trouble codes. There is no charge.
It is most likely your oxygen sensor
Why is the engine light on 2001 Ford Taurus on?
There are numerous reasons why the light could be on from low coolant level to gas cap not tightened properly. The best bet is to get a diagnostic test. 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
