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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 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 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 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
No the Oil Light will not come while you are draining the oil to the correct level.
Just don't have the car running or it will and you will have a Big Mess to clean up.
Just spin off the filter and drain the contents, put in back on and check your oil level.
You may end up putting some fresh oil back in of course it depends on how much "to high" is. Good Luck and Remember.
Change Your Mind, Not Your Oil.
Use the First In Synthetic Motor Oil's.
See My Bio For more information.
What is the most common reason for the Check Engine light to come on in a 92 Lumina 3.1L?
It means that the computer has detected a condition and requires that you use a diagnostic scanner to find out what's wrong. It's foolish to speculate, especially when the computer can tell you exactly what's wrong.
Code readers are used for scanning engine codes on cars when the check engine light comes on. Basic code readers are great for checking engine "P" codes however to read codes and view data for other systems like ABS, SRS, Climate control etc, a automotive scanner that has more features is required. Code readers like the ones available at DenLorsTools.com are perfect for any car owner that would like to be able to scan their own check engine light. It could pay for itself quickly considerring that even leaving the gas cap off can set a code (this could cost $70 plus to have a shop read and clear). == ==
What needs to be done when check engine light on?
Have vehicle scanned to determine the problem - usually in the emission system Have vehicle scanned to determine the problem - usually in the emission system
What does the light of an engine - Check Engine Light - on a Ford Windstar mean?
A good auto parts store will scan codes for free. However, do you research on other forums to learn what each code could 'really' mean. Most the time it's a vacuum leak. Don't let them sell you expensive sensors before researching the codes.
AnswerProblem with emission control system - have vehicle scanned to determine the problem
AnswerThe check engine light (CEL for short) is triggered when one or more of the many sensors on the vehicle detects a not-normal reading,There are 2 basic steps to determining the cause of the CEL coming on:
1. Have the codes read - many places offer to read the engine codes for free. Autozone even provides a printout of the codes, and a short description of common causes
2. Research those codes! Find out the true cause and reason for the not-normal reading. It is not often that the sensor itself is bad and requires replacing.
There are countless sources of information on engine DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) on the internet - including WikiAnswers!
My real-life examples:
DTC code P0402 on 98 Tracer - replaced the EGR valve, light came back. Made my daughter live with it for 2 years. Yesterday I had a few minutes while waiting for the oil to drain and poked around the engine - found a small 2" piece of rubber hose that had softened and collapsed right where the PCV connects. A free piece of hose from Autozone and the light cleared after a few drive cycles!
Major auto parts chain told me my TSP (Throttle position sensor) was bad due to the CEL being lit up (might have been a P1120 DTC). $40 and 10 minutes to replace - ((_#*&$ light came right back. A few days ago, after doing some reading, I bought a $4 can of throttle body spray cleaner - used 1/2 the can on my 98 Sable - voila! CEL is gone again!
*DTC codes P0171 and P0174 - O2 sensors reported lean fuel conditions on bank 1 & 2 on my 2001 Windstar. Some research later found out the 1999-2003 Windstar 3.8l engines had a known problem and Ford issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) describing exactly how to fix it. Instead of wasting $80 replacing perfectly good 02 sensors, I used that money to buy the parts for the repair.
I have added untold miles to the life of my engine, and kicked up my MPG for real savings!
Pay attention to those check engine lights - they're there for a reason. And with the internet today, you can readily find the information to keep your car healthy, and even save some $$ in the process.
the engine light monitors computer sensors and functions, not vital things like temp. oil pressure etc. when that light is on, there will be a code stored in the computers memory. Most auto supply stores can access and read the codes for you, which will tell you what to look for. your particular vehicle is bad about setting a code for being too lean, probably the intake leaking vacuum
Answer- Reset Cel yourselfdisconnect the battery. not sure for how long. (15 minutes?) AnswerSometimes the gas cap not being tight can cause a check engine light in newer models of cars. Sounds silly but worth a try, especially if you recently filled the tank. Take the cap completely off, and screw back in ensuring that it is on straight and tight. AnswerThe check engine light turns on to inform the driver that the computer has detected a 'fault' and that the driver should address the problem. If the light is on constantly, it's considered a "minor" fault but something that needs attention as soon as you get a chance. If the light is flashing it means that something serious has been detected and you need to deal with it NOW!You can either take the vehicle to a shop and have the mechanic connect a code reader to your vehicle
OR
you can take your vehicle to your local auto parts retailer and borrow, rent or buy a code reader that will tell you what's wrong.
Whichever you decide, you won't be able to guess what's wrong, and nobody can help you unless and until you connect the vehicle to a code scanner.
Often it's something relatively simple even though it may be a bit expensive. Oxygen sensors for example can be pricey and you should replace both sides at the same time. On the other hand it can sometimes be as simple as a loose gas cap. The code scanner is a great help and if you intend to do much of your own work it's good to have your own scanner. Scanners can be purchased for as low as $30
Answerits telling you its time to service your van you more than likely have a sencer that is going or is allready done you need to get a code reader done an OBDGOOD LUCK DRIVE SAFE
ComputerThe only way you will know what is wrong ( there could be problems that do not affect the way it runs right now ) is to have the computer codes read. If the light is on there "is" a problem. AnswerIf you check engine light kicks on, I would either get an ODB 2 diag unit and plug it in and check for an error code, or I would let a shop do it. If you do it you can look up what the code means on Google.mk1505 added 1/6/08
On 1998 and 99 windstars a flashing MIL (check engine light) means that the computer has detected one or more misfiring cylinders. You will need to connect an OBDII compliant scanner to the datalink port under the dash on the drivers side to scan the computers trouble codes and determine which cylinders are misfiring.
Disconnect the NEGITIVE Battery Cable and leve it unplugged for 30 seconds, plug it back up - and it will go out
it means your On Board Diagnostic System has detected a problem. there are hundreds of codes it can tell you, each one means something else. If you have a local autozone, go there and they can tell you what the code you are throwing means.
AnswerGo to auto zone and get an OBD 2 test done and they will tell you what is wrong. it could be any thing.The test is free! AnswerMore than likely it is the Check Engine Light. Contact you local Ford dealer. AnswerUsually it is one of the engine sensors not functioning properly, and the PCM isn't receiving the feedback it needs to control the engine properly.It could be an engine sensor picking up something wrong, or an oxygen sensor before and after the engine. The transmission is another item, that might have a problem and cause the engine light to pop on.
That is the check engine light.
See related questions below.
How to Reset Check engine light 2005 Chevy Trailblazer?
Hi,
To reset the check engine light have you tried disconnecting the battery and touching the two terminals together for 30 seconds? This should drain all residual power out of the electrical system and in turn reset your computer and all lights.
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Please use caution if you unhook the battery and you have a theftlock factory GM radio....the radio wont work if you dont know the theftlock code.
The question i would want answered is "why is the check engine light on" ? You may be damaging your catalytic converter. You will want to know the code associated with the check engine.
If there is an Autozone near you they will read and erase the code for you for free. Plus tell you what the code means and if it is anything to worry about.
Best of luck !
See related questions below.
What does a coil look like on the engine?
its round and looks like a can of Campbell soup. maybe one or twoo connectors on top.
its round and looks like a can of Campbell soup. maybe one or twoo connectors on top.
How do you reset ck engine light after oil change on 2001civic?
The check engine light has nothing to do with changing the oil. To turn off the light, clear the PCM code using a code reader or scan tool.
Obviously they didn't "forget" to do the emissions test. They tested it and found out how much it would cost to repair the vehicle, so they sold it to you, claiming that they forgot. Talk to someone at the state regulating agency that oversees used care sales. If necessary, take them to small claims court.
How do you reset the check engine light on a 1996 Buick Regal?
You will need an OBD2 scan tool or code checker to read the code. There is no shortcut on resetting the lamp. It's coming on for a reason. Find out which code is setting, repair the condition and then clear the code. Most of the time, once the repair is made, the vehicle will need to make two or three "trips" without a failure before the lamp will reset. Russtech67
Can you get a service engine code on a 91 corsica without a diagnostic computer?
Yes. On the underside of the dash panel, approximately above your left knee, is a black female connector plug. This is called the ALDL plug, and is where techs plug in their diagnostic instruments. But GM was kind to us poor-boys, and built in a method to extract the basic fault codes that the car's engine computer (ECM) sets. Here's the procedure:
You want to jumper pins A and B. That should be the two upper right pins as you look at the plug.
1. With power off, jumper pin A to pin B (A bent metal paper clip works fine.)
2. Turn the ignition to ON but DO NOT start the vehicle.
3. The Service Engine Soon (SES) light should flash code 12 (1 flash, pause, 2 quick flashes)
4. After a longer pause, code 12 should repeat two more times.
5. If there are any codes stored in the ECM they will follow Code 12.
5a. Codes are two digit, and are indicated by flashes of the SES light. For instance three blinks--pause--four blinks = code 34. One blink--pause--six blinks=Code 16. If multiple codes are set, they will flash lower numbers first, and repeat the sequence of numbers several times. If you Google "GM OBD 1 Codes" there are many sites with lists of what the codes mean. GM says you should address the problems indicated by the lower code numbers first.
6. If no other codes have been stored then Code 12 will continue to repeat until the jumper is disconnected.
7. Incidentally, this diagonostic should also cause the cooling fan to run, testing the wiring, the fan relay, and the cooling fan (radiator) motor.
Good Luck !
Where is check engine reset button on 1991 Suzuki Sidekick?
pull dome fuse above knee. in fuse box. pulling battery makes ecu relearn everything. dome fuse resets memory only.
Maybe just disconnect battery for a couple of minutes and it will reset
How do you reset the check engine light on a 2002 Saturn L300?
disconnect neg and pos of battery for 1 minute
Reset service engine light 2002 Pontiac?
ull have to take it to the shop they'll put a code reader on it and erase the code i think auto zone does it for free
What does the check engine code P2181 mean an a 2009 Porsche cayenne s?
Blocked thermostat. Cooling system performance.
Will car pass emissions in Illinois with airbag light on?
The airbag light would have nothing to do with emissions. If they are doing a safety inspection, it would fail.
How do you make the engine light go away in your 2002 Kia Sedona?
This one is easy.. somtimes the Check Engine light comes on because the fuel cap was not secured tightly after fueling.To reset C.E.L remove the negative battery cable from battery teminal wait 30 seconds.Then reconnect and secure batttery cable.If after starting your sedona the light stays off.Problem solved, If C.E.L returns there is probably another fault causing this. Diagnostics will be required...Good luck..2002 kia sadona owner.
How do you reset check engine light Toyota Camry 2009?
You can take it to Autozone and have them read the code, tell you and then reset it. You can also take off your battery terminals for a couple minutes then re-attach them.
