Check Engine Light

Make sure the fuel cap is tight.

Yes. This happened to me once and the problem was that the gas station attendant had out the gas cap on crooked. Once I took the cap off and put it back on again, the check engine light went off.

Disconnect the Battery. Negative prefered. Wait a couple minutes and reconnect. This will clear codes on 1994 and older. If the light comes back on, check the trouble codes and a repair may be needed.

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.

If it says the 3 cylinder is having trouble why are you worrying about the fuel pump? Check the plugs and wires.

Specifics may depend on the make and model. Typically, with the engine off and the vehicle on level ground you just pull the dipstick, wipe it off, slide it back in and look at the oil that is now on the dipstick. There is usually some kind of marking on the dipstick that indicates the full mark, and the low mark. Usually when it's low it means that you should add a quart. If it's anywhere in the middle, between low and full, you're probably ok. If the oil is very dark it's time for a change... unless it's a diesel, in which case you just have to keep track of the miles and change it when it's due. Diesel engine oil goes black almost immediately, so you can't get too concerned about that.

Once you disconnect the battery ground for a few minutes the computer will reset. The car will run rough for a few minutes during start-up while it re-learns its parameters; then it will be be fine as long as there are no other trouble codes in the system.

I just had the same problem with my 2000 Toyota Echo. i replaced everything! Mass Air Flow sensor, Throttle Positioning Sensor, throttle body, spark plugs, new springs on coil packs, replaced every and all vacuum hoses, O2 sensors (front O2 sensor costs $125), air filter, etc. I even cut the cat conv off the car to check to see if it was clogged! Luckily i had a parts car to work with. Just out of spite, i changed the metal looking sensor that hooks to the top left of the air filter unit (looks likes there is a metal clip holding it in) and that did the trick. I have no clue what it's called. I know it hooks to the left top of the air filter box. The mass air flow sensor (says MAF on it) is on top and this sensor is to the left of that. try changing that and I bet your problem goes away. Good luck! Maybe. Why not use a code scanner to read the computer trouble code. The check engine light is on to tell you that there is a stored problem code. Why not let the computer tell you what's wrong rather than guessing about it. Code scanners can be borrowed, rented or purchased at most auto parts retailers. Clean the mass air flow sensor. Yours may need to replaced however. Also the oxygen sensors go bad and there are 2 of them. The converter shouldn't cause this hesitation on this car. The fuel pump isn't going to either. Corollas have similar problems and it's the MAF. Also check the vacuum hose on the left side of the air filter assembly. There is a small one that pops off if you or a mechanic replaces the air filter.

To turn off the check engine light on a 1999 Toyota Camry you can disconnect the battery. This will only reset the check engine light. So if there is a persistant problem with the engine, the light is likely going to stay on. To turn off the check engine light on a 1999 Toyota Camry you can disconnect the battery. This will only reset the check engine light. So if there is a persistant problem with the engine, the light is likely going to stay on.

Replace the radiator cap with the proper OEM cap. Be sure and use the exact same pressure cap. If this happens again after replacing the cap, then you need to do a complete service of the cooling system. Drain, flush, replace thermostat, refill with a 50/50 mix of the proper coolant and distilled water, and bleed air from the system. Also inspect cooling fan and water pump for proper operation.

Sometimes it may seem that you have engaged 4WD but actually the lever has not reached its correct position; the light also may come on momentarily and come off a second later for the same reason. On my 2004 TJ, I push the lever slightly to the right and pull it up until the light comes on, then I push it back to the left and pull a little more. Once it won't go any further I can be sure I'm in 4WD.

Sometimes it comes on when you have to replace your air filter due to it being dirty. It will also come on when the gas cap is not tightened or needs to be replaced.

One of the spark plug wires may not be installed properly causing a misfire.

pull the battrey cable pos lead this will reset but it will come back on again go to auto Zone they will read the codes and tell what is bad

Because it is a faulty piece of equipment that GM admitted to on the 05 model, but will not claim responsibility and post a recall. People are getting hurt over this defect in the power assist. Call 1-888-327-4236 and report the problem. If enough people report it, we can all get it fixed before someone else gets hurt.

You may have recourse with the selling dealer. I would give the seller an opportunity to fix it. If he refuses, then contact your state Atty. General. Ask him if the dealer is responsible for a car sold that cannot pass emissions. Also the emissions warranty on most cars is longer than the normal warranty. Look into all options before paying someone to fix it yourself. It needs to be scanned with an OBD2 scanner to find out why it will not pass, and what the problem is. The Check Engine Light should be on. If it isn't, see if the bulb is good, if not you may have been duped by the seller.

it will automatically reset after a couple of days. Make sure you didn't lose the o-ring that seals the gas cap. especially if you accidently drop it when filling up. Some kia gas caps do not have the cap restraint on any more. the ob2 gas cap code will automatically clear ,but if you want to make sure you can go by autozone and they will check it. But usually once the code goes away it is not still stored as the above statement suggests.

I asked this forum for the answer and found it myself. I actually resorted to reading the owners manual. Here's the answer...

-Make sure the engine is off.

-Press and hold the RESET button on the Trip Odometer.

-While holding this reset button turn the key until the dashboard lights come on (the Accessories position).

-Keep holding the Reset button for an additional 10 seconds.

-After 10 seconds the check engine light should go out. It is now reset.

I tried this today and it worked. The light hasn't come back on yet. There are various reasons for the light coming on. In my case I needed an oil change and the mechanic forgot to reset the light when he was done. If you truly have a problem, it will come back on.

That is wrong, that is how you reset the maintenance required light. Check engine light is a different light.

It could.

They got a check engine light when they went to fuel injection. Varies from make and model. Most got it in the mid '80's

my check engine light stays on and the o/d light blinks....what could this mean?

No

Depends on what is wrong. If the engine is running perfectly and you notice no drop in mpg, or power then there is no hurry to get it fixed. However if that is not the case you should get it fixed immediately.

Trouble code P0440 means:Evaporative emission control system malfunction

You need a code reader that plugs into car's diagnostic port.