Check Engine Light

Any time the SES, MIL, CEL(Service Engine Soon, Maintenance Indicator Light, Check Engine Light) comes on, it is due to the onboard computer detecting a condition through its sensors that indicates the need for attention. Usually this is in response to either a preset condition which is in computer memory(like a mileage-related maintenance need); or, more commonly, something is out-of-range in its input to the computer. When this occurs, the computer sets a 'code' in its memory related to the 'fault' detected, and turns the light on. This is a signal to the operator that a code is present which must be retrieved by a technician in possession of the appropriate scan-tool for the purpose of determining what may be wrong. Sometimes, the computer indicates something which can be misinterpreted, like 'O2 SENSOR OUT-OF-RANGE'. This means just exactly what it says: The computer has, for some reason, detected in reading from the O2 sensor input line a signal which is inappropriate as a response for the conditions as they existed when the code was set. It does NOT mean that the O2 sensor is bad, or in need of replacement. It is the mechanic's job to find the reason for the computer to have responded in the way that it did. Perhaps a dirty air filter caused this. Maybe there was a break in the signal wire. Maybe an exhaust leak has allowed outside air into the exhaust stream which was being measured by the sensor, causing an inappropriate reading to be obtained relative to engine speed. Maybe the coolant temperature sensor went bad, making the computer believe the engine was cold when it was hot, and a reading of the O2 sensor output didn't fit in with this information as a proper response. In each of these cases, replacement of the indicated sensor would serve to do nothing except to confuse the issue. That's just an example of why the services of a professional technician are required for the diagnosis and repair of today's computerized vehicles. The alternative is a needless waste of money and time, accompanied by an intolerable rise in frustration. Have the codes read, and go from there.

No, the check engine light does not mean that your alternator is bad. My alternator went out in my cavalier and there were no warning signs until the car started to die on me. the gages, wiper blades(I was using them at the time) and radio were all acting funny-fading and turning on and off. Finally it quit and wouldn't turn over. Had to be towed to mechanic and they replaced alternator with a new one for about $280.00. You can get a rebuilt one, they cost less and it's even better if you know someone who can replace it for you.

You are experiencing a voltage regulation problem. If you look at your headlights during that rev period, they should appear brighter also. The taillights, during braking, load the electrical system and therefore, drop the voltage and cause the lights (all lights, they are most easily noticed) to dim. Go to an Advanced Autoparts store and have them test your charging system for free.

DTC PO171 indicates a lean condition, this is caused by the air flow meter located just behind the air filter on the intake tube, here is how to fix this trouble code: Remove the air flow meter and clean the very small platinum wires inside the housing of the af meter with an electronic circuit cleaner, it is important not to use anything else, you can get it any radio shack or electronics store, just spray it into the opening to clean the accumulated gunk off the wires, clear the DTC and you will be good to go, install a new air filter.

The engine doesn't need to be running. Just turn on the keyswitch with the code scanner connected.

You can take your car auto parts place like autozone, hilow, etc, they should have a portable computer to attached to your car and it will give them a code for the reason of the check engine light is on. It could be something minor , but either way your best bet is to take it to a mechanic that you trust, that has the tools to identify the problem. Don't let it stay on to long or it could turn into a major problem.

When starting your car the computer will complete a light check, most of the dash lights will illuminate briefly and then go out just so that you can see that they are not burned out.

When your check engine light comes on in a Subaru, it disables the cruise control (thus why it is flashing). Take it to your local dealer, it's still under warranty. Check Engine light comes on due to a wide range of possible problems, automatically disabling the cruise control as mentioned above. The problems can range from sensor issues (MAF, Oxygen Sensors, Etc.) to a loose gas cap, to condensation, to a loose connector on a sensor, perhaps even a dying battery, a flaky alternator or a faulty battery terminal connection. It is a catch-all problem indicator. If you are lucky, you can simply reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery for a minute, and the Check Engine light will be gone and cruise control will work. If the error persists, you need to get the error code (if you do not have a code reader or accesspoint, stop by Autozone or somewhere similar and get them to read it for you) see what the error is, and fix the problem. Simple? Hopefully it's not something more troublesome, bad injector, etc.

I have the same problem, and found this info online. It worked for me. It only took 2 minutes before the check engine light went off, and then it started right up. I'm thinking I should replace my windshield since it sounds like the water leak I have is the real problem (I'm actually surprised that he didn't replace his instead of drying the computer off every time it rained).

Engine Mechanical problem

1992 Acura Integra 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 182000 miles

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when you go out to start the car the it will tun over but not start. the engine light will stay on and the car will not crank up. you have to leave the key in the ignition spot until the light goes off. you will then hear fuel inject into the engine and it will crank up and drive fine, but at idle it has some hesitation.we have put a new relay in and it didnt help. we were also thinking about new computer. we took the computer to a shop and he found blown compacators. replaced them and car work great for couple days then did it again. i noticed that the car leaked water through the windshield right on to the computer so i disconected it and took the cover off and blew it dry put it back in and it crank right up. but to start the car now you have to do that or wait about 15 min for the light to go off

Hope this will help it happend to me. It was my cam sensor and the dealer fixed it for free.

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.

It requires an OBDII engine scanner to reset the light. If you don't fix the problem that made it come on, then it will not do any good to turn it off. You need to have the engine scaned to see why it came on to start with.

It could.

No, if you air bag light is on or showing an error in Texas your car will not pass inspection. In some cases the light comes on for no reason and just needs to be reset.

Yes it can.

The check engine light came on for a reason. You need to have the codes read to help determine why the light came on. Once the problem is fixed you can clear the codes with a diagnostic scanning device and the light will go away. Your local auto parts store can help you with this situation.

The check engine light comes on and stays on when there is a problem with the emissions systems. You need to have the ECU scanned with an OBD2 scanner. This will retrieve the code that has been set and tell you what part of the system is being effected. It will not necessarily tell you what part is defective.

The check engine light 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 parts store or a shop that has an OBD2 scanner.

The check engine light 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 parts store or a shop that has an OBD2 scanner.

By having the problem repaired that caused the light to come on and speed to be reduced.

plug in a scantool and read the codes, rite them down , then delete the codes. scantools can be purchased at most auto parts stores for less than a hundred bucks. or call a shop and ask how much to read/delete codes.

the light will come rite back on if the problems are not fixed

You need to have the ECU scanned with the OBD2 scan tool to retrieve the code that has been set. This code will tell you what part is being affected but not necessarily the defective part. To find the real problem you need diagnostic skills.

This code refers to a problem with the O2 sensor. As your vehicle more than likely has up to four sensors it would pay you to take it to ASE certified mechanic and have it diagnosed and the correct sensor replaced. Otherwise you might be replacing a good sensor until you finally found the one that is actually bad. I would highly recommend you check all the electrical connections at all the O2 sensors to make sure they are tight and not corroded. It all the connections seem fine disconnect the negative battery cable to reset the ECU and see if the light stays off. If the light comes back on take it to a certified mechanic for repair.

yes they do, take off valve covers and adjust rockers as noted in repair manual

Misfire condition. You may need a tune up or have a compression loss.

This is your engine management chip light & when illuminated this shows a fault has been stored on the chip. You need to take this to a garage as a reader needs to be plugged into the engine to id the fault. This could be any number of things & cost you anything from 35 quid to 700(trust me, been there plenty of times in the past & now have a nearly brand new engine rebuilt!!) so be prepared to pay for it!