Check Engine Light

Not likely but possible. I would suspect a leaking vacuum hose.

No

The computer has detected a problem and there is a code available for you to read. That is the purpose of the light.

A 2000 Honda Accord check engine light will stay on if the ECU is not reset. To reset the light remove the ECU fuse from the engine bay fuse box. Reinsert it after 5 seconds.

It means that the engine computer has detected a malfunction and set a code.

On almost all cars any sensor unplugged can turn on the check engine light.

the check engine light comes on when one or more of about (500 to 1000) computer regulated components either begins to fail, is getting abnormal readings for its purpose thus the check engine light comes on to symbolize that their is a problem. you have to find out what type of problem it is by getting an engine diagnostic, in which they hook up a scan tool pull the trouble code/s and then test components related to the set code to see which are malfunctioning. make no mistake this will cost you about $90 unless you know a diagnostic tech. autozones free check engine light package will not tell you whats wrong it will only pull the code as stated in the above sentences, this does you no good as it does not tell you which part requires replacement. and they will guess do to their inexpertise which if you listen will cost you alot more money than just handling it with a diagnostic. Cylinder misfire(s),the spark plug is firing at the wrong time and that will cause the engine to run rough.

Switch the ignition without starting the car to "drive-mode" (number 2) and hold down the trip-button for a few seconds, turn of the ignition and wait for a few seconds and it will be gone.

There is another problem. see related questions.

P1294, target idle speed not reached.

There are pages and pages and items that can cause a check engine light. You need to have it checked for codes with a scan tool. After repair light can be shut off with scan tool.

You will have to get a OBD2 engine scanner and hook it up and then you can read the codes. Advance auto parts will do that for free. I would just call some parts stores in your area and ask them if thay can scan your truck.

If the check engine light is on, that means the computer has set a code, a number, that will need to be read by a diagnostics unit. Some places like Autozone may still do it for free. Once you have the code, you then need to determine what part is setting the code. For example you may have a code for low fuel pressure. It could be the fuel pump, or it could be one fuel injector, it may be all of your injectors, it may be a blocked fuel line so as you can see the problem is usually linked to a series of parts and the way to determine which part is failing is by testing the parts. Some of this can be done without electronic equipment and some cannot. You may have a blocked fuel filter. I suggest you start with a new fuel filter which is a maintenace item anyway if you haven't replaced it, and possibly a new air filter as well. If you engine is starving for air it will run poorly as well. These 2 filters should be maintained regularly. It takes 3 things for an engine to run, fuel, air and spark. Go get your codes read and then determine a path to finding the problem step by step.

The best way:

Take it to your local retail auto parts store. Most of these stores will plug in their scan tool and tell you what turned on the light.

If it is something that just needs to be reset they can do that also.

If it is something that will just turn the light back on they will tell what the code says, you will have to get the problem fixed so the light will go out.

The 'oxygen sensor'may need to be replaced on '96 Sentra when the check engine light comes on. The should be replaced on the '96 Sentra every 100k miles for better fuel efficiency and to protect the converter.

Because you did not have a faulty EGR valve. You misdiagnosed the problem. Start over and remember the code only tells you what part is being effected not necessarily the defective part. This is assuming you reset the light or drove the car enough cycles for the light to reset. If not then reset the light and see if it comes back on.

its actually code 12 which means that the battery or computer has been disconnected within the last 50 cranks

What engine light. Check engine light means there is a problem that is effecting emissions. Oil light means low oil pressure. Temp means running hot. Maintenance light means maintenance is required, like changing the oil. Owner's manual lists all of these. 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

You need to have the ECU scanned with an OBD2 scanner and retrieve the code that has been set. The code will tell you what part of the emissions system is being effected. This will help you diagnose the problem. Or you can keep spending money throwing parts at the problem until you may or may not find the faulty part.

On any car with an engine light on, go to an auto parts store and have them scan the trouble codes and either fix whatever the problem is that's illuminating the light, or have the person reading the codes to erase them using the scanner.

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 a parts store 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.

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 a parts store 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.

You can reset the light by disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes. It will come back on again if you do not correct the problem that set the light in the first place.

1. Turn off the engine.

2. Press and hold the select and reset buttons on the instrument panel, then turn the ignition switch ON (II)

3. Hold the buttons for approx. ten seconds until the indicator resets.

Remove the four instrument panel screws. On an automatic transmission model you must also remove 2 screws and detach the gearshift indicator cluster. When you pull it out partially.. disconect the speedometer cable from the back. Once you have it out you will see all of the instrument bulbs on the back. Please disconnect your battery anytime your working around or near your airbag system.

Turn the key from off to on, the quickly off on off on off on the codes should show up in odometer spot