Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
The check engine light comes on to indicate that there is an OBD II problem and service is required.
This light comes on briefly, as a check to show it is working, when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If the light does not come on, see your dealer/retailer.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. Heeding the light can prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system assists your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, after a while, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle's fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of your vehicle or replacement tires that do not match your vehicle's original tires can affect your vehicle's emission controls and can cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by your warranty. This could also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications.
This light comes on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required. The following can prevent more serious damage to your vehicle:| • | Reduce vehicle speed. |
| • | Avoid hard accelerations. |
| • | Avoid steep uphill grades. |
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady: An emission control system malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.You might be able to correct the emission system malfunction by considering the following:
| • | Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank . The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off. |
| • | If you just drove through a deep puddle of water, your vehicle's electrical system might be wet. The condition is usually corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off. |
| • | If you recently changed brands of fuel, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See Gasoline Octane . Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration -- these conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up. |
| If you experience one or more of these conditions, change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. |
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or might begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help your vehicle pass an inspection:
| • | Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check engine light is on or not working properly. |
| • | Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if you have recently replaced the battery or if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can take several days of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection. |
