Check Engine Lights: Myths and Facts
You're driving along and suddenly your Check Engine Light comes on. What does it
mean? Check Engine Light, Check Engine Soon Light, Service Engine Soon Light, Engine
Light, Engine Management Light, whatever you want to call it, simply means that
your vehicle's computer system has detected a problem.
Depending on the year, make, and model, it may be related to the engine, the transmission,
even the brakes and suspension. There are literally hundreds of reasons a Check
Engine Light may appear. The following question and answer discussion will clarify
the truth about Check Engine Lights.
Service Engine Soon Light FAQ :
Can the car be driven? The general rule is: if the Service Engine Soon Light is
on, and the car seems to be running ok, you can drive it. However, you should have
it checked at your earliest convenience.
If your vehicle is running poorly-bucking, stalling, hesitating, or you just don't
feel safe, tow it. When in doubt always tow it!
The check engine light went out by itself. Is it ok now? Probably not. Check Engine
Lights often come and go. Even if the light is out, your vehicle's computer system
will retain information that will allow the problem to be diagnosed. To avoid potential
long term issues, get it checked out.
My check engine light stays on. What should I do?
If your check engine light stays on constantly, follow the instructions above, under
"Can the car be driven?" Don't panic.
Can I disconnect the battery, or pull a fuse to reset the service engine soon light?
Maybe, but I wouldn't. Removing the battery cable or an ECM or PCM fuse may clear
the code, but it is not universally recommended in the industry. Most manufacturers
advise against it. See the Best Way to Reset Check Engine Light Codes below.
What is the Check Engine Light?
The Check Engine Light is a warning light for multiple systems operating in your
vehicle. In simplest terms, it's like an engine management warning light to alert
you of a problem. Just like your computer pops up with an "error message window"
saying that something's wrong, your service engine soon light pops up to warn you
that it has detected a malfunction: mechanical, technical, software, or otherwise.
How to Reset Check Engine Light?
This is a great question! I get it all the time. See the guide below.
Resetting Check Engine Light :
First, if your Check Engine Light is on, it's on for a reason. The Check Engine
Light indicates that your vehicle's on-board computers have stored a fault code.
There are hundreds of fault codes, any one or more could be stored in the computers
memory. Fault codes are critical for accurate diagnoses of the problem.
Sometimes the fault code points directly to a faulty component, allowing for a quick
diagnoses and repair. Other times, the code may only indicate a problem circuit
and thus extensive diagnostic procedures may be required.
By resetting the Service Engine Soon Light, it erases important fault code data
that turned the check engine light on in the first place. Without this critical
information, the root problem can not be discerned.
Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted way to safely turn off a check engine
light. Even if there was, if the root problem is not addressed, it will come back
on.
So whether it's a Chevrolet Service Engine Soon Light, Camry Check Engine Light,
Mighty Max Check Engine Light, or a 1993 Thunderbird Check Engine Light, they require
individual procedures to diagnose, repair, and reset the check engine light code.
Following is a Safe and FREE way for resetting check engine light codes.
Best Way to Reset Check Engine Light Codes :
If you're not interested in diagnosing your truck, SUV or car Check Engine Light,
or it's already fixed, and you just want the engine light out, visit any local repair
shop. Most shops will have a universal Check Engine Light Code Reader that can quickly
and safely reset, and check engine light trouble codes. It should take about 30
seconds.
Note : European models are better off with a specialist, and some older vehicles
may require more time.
Here's what to do :
Politely ask your local service center (ask a technician if you see one) if they
could reset the check engine light with their Check Engine Light Code Reader. They
may protest, arguing that the problem must first be diagnosed.
Tell the service representative that you understand fully, and that you appreciate
his professionalism. But that you would just like to try resetting the Service Engine
Soon Light, and if it comes on again, you'll come back for a full diagnosis.
Be genuine. Service representatives respond positively to sincerity. If the service
center wants to charge you just to reset your Service Engine Light, try another
facility.
Alternatively , you can visit a parts store such as Napa or AutoZone. They
will reset you check engine light for free. Just don't let the parts guy sell
you anything in an attempt to fix the problem! Parts representatives are not
technicians.
IMPORTANT , check engine light repairs can be quite costly given their technical
nature. Service centers can easily hide behind complex technical language to inflate
the difficulty of your problem. Learn more
Top -Theodore P. Olson ©
Service Engine Soon Light
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