Check engine soon light comes in
Hi Robert:When the light comes on, one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) are
stored in the engine control module. These DTCs remain even if the light
goes out. To address a Check Engine Light problem, the DTCs are
retrieved and the appropriate troubleshooting information is followed in
order to determine the problem.The Four Most Common Check Engine Light Scenarios and What to Do:* The Check Engine Light turns on and off or flickers.If
the Check Engine Light comes on in the city but goes off on the
freeway, then the fault is present during city driving conditions. Pay
attention to whether or not the vehicle runs or drives any differently
when the Check Engine Light illuminates. If vehicle performance does
change, drive the car as little as possible and take it to be checked by
a service professional as soon as possible. If there is no change in
vehicle performance, you can drive home, but have it inspected as soon
as possible. In this condition, you run a risk of the vehicle dying or
not starting.* The Check Engine Light comes on and stays on.If
the Check Engine Light illuminates constantly during driving with no
noticeable driving or performance problems, there is a permanent fault
in the emission control system. When this happens, the computer that
controls the emission system usually has a backup program that runs
while the fault is present. (These backup programs are often referred to
as "limp home" mode programs.) You should get the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible, but in most cases, the vehicle will continue to
operate, though you run a risk of it dying or not starting.* The Check Engine Light illuminates, stays on, and there are performance problems.This
means that a vital component of your emission control and engine
management system has a serious problem. It usually involves a component
or system needed for the vehicle to run at all. In most cases, drive
the vehicle as little as possible. In many cases, the vehicle is not
safe to drive at all -it could stop or stall out at any moment. It is
best to pull over to a safe place and have the vehicle towed to an
automotive diagnostician for a thorough inspection and repair.* The Check Engine Light light comes on and blinks in a steady pattern while driving.Don't
confuse this steady pulsing of the Check Engine Light light (usually
one or more flashes per second) with a flicker (see above). The Check
Engine Light may stay on steadily or it may flash when the vehicle is
accelerated. This is very serious. There is a severe failure of the
emission control system that is causing the engine to misfire to the
point that the catalytic converter is damaged each time the Check Engine
Light flashes. It may mean that the catalytic converter is overheating
to the point that it will glow red or, in extreme cases, start a fire on
the underside of the vehicle. Immediately pull over to a safe place and
have your vehicle towed to an automotive diagnostician for repair.
Vehicles can be severely damaged and even destroyed by fire if this
condition is ignored for too long.Hope this helps; also keep in mind that your feedback
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