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ASK THE Auto EXPERT

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, NOW WHAT?

The MIL (Malfunction Indicator is monitored by the ECM (Engine Control hands have a hard time screwing down lem that currently does not exist. A good Light) takes a few different forms. Module) the Transmission is monitored by the cap until it clicks. example of this is a sensor that swings in It can be a picture, symbol, or an the TCM. Body functions like windows, and out of acceptable performance range. icon of an engine; it can say “Service door locks, etc., are monitored by the As a vehicle ages it becomes more comEngine Soon” or simply “Check Engine”. BCM and so on. These modules commu- mon for the light to appear. Don’t freak There are three types of code status. HisWhat it means is that one of the comput- nicate and share information on both High out but do get it checked out. If the light tory, current and pending. History means ers that manage your cars vital systems Speed and Low speed networks. is on and flashing, it’s likely to be a more that the problem happened in the past but is has recorded a fault and wants you to serious issue like a miss fire that can ruin not currently occurring. Current means that know about it. It can represent over 2500 ECM codes are generally P codes, Trans- a Catalytic Converter. When you start the problem is happening now and Pending different faults and until you hook up a mission codes are also P codes. BCM your car you will see the light for a mo- means that the module can see the problem Scan tool to the OBD data port, you can’t codes are B codes and Chassis codes are ment as the instrument cluster does it’s coming but it has not faulted enough times be sure what it means. C codes. Communications problems are light and system check. It should go off to actually request the MIL on. In 1996, any car sold in the US, must have an On Board Diagnostic (OBD) connector in it. They are usually located near usually U codes. The Check Engine light does not represent a single problem rather simply telling you that something is in need of attention. The most common codes relate to the vehicles Emissions system and will not affect drivability but will cause the car to fail ” “ The check engine light does not represent a single problem, rather telling you that something is in need of attention. almost immediately if all is well. Today’s vehicles are much more reliable than ever but that does not mean they don’t develop issues. It’s impossible to simply look at a component and determine if it’s working properly. The code obtained by scanning a vehicle may or may not point directly at the problem. You could get a code for an oxygen sensor but It all appears complicated but not to someone who works with modern cars all the time. You can have your car scanned for free at many places including Auto Parts stores but you would be smart to have a ASE Professional Automobile Technician do a Diagnostic check before simply replacing parts. I will save you time and money. the base of the steering column or under emissions. In fact a person should never you can’t blame the sensor if a rodent ate the dash. This is how Automobile Techni- attempt to go through the state emission through a wire going to the sensor. Mitch Clousner is the Owner of Mitch’s cians hook into the cars network to gather testing process with the light on. It’s a Econo Lube located at 17217 N. Tatum information. guaranteed failure and why waste $27? Sometimes a Check Engine Light will Blvd, Phoenix AZ and has been servAnother common code appears if you come on and then go out. The fault is still ing the NE phoenix community for 23 Vehicles have used computers to manage don’t tighten the Fuel Cap after refueling. recorded in the appropriate module but years. Mr. Clousner is an ASE Certified vital systems since the 1970’s. The Engine Some seniors with poor strength in their it usually refers to an intermittent prob- Automobile Technician.

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