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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Check Engine Light officially known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp(MIL) informs you when there's an emission-related problem with your engine control system. Depending on how critical the problem is, your check engine light may stay on continuously or just flash. It will most likely stay so you don't forget it needs checking


If no other warning lights are on, and the engine is running normally (no unusual noises, smells, vibrations, etc.), you can assume the fault that is causing the Check Engine Light to come on is probably minor and won't hinder your ability to continue driving. But if other warning lights are on, you should stop your vehicle, come down and investigate the problem

OBD II - HOW IT WORKS

When the On-board diagnostics(OBD) detects faults that may lead to an increase in emission, the OBD sets a pending code in the vehicle's memory and if the same problem occurs on a second trip, under same condition the OBD system will then set a diagnostic trouble code(DTC) and the Check Engine Light will turn on

PROPER DIAGNOSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Now you are home and you want to know why your Check Engine Light was on. To do this connect a scan tool or code reader to the 16-pin OBD II diagnostic connector under the instrument panel and read out the code but if you don't have scan tool or code reader to do this yourself you can always take your car to an auto parts store. Some of them offer free diagnosis but those who don't charge around the same amount it will cost to get yourself a basic scan tool or code reader

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