Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOOT BRAKE AND HAND BRAKE

Motorists around the world know  how to use foot brake and hand brake, even non-motorists are aware of their operation but how many are actually aware of the working mechanisms of braking using the pedal and the handbrake? very few, i guess. So without wasting much time let's break down the difference Foot Brake and Handbrake: The Real Difference If you have always been looking for the answer to- “when should I use handbrake and foot brake,” then delve deeper into their mechanisms and find the appropriate answer? 1. Overview Commencing with the foot brake system, it is a pedal connected to vacuum booster, which is used to stop or slow down the vehicle’s motor. This is also known as the system of hydraulic brakes that multiplies the foot-force applied in order to stop a car weighing several tons. Whereas, the handbrake, also known as the parking brake, or emergency brake; is a straight pull handle near the steering column. This can also be a hand-operated lever...

SOME COMMON BRAKES PROBLEMS

LOW BRAKE PEDAL-- This happens when shoe adjusters on rear drum brakes are rusted or sticking and can no longer make up for normal lining wear. Adjusting the rear drum brakes may restore a full pedal but a more lasting solution would be to clean or replace the adjusters. Fluid leakage and worn out brake linings could also lead to low brake pedals SPONGY OR SOFT BRAKE PEDAL-- When air gets inside your brake system a spongy or soft brake pedal is what results. This often happens due to improper bleeding, fluid loss or a very low fluid level. To fix this you have to bleed all your brake line using only a recommended sequence EXCESSIVE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL-- If you experience excessive brake pedal travel, it could be that your brake linings are worn out or your drum brakes are misadjusted or your rear is getting worn out or there could be air inside the brake lines. It could also be any combination of both. This can be dangerous because the brake pedal may run out of travel before the...

CHECKING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

The electrical system of a car is a closed circuit with an independent power source 'the battery' Apart from the main charging, starting and ignition circuits, there are other circuits that power lights, electric motors, the sensors and gauges of electrical instruments, heating elements, magnetically operated locks, the radio and so on All Circuits are opened and closed either by switches or by relays - remote switches operated by electromagnets Circuits have components connected to them,  and to operate these components they require voltage so, no voltage no function' which makes the first order of business when diagnosing electrical problems is to check the circuit's load point(bulb, wiper motor, any element the circuit is suppose to power) for the presence of voltage. If you find no voltage at the load point, you just uncovered the first clue about what a problem might be. Then you can check the fuse, fuse link, circuit breaker and also the relay supplying volt...