What does that mean when "check engine" light is on?

Question

94 Chrysler, V6, 3.8ltr engine. Light went off if I stopped engine even immediately re-started it. It wil be on about every 10 miles of driving.

Answer 1

It means you should take it into the shop to find out what's wrong.

Answer 2

Don't panic, but go somewhere that can "read" your car's computer codes. Around here, Advance Auto will do it for free, I don't know where you are. Once you know the code, you can address it. It could be something as simple as an oxygen sensor gone out (no biggie). I also have a Hyundai and my check engine light came on after just 10 months of ownership. Turned out to be a poorly programmed computer that didn't know how to handle cooler temperatures. I went to the dealership and they fixed it right up with a software update. We also have another car (a 2004 Impala) whose light came on, and the code is "cylinder 1 misfire" and the shop is yet to figure out what's truly causing it. Just go get the code 'read' and then you'll know where you stand.

Answer 3

Your car's check engine light is an early warning system for things that are going wrong or will be in the near future. If you're a do-it-yourself kinda person, check your owner's manual (which can be found for free on line) for a self-diagnosis mode on your car's CPU, if you're not, consult your local mechanic who will run the diagnosis themselves and tell you what if anything is setting off the codes.

Now, if you want the light off to just pass inspection, disconnect your battery totally for 10 minutes or more, then drive to the inspection place within 30 miles and you will be fine.

Answer 4

Usually the check engine light is related to the egr system. You may want to start with a valve, but check the fault codes first by keying on and off the ignition three times(last time leaving it on) and checking the flashes. This is the easiest way to determine an emissions fault. Hope this helps.........

Answer 5

Doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. Chryslers will set that light off automatically if you hit a certain number of miles on the car.

For our Chrysler we eventually put duct tape over our light after the mechanic said it was ok.

Answer 6

it means the engine is missing. no actually it could mean thousands of reasons but the most likely is a faulty sensor or you may have a dirty filter "air, fuel, ect" first try a tune up and replace filters if that doest work have the vehicle placed on a monitor "computer" and that will diagnose the problem.
"the cheapest to the costly factor"

Answer 7

A lot of the time, it means that your Oxygen sensors are out of whack. Maybe your catalytic convertors are going bad.

Or maybe the MAF sensor is unplugged on your air filter or maybe the air filter itself isn't attached properly.


There are tools that can read the codes your car generates. Take it to a Chief/Auto Zone/wherever and maybe they can check it for you.

Answer 8

if the car stills sounds ok, it is probably a sensor that went bad. can be costly.

You have to take it to the Mechanic so they can plug it into the computer to get the error code. Then you will know what is wrong.

Answer 9

Sometimes it's just a loose fuse making the light go off, but perhaps you should check your engine?

Answer 10

It could be a number of things. You may need an oil change, you may need transmittion fluid, you may need anti-free. You wouln't know until you look under the hood or take it to the shop.