2006-12-05 11:49:39 · 11 answers · asked by MaTriX 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The "check engine light" (CEL) comes on when the engine control computer has detected a problem that will cause the vehicle to exceed the federal emission standards by 50% (150% of the standard) The CEL has two modes. When the light comes on and stays on, a condition that affects emission has occurred. When the light flashes, that means the condition is sever enough to potentially damage the vehicle's emission control system (catalytic converter) This can be a serious, dangerous and expensive problem if not attended to. So if the CEL is flashing, get to the shop fast. If the light is on steady, you have a little time, but know this, a car with the CEL on runs differently, and that difference may cost you money in the form of reduced fuel efficiency, poor performance, etc.
If the light goes off, you should still take the car in. Vehicles manufactured after 1996 have the ability to store diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) even after the light goes off. Earlier vehicles could store DTC's only while the light was on, but modern cars store history codes for up to 40 ignition cycles after the light goes out. Therefore, even after the light goes out, the mechanic still may be able to find and repair the cause.
2006-12-05 12:15:34 · answer #1 · answered by superschupp 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It could be a bunch of differant things from low oil level to a fuel injector or Carburator problem the best thing to do is first off check the oil and then if that is fine take it to a parts dealer like Autozone or O'reillys and have them check the code error for you it maybe something as simple as needing new spark plugs or it could be a computer problem or a problem with one or all pistons you never know until you have the code read. turn the key on and off five times and it may start blinking depending on the year and make of the vehicle if it flashes write down the year and model of the vehicle and the number of times it flashes and e-mail it to me @ billoveskerryforever@yahoo.com
2006-12-05 12:03:04 · answer #2 · answered by William T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
believe it or not this appears like an elementary one... sparkling the throttle body. this does not advise empty a can of throttle body cleanser in it, this suggests get a can of throttle body cleanser and a very good sparkling white rag like an previous t-blouse and get interior there even as conserving the throttle plate open and save spraying the rag and wiping the throat till that is sparkling. The goop that collects on the interior the thottle body is from the oil vapors that get sucked out with techniques from way of the PCV valve or breather hose and solidify interior the cooler throttle body like a thick tar and ought to reason this example. in elementary words different element can be a useless gas injector. you should do an OHMS try on each and each and every injector to rule this out. good luck.
2016-11-30 04:48:15 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be so many different thinsg what with all these new computerized engines. To be on the safe side have the car analyzed by your mechanic to identify the problem cause
2006-12-05 12:04:27 · answer #4 · answered by likeskansas 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It flashes because it is giving off a code. You should have someone look at it or take to Auto Zone and they have a code reader that can tell you the problem is
2006-12-05 11:53:20 · answer #5 · answered by ashlandtree 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check with a code reader at your mechanics or Parts store. If your car is older than that, it may be am oxygen sensor or something else.
2006-12-05 11:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by F T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the light is flashing, but not staying on, it is trying to warn you about something, maybe as simple as the gas cap not being tight. If it is not staying on, no malfunctions would be found when connected to an ODB II reader.
2006-12-05 12:06:18 · answer #7 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it's flashing you could be doing more damage by driving it around... the catalytic converter could be further damaged b/c of the flashing. I would suggest getting it in to your dealership and have them look at it.
2006-12-05 12:18:32 · answer #8 · answered by Ross P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing, check the OIL LEVEL, if you add and it don't go out, ask a friend whom knows about cars.
2006-12-05 11:53:41 · answer #9 · answered by spir_i_tual 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a wide number of things take your a vehicle to your local auto part store they will check it with there computer for free and tell you what the problem is
2006-12-05 17:22:46 · answer #10 · answered by 4inthedeep 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋