can someone tell me what the orange engine symbol with the word "check" on it on the dashboard means

Answer 1

on mine the orange one is for the electrical power steering

Answer 2

It normally means that the emission control or ECU has malfunctioned. The car will sometimes go into a "get you home" mode with a minimal input from the ECU (a bit like your PC in "safe" mode) and the engine check lamp will illuminate. You could try disconnecting the battery, leave the lead off for 5 minutes then reconnect. This will effectively "reboot" the ECU. I did this successfully on a Rover 416 not long ago on the advice of a friend from work. Always disconnect the negative lead from the battery as this minimises the risk of a short circuit, and if you have a coded stereo make sure you know the code before you disconnect the battery.

Failing this, the main dealer (and some smaller garages) can hook the car up to a computer which will show "Fault codes". Repair will depend on which fault code is found. It could be within the ECU or possibly the oxygen sensor (also known as the Lambda sensor). ECU's are expensive to replace, Lambda sensors are relatively cheap.

Get this checked ASAP as any unburnt fuel going through the exhaust will damage the catalytic convertor.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Sarah --
this is fairly basic stuff here -- you have a problem with something involving your engine and the engine needs to be checked over --- there are some very simple things that it can be -- so, don't go freaking out here ... okay... it may mean that you are low on coolant or oil --- it could mean that you are needing a fan belt or needing to have the fan belt tightened --- a number of possibilities that any good repair shop or trusted mechanic can get to pretty quick !!
But, seeing that it DOES have to do with the engine -- this is not something that can be put off indefinitely -- it should be looked into fairly soon !!!

Answer 4

There are a number of sensors on the engine which feed information to the engine management computer. The light you see usually tells you that something is wrong with one or more of the sensors. The garage should have a small computer which they connect to your car and it will show where the problem is. Could be easy to correct but don't leave it too long.

Answer 5

That's your 'check engine' light.
It's telling you that something isn't right with your car's emmission system and your car will not stop running because
the light is on so don't worry about that. It's just telling you to get it checked.

My light has gone on a few times. One time it was a sensor which I had to replace for about $175. Another time, believe it or not, the light went on because my gas cap wasn't on tight enough.

Answer 6

It means to check your in engine, and what that means is that there is something that needs to be checked in your engine. It can be something so simple or it can be something major. If you have a Auto Zone in your area they have a Code Reader that you can borrow and connect it to your car and it should tell you what is wrong,

Answer 7

That indicates a computer related failure with your car; have it checked out and repaired when you can, but check to see if your gas cap is loose first if you have added gas recently. If it is loose, the light should go out a couple of days after you fix it.

Answer 8

probably your "check engine light" means something isn't working right. Go to auto Zone and have them do the free check on your car to get the trouble codes which tell you what isn't working right.

Answer 9

It generally means just that! Check your fluid levels including COOLENT, OIL, BRAKE FLUID, CLUTCH (if hydraulic) POWER STEERING EVEN WINDSCREEN WASHERS!
The vehicles sensor(s) is picking up something is wrong
CHECK IT OUT.

Answer 10

I guess it all depends what car it is. Maybe try adding a pic of the symbol here-> http://www.irecognisethat.com/show_question.php?question=What+car+is+this+from%3F&id=244