Why does my malfunction indicator light came on?
The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.
What should your customer do if a malfunction indicator light is on and not blinking?
The most serious type of signaling is when the MIL flashes all the time. It is a sign that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring. The issue is a major one and you should stop the engine immediately to prevent serious damage. For instance, it might cause the catalytic converter to overheat and even cause a fire.
How do I restart my dashboard?
How to Reset the Warning Lights on the Dash
- Open the hood of your vehicle.
- Loosen the nut that holds the negative terminal to the battery with the pliers.
- Completely remove the cable from the negative battery terminal.
- Leave the battery disconnected for 10 minutes to ensure that the computer is fully reset.
What does a malfunction indicator light mean in a car?
The Malfunction Indicator Light can signal three different types of problems. Occasional flashes indicate temporary engine malfunctions. In this case, it is good to be aware of the possible forthcoming issues which can later on turn to more serious ones. The most common case is when the indicator light stays on constantly.
Why is my Check Engine light not working?
If the seller was worried that the car wouldn’t pass an emissions test, thus causing you to not want to buy it from them, they may have disable the ECM and prevented the vehicle from storing Check Engine Light Codes. Situations like this are rare – but it has happened.
What to do when malfunction indicator light illuminates?
If you have a OBD-II scantool (for example one with ELM327 chip) and OBD diagnostic software, you can check the reason for the problem yourself. For example, our car diagnostic software can read the DTC code from the car and give you description of the code. Those will guide you towards the main cause of the problem.
When does the OBD2 indicator light turn on?
The OBD2 system illuminates the light when there is a problem with the car’s engine, transmission or emission control system. The light turns on only for a reason and you should not ignore it. You should always investigate the cause.