When you turn on the light "Check Engine", is usually accompanied by a
sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach. The light could mean a costly
problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a
loose gas cap. But in many cases, it means at least that I'll be visiting the
car dealer to locate malfunctions and get the light off.
Check Engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) — is a signal from the vehicle's engine computer that something is amiss.
Servicing of auto dealerships can diagnose the problem for about $ 75. But is
there a way to preview what might be the problem.
Before the 1996 manufacturers had their engine diagnostic systems, primarily
to ensure that their cars conformed to the requirements of pollution control
Environmental Protection Agency. Starting from model-year 1996, manufacturers
standardized their systems under a protocol called OBD-II, which has entered
into a standardized list of diagnostic codes (DTC) and mandate that all cars
offer a universal connector to access this information. Usually found under the
steering column and is easily accessible.
Deciphering the code
Do-it-yourselfers can buy inexpensive code readers that connect to this port
standardized on-board diagnostics (OBD) and search for meaning of code on Web
sites like light engine helps. The Check engine light can also be turned off
some readers, even though this action alone doesn't really fix the underlying
problem. In many such cases the light just come back later.
Experts say that many drivers confused the light "service needed" gauge
cluster to control light engine. These lights are unrelated. Service required
light just means that your car is due for an oil change or other maintenance
operations. It is not an indicator of trouble that is your Check Engine
light.
Check engine lights available in Orange, yellow or amber, depending on the
manufacturer. If the light starts flashing, however, indicates a more serious
problem, like a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. These
emissions devices operate at high temperatures to reduce emissions, but can pose
a fire hazard if defective.
Don't ignore that light
So if you turn on the Check Engine light and is fixed instead of flashing,
what should I do? The obvious answer, of course, is to get the engine checked.
But many people do nothing, perhaps fearing a costly repair bill. Some drivers
with old cars they want to squeeze as many kilometres remaining as possible
without visiting a garage service. But before they can pass the vehicle's
inspection of their condition, must get the light off. And an inspection of the
State is a good motivator to treat the problem. If the indicator is lit, there
is a good chance that your car is releasing excessive pollutants or consumed too
much gas.
Ten percent of all cars on the road an check engine light on, and mid drivers
of these cars have ignored the light for more than three months, says Kristin
Brocoff, a spokesman of CarMD.com. The company sells a $ 119 that reads engine
codes and provides access to a database of the Web site that identifies the
problem (according to the code) and the estimated cost of repair.
CarMD is not only in the market of the code reader. An Internet search, opens
countless devices, some costing just $ 40. Most come with a booklet that lists
the codes, but it is also easy to do a search on Google to find the codes. AAMCO
will check the Check Engine light for free and provides a fact sheet.
As Dan Edmunds, Director of vehicle testing at Edmunds.com, points out, the
system is primarily designed to continuously monitor the emission system of a
car over the life of the car. However, he notes, "the engine and emission
control system are so interconnected that the health of the emission control
system is a good indication of the overall health of the engine of the car."
Steve Mazor, Chief Engineer Automotive Auto Club of Southern California, said
that while some people freak out when they see the check engine light, "others
just put a piece of black tape on it and keep driving." Mazor says that it is
important to promptly address the problems indicated by the light. Ignoring them
could lead to bigger problems, more expensive later.
If the indicator lights, Mazor says the driver must first see if the plug is
loose: that is a common cause. A loose Cap sends an error message to the car's
computer indicated a leak in the vapour recovery system, which is one of the
aspects of a car's emissions. If the plug is loose, tighten it and continue to
drive. Even so, it will take some time for the light to go out, he says.
Mazor says that even a cheap code reader might be useful for car owners, even
if they are not mechanically inclined.
"If the mechanic gives the same information, at least you know they're going
down the right path," he observes. Edmunds agreed, adding that a code reader
provides car owners with another data point to help them talk to their
mechanical and avoid expensive or unnecessary auto repairs.
Mixed signals
But even with the code and its meaning in hand, DIY interpretation can be a
bit complicated — even though mechanically are prone, as Dan Edmunds.
"My wife's Car began to run bad and there was a check engine light. My code
reader detects a code for the cam angle sensor. I thought about buying the
sensor and install it myself, but if I had, it would have wasted time and money
because it turned out that the sensor was fine. Instead, mice had got under the
hood and had chewed some wires leading to it. "
Occasionally, the Check Engine light comes on when there is nothing wrong
with your car, says Mazor. It could be a temporary problem, caused by a change
in humidity or other factors. In such cases, the light should go on its own
after a short time.
CarMD has published a list of the five most common check engine light codes
in 2010 and estimated repair costs. In order of frequency, are:
O2 sensor (part of the emission system, monitoring and helping to regulate
the air-fuel mixture)
Loose Cap
Catalytic converter
Mass flow sensor (monitoring of the amount of air mixed in the fuel injection
system)
Spark plug wires
Finished article! goodbye
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