Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Component Locations:

On USA vehicles only, a Check Engine Light will illuminate to notify the driver that an indication of a malfunction, in the emission control system, has occurred. Immediately after the ignition switch is turned on, the Check Engine light will light for 2.5 seconds to indicate that the light operates normally. An irregular signal, from any of the following items, will cause the Check Engine Light to come on; Computer, Oxygen sensor, Air-flow sensor, Intake air temperature sensor, and the Throttle position sensor. When an irregular signal returns to normal the Check Engine light goes out. Also, when the ignition switch is turned off, the light goes out. Once the ignition switch is turned off, after the ignition switch is turned on again, the Check Engine light does not come on again until the irregularity is again detected.