FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Description and Operation

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

"Check Engine" Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp):





This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the "ON" position and goes off after the engine starts. This means that the warning light system is operating properly.

If the lamp remains on, first check the following.

^ Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.

^ Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.

These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.


If the lamp will not go off even after the several trips...

OR

If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not loose...

^ There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission control system. automatic transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.