The best way to Correct a Check out Engine Light

A verify engine light (CEL), also referred to as a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) can be described as warning signal that something inside of your engine, fuel or emissions procedure just isn't operating correctly. While most check engine lights will not level to dire concerns that might result in your car to break down, some do. Verify engine lights are frequently an indicator of an emission-related dilemma. Verify engine lights could cause your vehicle to carry out inefficiently and fail an emissions test. Other people Are Reading The right way to Reset a Subaru Verify Engine Light How you can Diagnose Your Examine Engine Light Issue for free Elements You will need OBD-II Code Scanner Display Way more Directions 1

Tighten your gas cap (3 clicks) and proceed to drive your vehicle. 1 within the most typical factors for any test engine light can be a loose gasoline cap. A loose fuel cap can set off a couple of emission-related codes for your vehicle's diagnostic technique. If the check engine light does not turn off following 15 to 20 minutes of driving, get started diagnosing the trouble.

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Turn your ignition to your "On" or "Acc" position, without cranking the engine. Connect the OBD-II scanner to your diagnostic port in your vehicle. The diagnostic port is almost always below the steering column in the area with the hood release.

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Follow the specific scanner directions to retrieve the diagnostic codes. This is usually performed by pressing the "Scan" button on the device. Wait a few seconds for the scanner to list the codes. The scanner display will list the number of diagnostic codes. It is general for a number of codes to display. Write down each of them. Diagnostic codes tend to be presented in five digits, such as "P0141."

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Use the handbook supplied with your code scanner to determine the meaning of each code. For any more thorough listing, visit the website obd-codes.com. This website will give you a complete listing of OBD-II codes, as well as their possible causes. Some code meanings will be very direct and clear, such as "O2 sensor failure" or "Catalytic Converter." Others will be broad in their possible causes.

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Determine whether you can resolve the situation on your own. Some simple concerns, such as an engine misfire on cylinder 1, will lead to simple issues such as a faulty spark plug or wire. These problems can normally be tackled at home by the mechanically inclined.

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Bring the car to a service shop if your challenge cannot be solved at home. By diagnosing the situation on your own, you may save yourself a mechanic's diagnostic fee (almost always $75 or $100).