Table of Contents
Advertisement
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine's emissions
control systems may have a problem.
Even though you may feel no
difference in your vehicle's
performance, it can reduce your fuel
economy and cause increased
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. You will also see a
''CHECK FUEL CAP'' message on
the information display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once (see
page
151
). Tightening the cap will
not turn the indicator off
immediately; it can take several days
of normal driving.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle's emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle's
warranties. This indicator may also
come on with the ''D'' indicator.
Readiness Code
Your vehicle has certain ''readiness
codes'' that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
these codes are erased. It takes at
least three days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malfunction indicator lamp will
come on for 20 seconds. If it then
goes off, the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks five times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle for a state
emissions test until the readiness
codes are set. Refer to
State
for more
Emissions Testing
information (see page
250
).
229
Advertisement
Chapters
Table of Contents
