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If this 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,
continued operation may cause
serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator could come on
because of a loose or missing fuel fill
cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks at
least three times. Tightening the cap
will not turn the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes at least three
days of normal driving.
If the indicator remains on, or the
fuel cap was not loose or missing,
have your vehicle checked by the
dealer as soon as possible.
NOTICE: If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle's emissions
controls and the engine. Those repairs
may not be covered by your vehicle's
warranties.
This indicator may also come on
along with the ''D'' indicator.
Readiness Codes
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.
If your vehicle battery 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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to ON (II), 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 5
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 Emissions Testing for
more information (see page
Taking Care of the Unexpected
274
).
253
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