Check Engine Light

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When the Check Engine Soon Light comes on , your first instinct is to pull over and check out the situation. This is not necessary. This is the vehicles way of letting you know at its earliest stage that an error has occurred. No need to panic. If you have been driving with that all annoying light on, remember this : Your gas mileage will improve if the necessary repairs are made.

LOOKING FOR CODE INFORMATION GO HERE : DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

The first thing to do when your "Check Engine Soon" light comes on is to determine the immediate cause. Consider if the vehicle is still performing as usual or if a loss of performance is noticeable. Generally a constant illuminated light without loss of performance points to an emissions related issue( this won't leave you stranded). When the light flashes, this indicates a serious engine failure condition and will require immediate attention. You may wish to take your vehicle to a local shop and have Computer Diagnostics performed. Usually costs under $100.00.

Generally all vehicles from 1996 and up have an OBD II computer. The Major problem when it comes to OBD II is that you can no longer acquire the trouble codes by counting the flashes of the Check Engine light like you could on earlier OBD I vehicles. You can take your car into a local high-tech service shop, where the minimum charge for computer diagnostics and engine diagnostics might cost you somewhere into three digits. Or you may want to learn about OBD II systems. in order to do so you will need an OBD II scan tool. I have already done the research for you and located several different scan tools for you to choose from. If you already have the code and need to know what it means check out our complete list of OBD II Codes Here.

OBD II scan tools connect to the vehicle's computer through a connector under the dash by the steering wheel.

Need specific information ? Check out Ask Free Auto Mechanic Experts Questions.

Sample Answer below :

VW Jetta GLI/VR6, 2003

The error code, "P3081" has been identified from a recent diagnostic and I was wondering if you could be so kind as to help me interpret what this code is and how, perhaps, to remedy this problem..if any...

"19537 4C51 P3081 Engine temperature too low"

That DTC is indicative of a missing thermostat, a stuck open thermostat, or a cooling system with 100% antifreeze. It is NOT associated with a defective ECT G62.

When the coolant temperature is too low, that does not necessarily mean a sensor failure. Sounds like the sensor is telling you the truth.

Watch the temperature on the scan tool as the engine warms up. Look for things that keep it from warming up. Things like radiator fans on all the time, straight anti-freeze, stuck open thermostat and so on. That is what it means. It means a system problem, not necessarily a component failure.

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