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Why does the malfunction indicator light come on?

Why does the malfunction indicator light come on?

The Malfunction Indicator lamp should come on when you crank the car, and should go out within a few seconds after conducting a self-test. If it stays on or comes on while driving, it means there’s a code in the computer that needs to be checked. a misfire and you need to have it inspected as soon as possible.

How serious is a malfunction indicator lamp?

The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.

What do you do when your malfunction indicator lamp is on?

It is a sign that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring. The issue is a major one and you should stop the engine immediately to prevent serious damage. For instance, it might cause the catalytic converter to overheat and even cause a fire.

What would cause the engine light to stay on?

The check engine light may stay on steadily or it may flash when the vehicle is accelerated. This is very serious. There is a severe failure of the emission control system that is causing the engine to misfire to the point that the catalytic converter is damaged each time the check engine light flashes.

What would cause the malfunction indicator light to come on?

Officially known as a malfunction indicator lamp, the check engine light can go on for a number of different reasons. In some cars, something as simple as a loose gas cap, which the car’s computer can read this as a leak in the emissions system, or even a change in humidity can cause the light to come on.

Is it safe to drive if malfunction indicator lamp is on?

If you drive with the malfunction indicator lamp on, the emissions control system and the engine could be damaged. If the malfunction indicator lamp blinks again when restarting the engine, drive to the nearest dealer at 31 mph (50 km/h) or less. Have your vehicle inspected. ■Check/Tighten Fuel Cap Message

What is the purpose of the malfunction indicator light (Mil)?

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is also known as the Check Engine Light. The purpose of this warning light is to indicate a detected problem with the car and alert the driver about the issue. The OBD2 system illuminates the light when there is a problem with the car’s engine, transmission or emission control system.

What does the wiring-fault indicator light mean?

What is the Wiring-Fault Indicator Light? The LED indicator will illuminate red to warn the user that a wiring problem exists, such as bad ground, missing ground or reversed wiring.