The check engine light (CEL) is that little annoying light that pops on every once in awhile on your dashboard. That light is like the tip of an iceberg. The reason why it's on lies deep within your vehicle electronic and computer system. The brain of the system is called an electronic control module (ECM) or sometimes called a power train control module (PCM). These units are constantly being fed information from the various sensors, switches, and valves throughout the vehicle.

The ECM is constantly making precise adjustments to the vehicles sensors depending on your acceleration speed, braking, cruising speed, engine temperature and the like. It also communicates with the transmission control module (TCM). The most common reason the light comes is due to the fuel cap not being secured. Yes believe or not that will cause the light to come on. If your CEL does come, check the cap to make sure it's tight. Also check that the tether strap that holds the cap is not caught between the cap and the vehicle.


















The trouble codes are a starting point for diagnosing the problem. Sometimes it's pretty simple to diagnose. Other times it can take longer to find the problem than to repair it. An example would be some time of vacuum leak. The hard part would be finding the leak. Replacing a broken vacuum hose usually doesn't take that long.

If your CEL comes and the vehicle has a drivability problem, like hesitation, loss of power, bring it in for service asap. If it seems to be driving ok you, for the most part, have some time to get it in for service so there's no need to panic.






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What Is A Check Engine Light & Why Is It On?
By Carter Gregg
  If this is the case, re secure the gas cap. Then sometime over the next few days the light should reset itself on most vehicles. The ECM could even take a week to reset. This is about the only condition where the light will reset on it's own. Now if that's not the case or there's a noticeable drivability problem, you need to bring your car for service. The ECM stores trouble codes. These codes tell the technician what caused the light to come on.