Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (SERVICE ENGINE SOON Light)
Your vehicle is equipped with an onboard computer which monitors
operation of the emission control system. This system is called OBD I1
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that
emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to
produce a cleaner environment. The “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON’ light
comes on to indicate when service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by
the system before any problem is apparent, which may prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist
your service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
The “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON, light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the engine is not running. This
light will also come during a malfunction in one
of two ways:
0
0
Light on steady - indicates a system malfunction has been detected.
Drive the vehicle to the dealer for service at your first opportunity.
Light flashing
- indicates a misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. The damage may be reduced by
lowering the vehicle speed, reducing the amount of cargo being hauled
or trailered, avoiding hard acceleration, or by avoiding steep uphill
grades.
If these actions are effective, the light will stop flashing and
remain on steady. Drive the vehicle to a dealer for service. If the light
continues to flash, stop the vehicle. Wait for a steady light to come on,
then drive the vehicle to a dealer for service.
These following conditions also may cause the “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” light to come on:
Low FueVOut of Fuel
- As the vehicle starts to run out of fuel the
“SERVICE ENGINE
SOON” light may come on as a result of an engine
misfire. Filling your gasoline tank should correct this condition. Make sure
to install the gas cap fully. It will require a few driving trips to turn the light
off.
Poor Quality Fuel
- Be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. Your
engine may not run efficiently on poor fuel. Poor fuel may cause stalling,
hesitation or misfire. These conditions may go away when the engine is
warned-up. However, poor quality fuel may cause the “SERVICE ENGINE
SOON, light to come on.
Have a dealer check the vehicle. If no problems are found, you may want to
change to another brand
of fuel.
Driving Through Standing Water
- Driving your vehicle through puddles
of deep standing water may result in a temporary misfire condition. This
condition will usually correct itself shortly after the electrical system dries
out. It will require a few driving trips to turn the light off.
2-61
