Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to make sure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This can prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed
to assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after a while, the emission
controls might not work as well, your vehicle’s
fuel economy might not be as good, and the
engine might not run as smoothly. This
could lead to costly repairs that might not be
covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modi cations made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and can cause
this light to come on. Modi cations to these
systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This could also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 253.
172
ProCarManuals.com
This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A mis re condition has
been detected. A mis re increases vehicle
emissions and could damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service might be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be
required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
the vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 258.
The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A
loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
173
ProCarManuals.com
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of
water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be
wet. The condition is usually corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 255. Poor fuel
quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed. You might notice this as stalling
after start-up, stalling when you put the vehicle into
gear, mis ring, hesitation on acceleration, or
stumbling on acceleration — these conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up. This
will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment
and diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or
electrical problems that might have developed.Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or might begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced the battery or if the battery has run
down. The diagnostic system is designed
to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This can take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
174
ProCarManuals.com
Oil Pressure Light
If your vehicle has low
engine oil pressure, this
light will stay on after
you start your engine, or
come on and you will
hear a chime when you
are driving.
This indicates that your engine is not receiving
enough oil. The engine could be low on oil,
or could have some other oil problem. Have it
xed immediately.
This light will come on brie y when you turn on
the ignition as a check to show you it is working. If
it does not come on with the ignition on, you
may have a problem with the bulb. Have it xed
right away.{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, your engine can become so
hot that it catches re. You or others
could be burned. Check your oil as soon
as possible and have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
175
ProCarManuals.com
Auto Stop Mode
This mark on the tachometer shows that the
engine is in Auto Stop mode which is a fuel saving
operation.
When the ignition key is turned off, the tachometer
needle will drop to OFF. If the driver’s door is
opened while in Auto Stop, a chime will sound.
Charge/Assist Gage
The charge/assist gage
displays the charge
(current) into and out of
the battery.
When the electric motor is assisting the engine as
in a maximum acceleration, the needle will move to
the Assist range. When the electric motor operates
as a generator to perform regenerative braking
while decelerating, the needle will move to the
Charge range. SeeRegenerative Braking on
page 119for more information. The needle will also
move into the Charge region if the hybrid control
system deems it is an efficient time to charge the
hybrid battery. If the hybrid battery or other hybrid
components are very hot or cold, the Charge and
Assist functions may be suspended until the
component temperatures are normal.
United StatesCanada
178
ProCarManuals.com