If the check engine light comes on
and stays on, while the engine
is running, this indicates that there
is an OBD II problem and service
is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this
light on, after a while, the
emission controls might not
work as well, the 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 the vehicle warranty.Notice:Modi cations made to
the engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those
of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the
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 the vehicle warranty.
This could also result in a failure
to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes 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 the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
The following can prevent more
serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the
amount of cargo being hauled
as soon as it is possible.
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 is still ashing, follow the
previous steps and see your dealer/
retailer for service as soon as
possible.
3-40 Instrument Panel
Light On Steady:An emission
control system malfunction has been
detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction
might be corrected by checking the
following items:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully
installed. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-7. 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.
If the vehicle has been driven
through a deep puddle of water,
the 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.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle
with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality
causes the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, mis ring,
hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand
used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on
page 5-5.
If none of the above have made the
light turn off, your dealer/retailer can
check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical
or electrical problems that might
have developed.
Instrument Panel 3-41
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local
governments have or might begin
programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on the vehicle.
Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things to know to
help the vehicle pass an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the check engine
light is on with the engine
running, or if the key is in
ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this
inspection if the OBD II (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 forinspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been
replaced 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 this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer/
retailer can prepare the vehicle
for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{CAUTION
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.Notice:Lack of proper engine
oil maintenance can damage
the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this
manual for changing engine oil.
The oil pressure light should come
on brie y as the engine is started. If it
does not come on have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not owing through
the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and might have
some other system problem.
3-42 Instrument Panel