How To Check Bmw Warning Lights?

Yellow BMW Warning Lights

• Anti-Lock Braking System: When you see the letters ‘ABS,’ drive carefully. Your antilock brake system might not be working properly, or there may be a problem with your brake assist feature.
• Engine: Noticing a yellow light that looks like a rough outline of an engine?
• Steering System: A steering wheel with an exclamation mark points to a problem with your steering system.

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How do you check a warning light?

Part 1 of 1: Familiarizing yourself with the dashboard lights and running basic tests to see if they’re working – Materials Needed

Car manual Needle nose pliers (if necessary) New fuses (if necessary)

Image: Volvo Step 1: Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, Your vehicle manual should have all the information you need to know about your dashboard lights, including what each symbol means and possibly certain information and recommendations about what steps to take to solve certain dashboard light issues.

Tip : If you have misplaced the vehicle manual, or you do not have one, look it up online. Most vehicle manuals should be available to download and/or print, if necessary.

Step 2: Turn your vehicle on, Take your car key and insert it into the ignition, and switch the car to the “on” position, but not to the “start” position in which the engine is running. When you do this, as you may have noticed before, some or all of your dashboard indicator lights will illuminate.

Tip : It’s much easier to see these lights in a darker atmosphere. Perform this check in your garage with the garage door closed or in the shade. If these are not options, wait until dusk or nighttime to perform the check.

Step 3: Turn up the brightness, Sometimes the control or knob that regulates the brightness of the instrument panel lights is turned all the way down making it difficult to see whether or not the lights are on. Find this control and turn it all the way up for better visibility. Step 4: Locate the fuse box and the respective fuses for the instrument panel, Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, this fuse box will be located either to the left of the steering wheel at about knee level, or it will be under the hood of the car. Use your vehicle manual for assistance if you cannot find the fuse box. Step 5: Open the fuse box cover and check to see if any of the fuses are blown, Always perform these checks when the car is off and the keys are removed from the ignition. Some fuses are cylindrical and are encased in glass with metal ends that are numbered for part type and amperage.

1. Others are a narrow rectangular shape with two prongs made of different colored plastic that is semitransparent and has a number printed on top for amperage.
2. If a fuse is blown, it is usually quite obvious.
3. The cylindrical fuses will have a broken connector within the glass tube, and there will usually be black soot collected on the glass, making it more difficult to see inside.

Be very careful you do not break glass fuses. Within the plastic encasement of the other type of fuse, you will see that the connector is broken. There might also be black soot collected inside. Plastic colored fuses are usually very close together in the fuse box and can be difficult to grasp with your fingers.

Tip : If you are unsure whether or not a fuse is blown, try to clean off the outside as much as possible if they are dirty, or compare each fuse from the fuse box with a fresh fuse straight out of the packaging.

Step 6: Replace any blown fuses as needed, If you notice that a fuse is blown, replace it with a new one that is exactly the same type, and make sure it fits into place tightly and firmly like the others around it.

Tip : While you’re in the fuse box, you might as well check all the fuses to make sure they’re in good working order.

Step 7: Get professional assistance as needed, If you’ve made all the above checks and some or all of your dashboard lights are still not working, you should call a mechanic immediately. Following the above step-by-step guide will enable you to not only check the functionality of your dashboard lights, but also to try a few ways — turning up the panel brightness, replacing any blown fuses — of fixing the issue of missing dashboard lights.

If you’re in doubt about how frequently to check some of the maintenance issues that can be brought up by your dashboard lights, or just have questions about the current health of your car, you can look up your car to find out more about when it needs to be serviced. Or, if you just have a question about a particular problem your car is having, you can Ask a Mechanic to get quick, detailed advice from one of our certified technicians.

But in the end, if you’ve decided you need or would like the help of a professional mechanic to inspect or service your vehicle, you can call YourMechanic today or visit us online to book an appointment. One of our top rated mechanics can come to your home or office to service your car.
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What are the 3 main warning lights gauges?

In order to be able to operate your vehicle safely, you must know the functions and locations of all the interior mechanisms of your car. The instrument panel contains gauges that include the following:

Speedometer, which indicates the speed in both miles and kilometers per hourTachometer, which indicates rotations in the engine in revolutions per minute (RPMs)Odometer, which indicates the total number of miles your car has been driven since it was manufacturedFuel gauge, which shows the fuel level in your car’s fuel tankOil gauge, which shows oil level

Warning lights are provided on your car’s instrument panel. They light up in case of a serious problem. There are three kinds of warning lights:

Oil Pressure Warning LightTemperature Warning LightBattery Low Warning Light

Temperature Warning Light/Gauge: this light goes on when the engine temperature or the radiator’s coolant is too hot. In some vehicles, a gauge is used that would show the needle in the warning zone of HOT. If this warning light comes on while driving, STOP as soon as you can at a safe place and shut the engine off.

Never remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level when the engine is hot. The coolant is at boiling temperature and under pressure. If the cap is released, the hot coolant will release with pressure and can cause severe burns if you are standing too close. Oil Pressure Warning Light: this light goes on when the engine oil is not circulating at the required pressure.

Some vehicles have an oil pressure gauge that reads LOW when the engine’s oil pressure is too low. If you see an oil pressure warning while driving, STOP immediately at a safe place and turn off the engine. Battery Low Warning Light: when this light goes on or the battery gauge reads LOW, this means that the battery power is running out.
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What is the most serious warning light?

What to Do – The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
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How do I check my car lights by myself?

How to Check Blinkers, License Plate Lights, and Tail Lights – For the lights in the rear, simply turn on your engine, flip your blinkers, and walk around to the back of your vehicle a couple of times to make sure that everything is in working order. What to Look for on a Used Vehicle’s Exterior
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What is a master warning light?

If the sight of an indicator or warning light on your Mazda vehicle’s dashboard has you worried, don’t panic. The purpose of these warning lights is to let you know about your vehicle’s many systems and their functioning. Here’s a quick guide to each of the warning lights, and just what it is they’re indicating.

This is the Check Engine Light and is one of the most important indicators on your dashboard array. if this lights up it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction. Contact us to have this checked out immediately. The Master Warning light is used to notify you of a potential problem with one or more of your vehicle’s advanced systems.

It will be accompanied by a message in your car’s vehicle information display with a more detailed system message. The Charge Warning light indicates a potential problem with your car’s charging system or a drain on the battery, Have this checked immediately.

If the ABS warning light illuminates and stays on, it may indicate a problem with your car’s anti-lock braking system. The brakes should still function, but without the anti-lock assistance. Check on this right away. The Engine Oil Pressure Light warns of low engine oil pressure. If you see this light stop the engine immediately, and call us.

EVERY BMW Instrument Cluster WARNING Light & What they Mean

Just as a side note, be sure to keep an eye on the Engine Oil level light to make sure your engine has enough oil. If the Brake warning light comes on and stays on, it may indicate that your parking brake is still engaged. It could also mean that your brake fluid level is low and needs to be filled.

This should be addressed immediately. Most newer Mazda vehicles are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. When illuminated, this indicator warns of low pressure in one or more of your vehicle’s tires. More information may appear in your vehicle information display, such as “Tire Pressure Low – Add Air” or “Flat Tire – Visit Dealer”.

This is the Power Steering Warning Light. If this warning light comes on and stays on, since I like to be able to control the direction my car is going in, if I was you I’d bring your Mazda vehicle into our service center to have it checked. If Seat Belt Warning Light comes on, it indicates that the driver or passenger seatbelt is not fastened. Should the Supplemental Air Bag Warning Light come on, or if it flashes intermittently, bring your vehicle in to our service center for repair. It may indicate that either the air bags or the seatbelt pretensioners are not operating correctly. If the ABS light illuminates and stays on, it may indicate a problem with the system.

In this case, bring your vehicle in for servicing. We’ve all done this before. Admit it. You leave the gas station without putting the cap back on. Thankfully, if this happens your Mazda will let know by flashing this little Check Cap light with no judgment whatsoever. The light may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing.

Pull over, screw the cap back on and we’ll never speak of this again. Finally, if you see this Perform Maintenance light, it means that your Mazda is politely telling you that it is time to, that’s right, perform maintenance. I’d listen to your Mazda as it knows what it’s talking about.

1. The next way it tells you it’s maintenance time could be with a smoking engine on the side of the road.
2. There may be other lights on your dashboard related to functions and features of your Mazda, however understanding of the lights we just reviewed will mean a safer driving experience.
3. We want you to feel as safe as possible in your Mazda vehicle.

If you have any questions about your vehicle’s warning indicator lights, stop in to our service center to have one of our service expert’s check and explain the functioning of these systems. Posted in Charlotte New Mazda, Mazda SUVs, Mazda3, Mazda6, Technology | Comments Off on What are Mazda Warning Lights and What Do They Mean?
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What is the most common color of warning?

1. If you are driving a car and are 21 years of age or older, you are considered to be driving under the influence if your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
• .08 or more
2. Which of the following is a common cause of a crash:
• All of the above (-Inattentive driving, -Excessive speed for the driving conditions, and -Following too closely)
3. If approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with lights flashing, and the road has two lanes carrying traffic in the same direction:
• Reduce speed and safely vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle
4. If two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time:
• The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right
5. Before changing lanes:
• Always check your blind spot
6. It is important to be on the alert for motorcycles because:
• They are harder to see than cars
7. To drive more safely at night:
• All of the above (-Increase following distance, -Don’t drive when you are tired, and -Make sure your headlights are working properly)
8. When you park parallel to a curb or edge of roadway:
• You must park within 18 inches of the curb or edge of roadway
9. In what situation is it legal to pass a vehicle on the right, as long as you don’t leave the road:
• If you are on a two-lane, two-way road and the vehicle you are overtaking is turning left
10. In what situation is it legal to pass in an intersection:
• If a dashed yellow line is marked through the intersection
11. Motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians:
• When the pedestrian is in a crosswalk at an intersection
12. Railroad crossings should always be considered:
• Dangerous
13. When making a left turn:
• Yield to oncoming traffic unless otherwise directed by a traffic signal
14. The best way(s) to avoid hydroplaning is:
• All of the above (-Keep your tires properly maintained, -Slow down when roads are wet or slushy, and -Watch out for standing water or puddles)
15. This road sign means:
• Right turn is not permitted
16. This road sign means:
• Intersection/Crossroad
17. You do not have to stop for a school bus if:
• You are traveling in the opposite direction on roadways with four or more lanes with two lanes going in each direction
18. What is Idaho’s “basic rule” law for driving speed:
• Drive at a speed that is “reasonable and prudent” at all times
19. The best way to deal with tailgaters is to:
• Change lanes when possible or gradually slow down to encourage them to pass
20. Which of the following is correct:
• You may turn right after stopping at a steady red light and yielding to cross traffic – unless otherwise posted
21. In which of the following ways can drinking alcoholic beverages affect you:
• All of the above (-Slows your reaction time, -Gives you a feeling of false confidence, and -Impairs your thinking ability)
22. Which of the following is the best thing to do before backing a car out of a driveway:
• Check behind the vehicle before you get in
23. In Idaho, which of the following rules apply to bicyclists:
• Bicyclists must yield right-of-way to vehicles in or already at the intersection
24. To avoid crashes with vehicles in your “blind spots”:
• Quickly turn your head to see if your blind spot is clear, before changing lanes
25. Use of cell phones while driving:
• Can distract you and cause a crash
26. It is important to make a reasonable effort to notify the owner of another vehicle:
• If you hit their vehicle while it is unattended
27. When approaching a curve on a narrow road where the view is obstructed, it is best to:
• Sound the horn and stay close to the right edge of the road while proceeding carefully
28. What is the correct response for dealing with emergency vehicles approaching from behind with lights flashing:
• Immediately pull to the nearest curb or edge of roadway and stop
29. When following other vehicles, maintain a space cushion of at least:
• Three seconds
30. When merging onto a freeway, it is usually best to:
• Accelerate to the speed of the freeway traffic
31. When you are on the freeway in the right lane, allow room for vehicles merging onto the freeway by:
• Safely moving into the next lane to allow them access
32. When can you proceed through an intersection with a stop sign, but no stop line or crosswalk:
• After coming to a complete stop and ensuring it is safe to proceed
33. If the traffic signals are not functioning due to a power outage:
• Treat the intersection as a four-way stop
34. When you need to change lanes, it is important to:
• All of the above (-Signal your intentions ahead of time, -Check your blind spot, and -Make sure the lane is clear before entering)
35. Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes:
• Involve another motor vehicle
36. Night driving can be more difficult because:
• Your vision is reduced
37. When parking on a hill or incline with a curb, facing uphill:
• Turn your front wheels sharply away from the curb
38. Parking is allowed:
• Within 25 feet of a crosswalk
39. Passing is prohibited:
• All of the above (-When you are behind a school bus that has stopped to load passengers, -On hills where your vision is restricted, and -Within 100 feet of oncoming traffic)
40. When passing other vehicles:
• Check your mirrors and blind spots
41. Is it legal to pass when the pavement is marked with a double yellow line:
• No
42. On roads with dashed white lines, they can be crossed over:
• When it is safe to change lanes
43. Pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles:
• When the pedestrian is crossing the street where there is no crosswalk or intersection
44. A person walking with a white cane or guide dog is likely to be:
• A blind person
45. To be safe when crossing a railroad, you should:
• Listen and look both ways and then proceed if it is safe to do so
46. If there are two railroad tracks next to each other:
• When one train passes, watch out for another train on the other track
47. You must yield to other drivers:
• In construction zones
48. You must yield to other drivers:
• When entering a street from a garage or alley
49. If you need to drive in foggy conditions:
• Turn on your headlights to low beams
50. Roads can be very slick under what conditions:
• Both answers above (-When it has just started raining due to oil and water creating a greasy mix and -When there is moisture on the road and the temperature is at freezing or below)
51. The most common color of warning signs is:
• Yellow
52. You must stop for a school bus:
• If its red lights are flashing on a two-lane highway
53. When driving through school zones:
• Observe posted speed limits
54. Seat belts benefit drivers by:
• All of the above
55. Studies show that when worn, seat belts:
• Reduce your chances of serious injury in a crash
56. When posting speed limits, state and local authorities:
• May adjust speeds by posting speed limit signs
57. When is it illegal to drive below the speed limit:
• When driving slowly disrupts the normal flow of traffic
58. If one of your tires blows out as you are driving:
• Try to steer straight while gradually slowing to pull off the road
59. Coming to a complete stop at an intersection, yielding to cross traffic/pedestrians, and then proceeding when clear corresponds with:
• A flashing red light
60. Which of the following traffic signals give you right-of-way to make a left turn:
• A green arrow pointing left

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What are the four early warning indicators?

Early warning signals can be classified into four categories by the nature of perturbations and measurements. a, Recovery time; b, Recovery length; c, Statistical indicators based on temporal fluctuations; d, Statistical indicators based on spatial fluctuations.
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What does it mean when a yellow triangle with exclamation point on car?

This indicator lets you know that there’s a Critical Warning Message that you need to read as soon as possible, but it doesn’t actually indicate a specific problem. Really, the triangle with an exclamation point is a catch-all warning light, designed to alert you to issues that your other lights won’t catch!
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What does yellow exclamation mark mean in car?

What does the orange exclamation mark on a dashboard mean? – You might notice the orange exclamation mark on your dashboard. It’s a common symbol often surrounded by a tire icon. If you see this symbol, pay attention. It’s an alert that one of your tires has dropped below 75% of its recommended pressure.

It’s an easy fix: You need to inflate the tire. You may see a yellow exclamation mark on a dashboard instead, which also indicates an issue with your tires. Some cars have an orange exclamation mark, while others have a yellow one. Your dashboard will display tire alert through some form of exclamation mark warning light due to their urgency.

Low tire pressure reduces your control of the vehicle and makes it more dangerous to drive. Learn more about car tires and maintenance,
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How does a warning light work?

When one or multiple sensors find an area of the vehicle that isn’t working within its designed specifications, the sensor triggers a light on the vehicles’ dashboard, indicating an area that needs to be addressed. Think of it like a home’s electrical fuse panel.
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How does engine warning light work?

How to fix your “Check Engine” light By Pat Goss Difficulty: Moderate Estimated time: 60 minutes Pat Goss is a longtime master technician and owner of Goss’ Garage in Seabrook, Maryland, as well as co-host of the PBS television show, MotorWeek. Getting an accurate yellow “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light diagnosis is often frustrating and expensive.

Fortunately, if you happen to be technically inclined and have the basic tools, you can likely do the job yourself and avoid that expensive repair shop visit. Designed to alert drivers to computer-monitored emissions problems, the “Check Engine” light is actually part of the vehicle’s emissions system.

“Check Engine” lights became a standard equipment feature when automotive onboard computers proliferated in 1981. Starting with model-year 1996, the OB-II protocol became the standard for automakers. Since that time, every new car sold in the United States has required a “Check Engine” light, mainly to be compliant with Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

But after all these years, “Check Engine” lights remain a mystery to many technicians and automotive do-it-yourselfers. How the “Check Engine” light works Here’s an ultra-simplified version of how the “Check Engine” light works. Vehicle computers use input signals from sensors to generate control signals for fuel and spark delivery, for transmission shifting and for other functions.

The car’s computer continuously monitors all input signals that could affect emissions. If any of the monitored signals move outside government-mandated limits, the computer turns on the “Check Engine” light. The computer also determines if the problem meets the criteria for setting a code.

However, rather than identifying a part or system that has failed, these codes refer to the part or system that is being affected by what has failed, making them more confusing than helpful. How oxygen sensors work Because this code system can confound even experienced technicians, it often results in unnecessary repairs.

Oxygen sensors, for example, are extremely reliable, yet millions are needlessly replaced every year, largely because of the wide array of problems that cause the computer to set an oxygen sensor code. “Check Engine” light oxygen sensors examine the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas leaving the engine.

The sensor compares the oxygen inside the exhaust system to oxygen in the air outside the sensor. Rich exhaust has less oxygen; lean has more. The amount of oxygen in the exhaust is directly related to the fuel/air mixture entering the engine. A rich incoming fuel/air mix produces exhaust with less oxygen, while lean produces exhaust with more oxygen.

To understand how the “Check Engine” light oxygen sensor knows the difference between rich and lean, think of it like you would a battery. Oxygen sensors contain a crystal that is sensitive to oxygen. These crystals produce a small voltage when there is more oxygen on one side of the crystal than the other.

When the mixture is lean, there is a small difference in oxygen content between the exhaust and the atmosphere, so the crystal produces a low voltage. The exhaust from a rich mixture has less oxygen than is in the air, so the crystal produces a higher voltage. Normal voltage ranges from 100 millivolts (lean) to 900 millivolts (rich).

Voltage produced by the oxygen sensor goes directly to the vehicle’s computer. When the mixture is rich and the sensor voltage is high, the computer reacts by commanding a lean mixture. The lean mixture produces more oxygen in the exhaust and the voltage drops, which causes the computer to command a rich fuel mixture.

As a result, the fuel/air mixture constantly fluctuates between rich and lean. The rich-lean cycle repeats many times per second, producing an average fuel mixture halfway between the two extremes. Oxygen sensor codes What does this have to do with oxygen sensor codes? The oxygen-rich excess air can’t burn completely and leaves the engine with the exhaust.

Excess oxygen in the exhaust causes the oxygen sensor to always produce the same voltage and eventually quit switching from rich to lean. Without fluctuating voltage from the oxygen sensor, the fuel mixture locks up. The computer monitors how much and how often the voltage changes, and if it doesn’t meet specifications, the computer turns on the light and sets a code.

Unfortunately, the computer can’t determine why the sensor isn’t switching from rich to lean, so it is limited to setting a check engine oxygen sensor code. This approach routinely creates expensive problems, because most people facing an oxygen sensor code install a new sensor, clear the code and assume the car is fixed.

But the “fix” is usually short-lived, because nothing has really been fixed. The underlying problem still exists. Sooner or later, the “Check Engine” light is activated again. Why? Clearing codes also erases the computer’s monitors. These subprograms in the computer constantly look at individual circuits, and unless all monitors are “Set and Ready,” the “Check Engine” light cannot come on.

The monitors will not reset until a specific series of driving conditions has been completed. Because some of the driving conditions necessary to reset monitors are not part of normal daily driving, it can take days, weeks or sometimes even months for a complete reset. As a result, “Check Engine” light repairs often work fine for a while, but eventually the light and the same code return.

When the code resets, it’s usually presumed the new oxygen sensor is defective and it is replaced under warranty. But without proper testing and repair, the process repeats itself. How to avoid “Check Engine” light problems This may seem a lot to explain the nuts and bolts of dealing with codes and “Check Engine” lights, but unless you know how and why problems occur, you can’t know how to avoid them.

1. Here’s the proper procedure.
2. The battery supplies electrical power to run the vehicle, but it also controls and stabilizes system voltage.
3. Whenever you’re diagnosing a “Check Engine” light, it is important to start by having the battery tested.
4. An automotive computer is like any other computer; proper input voltage is critical.

A bad battery can cause problems in electrical and electronic parts, including the computer. It can even cause a “Check Engine” light. Next, test the alternator and pay close attention to the condition of its diodes. An alternator produces alternating current (AC), but cars work on direct current (DC), making a conversion necessary.

1. Converting AC to DC is done with a series of diodes inside the alternator.
2. However, diodes sometimes fail to do a complete conversion, allowing AC current to pass into the car’s electrical system.
3. The result is a confused computer.
4. Garbage in, garbage out, as computer programmers are fond of saying.
5. Because some vehicle oxygen sensors normally produce AC signals for the computer, a false AC signal from a bad diode (“garbage in”) can make your computer produce faulty output signals (“garbage out”).

The computer can’t distinguish between an AC signal from a sensor and a false one from the alternator. This can lead to rough shifting, performance problems, codes, and, yes, a “Check Engine” light. In this case, the “Check Engine” light and codes would probably be false.

1. Therefore, if you don’t follow procedure you will almost certainly replace parts that are still good.
2. After verifying the condition of the battery and alternator, perform a thorough visual inspection of all hoses and wires.
3. You’re looking for frayed or oil-soaked wires and vacuum hoses, and anything else that looks suspicious.

The next step requires critical test equipment you probably don’t have. Have the engine connected to an engine analyzer, which must not be confused with a computer scanner. An engine analyzer uses two primary testers to determine that all baseline parts are functioning properly.

• Baseline parts control fuel delivery and produce high voltage to fire the spark plugs.
• The two pieces of equipment are an oscilloscope to look at electricity as it moves through parts, and an exhaust gas analyzer to measure tailpipe emissions for diagnostic purposes.
• These are extremely important tests because there are many failures in baseline systems that cause “Check Engine” lights and codes.

Finally, it’s time to retrieve codes, which requires an inexpensive code reader from an auto parts store or online source. To fix code-related problems, you’ll need factory-test information from a source like Alldata or a factory service manual. You’ll also need a computer-safe test light and a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM).

Deciphering the codes Just remember, codes do not directly tell what’s wrong, so you have to test to find the real culprit. This is where the true meaning of codes comes into play. The only thing a code really tells you is what test to perform to isolate the true problem. Each numerical code has a matching-numbered test procedure.

Following that test will direct you to the problem, providing you follow the rules. Each step of each test must be performed in absolute sequence. Skipping steps or performing steps out of sequence could make the entire test worthless. Tests may also give you voltage, resistance, temperature or time specifications, which are exact values.

• Close doesn’t count.
• By following proper test procedures, you’ll get rid of the pesky “Check Engine” light without breaking the bank.
• If you can use simple test equipment and read and follow directions, you can do “Check Engine” light repair just like the pros.
• © Copyright 2005 Pat Goss, all rights reserved.

: How to fix your “Check Engine” light
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