RPM/check engine light problems

Tiny
SUSAN FRANKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
My rpm dail is going haywire. Sometimes it goes totally around the dial, then will return to working fine. This has happened a number of times in the last month. Now, my check engine light just came on. Can these be related?
Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 8:07 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be -Check engine light on
Have the computer scanned for code/s-you have a problem within the engine management system that caused the CEL to turn on-This is your starting point of diagnosis, finding out what's going on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, February 7th, 2011 AT 9:08 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links