Engine check light

Tiny
MICOMAC46
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BUICK ROADMASTER
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,520 MILES
1996 roadmaster check engine light on, losing gas mileage
Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 10:17 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 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.
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Friday, January 14th, 2011 AT 10:57 PM

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