1997 Saturn question

Tiny
BRIANHOWARD33
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 SATURN SC2
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 138,000 MILES
I have a 1997 Saturn SC2. The service light came on a few weeks ago, flickered on twice and off. Then when starting up the car this morning, it came on and stayed on for a minute, then disappeared. What might be the problem?
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 AT 2:03 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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Tuesday, December 7th, 2010 AT 2:07 PM

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