Buy Wecade 12w 12 Leds Car Truck Emergency Strobe Flash Light Windshield Warning Light (Red/White/White/Red): Emergency Strobe Lights - Amazon.com. How to Reset a Volvo Check Engine Light. Plug the electrical connector on the diagnostic tool into the pinned input slot in the fuse panel. Wait for the light on the diagnostic tool to stop flashing. The codes on your Volvo's electronic control unit should be cleared at this point and the check engine light will reset itself.
The check engine light is part of your car's on-board diagnostic (OBD) system. This system is operated by the electronic control module (ECM), which is your car's computer. In modern vehicles, the ECM controls almost every major electrical or electronic system and continually scans for out-of-range operating parameters as reported by numerous sensors and actuators.For example, a sensor or actuator may detect a misfire, poor fuel injection, unusual output voltage to the secondary ignition system, erratic operation of the fuel pump, or any other condition that might affect engine performance or emissions. Your car's computer will first try to correct the problem or wait a number of cycles. When the computer can't correct the problem, and it doesn't correct itself, the OBD system will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in memory. This triggers the check engine light.Since the computer stores a specific trouble code identifying the particular malfunction, it is a way to help car technicians and owners determine the nature of a problem and potential system or component involved. With the right tools, it also helps you troubleshoot your vehicle whenever the engine light illuminates.In this guide, you'll find out what type of problems turn on the check engine light, what it means when it flashes, how you can retrieve the trouble codes stored in your car's computer, and how to go about deciphering those codes to help you fix your vehicle.
Since 1996, motor vehicles have been equipped with the OBD-II (second generation) diagnostic system, an enhanced and standardized version of the previous generation. When a potential emissions-related problem warrants your attention, you'll see the light illuminate in one of three different patterns. IntermittentSometimes, the problem comes and goes. This is referred to as an intermittent or soft failure and can cause the light to flash, stop flashing, and then start again. The problem appears only when certain conditions appear. For example, the loose connector or broken wire that keeps connecting and disconnecting when the vehicle travels over bumps or irregularities on the road, causing the light to turn on and off for periods at a time.
Continuous IlluminationWhenever a problem causes the light to come on and stay illuminated, a hard failure is present. A dirty or failed mass air flow (MAF) sensor, for instance, will remain out of its normal operating parameters and cause the check engine light to remain on until you clean or replace the sensor. Continuous FlashingWhen the check engine light flashes continuously, it means you have a critical problem that will cause serious damage if neglected.
Usually, this originates in a misfire that allows fuel to pass into the exhaust manifold and down to the catalytic converter where high temperatures ignite the fuel. Eventually, this condition will damage the exhaust system or catalytic converter. You need to fix the problem soon before a minor repair turns into a major and expensive one. When the computer detects an abnormal condition, it will store a DTC in memory and turn on the check engine light to let you know of the situation. Let's say, for example, that the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system detects too much oxygen in the exhaust stream and sends this information to the computer.The computer tries to rectify by injecting more fuel into the engine. However, if one or more fuel injectors fail to respond, the computer will detect the problem, store a trouble code, and turn on the light.Manufacturers have standardized the codes across all 1996 and newer models.
This means that a specific code will point to the same type of problem regardless of what make and model you own. This makes it easier to troubleshoot and fix your car.Diagnostic codes contain alpha-numeric values. The configuration of a DTC begins with a single letter, followed by four digits. So, a typical trouble code looks like this: P0102. The first letter denotes the type of code. This could be a 'P' (powertrain), 'U' (wiring-network), 'C' (chassis), or 'B' (body). We're concerned with 'P' codes here, since they relate to the check engine light.
Next, you'll see a '0' or a '1' digit: A '0' means you are dealing with a generic OBD code found in most vehicles; a '1' means you have a code specific to your car make and model, better known as a manufacturer specific code. The next digit will tell you in which system the computer detected the problem. A '1,' for example, means the problem originated in the fuel and air metering system. Finally, the last two digits identify the specific circuit or component involved and the nature of the problem.
For example, a '02' means the computer detected low input in the mass air flow sensor circuit. Once you see the check engine light illuminate on your dash panel, you can retrieve the trouble codes. OBD-I CodesOn pre-1996 vehicles, you'll find different procedures to retrieve the codes. With some models, for example, you can use a code reader—available at most auto parts stores—or an analog voltmeter.
Other models use the ignition key to cycle between the on and off positions a number of times to read the code blinking light on your dashboard. You'll find the particular procedure in the repair manual for your specific make and model.
You can buy a manual at most auto parts stores or online. OBD-II CodesRetrieving codes from a second generation OBD system requires the use of a scan tool. Scan tools come in various degrees of sophistication. You can spend less than a hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars on one of these tools.For most owners with cars equipped with OBD-II systems, $70 and $200 dollars will be within their budget to afford a scan tool good enough to retrieve most check engine light related trouble codes. You can buy quality, relatively inexpensive scan tools at most auto parts stores or online. Some will display the code and a brief description of the code. Others will only give you the code, but most come with their own instructions manual and a list of diagnostic codes and their definitions.
Additionally, many websites will help you define the trouble code and give you additional help in translating the code into a troubleshooting procedure.Still, you may not have to buy a scan tool to get the codes. Some auto parts stores will run a diagnostic on your car for free. They'll hook up the scanner to your car's computer and retrieve any stored DTCs their scanner can find.Yet, as useful as DTCs are to troubleshoot car systems problems, you need to keep one thing in mind when working with codes: Your car's computer will only point toward the circuit or component involved in a potential problem and the type of problem it's dealing with. This means the codes don't give the whole picture. You still have to confirm the circuit or component has failed.One of the main reasons is that a fault on a wire, hose or connector, for instance, can fool the computer—and you—into thinking that another component has failed.Take, for example, a loose or torn vacuum hose leaking vacuum. The oxygen sensor will report to the computer that fuel rate is too lean.
However, unable to adjust the fuel ratio, the computer will set a 'dead oxygen sensor' trouble code instead. Obviously, replacing the sensor won't fix the problem.
So you need to troubleshoot the oxygen sensor to verify that in fact the sensor has failed. Otherwise, you'll start replacing good components without actually fixing the problem. Once you've diagnosed and repaired the fault that caused the light to come on, you need to clear the trouble codes from the computer's memory.
On older vehicle models, you disconnect the car battery for a few seconds to clear the codes from memory.But don't use this procedure on newer models or you risk erasing the computer system adjustments as well.Disconnecting the battery on some OBD-II systems will require the computer to relearn sensor inputs—for days or weeks—and adjust output parameters to configure a driving strategy for better engine performance. Also, you'll erase your radio and alarm settings. In the meantime, you may notice the engine not working quite 'right.' Besides, the ECM on some modern vehicles can keep trouble codes in memory for a few days even without battery power. Instead, on a 1996 or newer model, use the scan tool to reset the light. Whenever the Check Engine light on your dash panel comes on, try to find out the reason for it as soon as possible. Self-diagnostic systems have become more advanced, going beyond typical monitoring operations.
Modern OBD systems not only report system problems, but also checks how efficiently a system and its components are working.The computer will let you know when one of these components is about to fail, saving you some money and road headaches in the process if you take advantage of these features. Even more, when a potential failure can cause extensive damage, the OBD system will produce a flashing signal to help you avoid expensive repairs. P0300 - Basically the computer has detected a random or a multiple misfire.
The most common reason for this code to appear is when using worn out spark plug wires, plugs, issues with an ignition coil, oxygen sensor.P0507 - the idle air control system (IAC) is running at high speed - (usually over 200rpm over the designated parameters). This may show up in vehicles with electronic throttle control or a related sensor(s). Also, common sources are vacuum leaks, IAC sensor or circuit faults, buildup around the bore of the throttle body, bad PCV valve. There are a few possibilities - If you replaced the MAF sensor because of a code, there might be a problem with the wiring or the connector.Make sure there are no air leaks - air ducts properly sealed after replacing the MAF sensor, perhaps, triggering the O2 sensor to report a bad ratio. Check the fuel pressure and also check the O2sensor. If you have a V6-8 engine, check the O2 sensor for bank 2.
Keep in mind that this is just a general description. It'll be a good idea to Google the code along with information about your specific vehicle because this could change depending on the model. Usually, a mildly restricted fuel injector would not cause the engine light to come on. However, if this same injector causes a misfire, the computer will notice it. If the misfire recurs, it will trigger the CEL.
It the problem was intermittent at first, may there was a pending code stored, and the computer waited for the next test cycle. If it didn’t happen, the CEL didn’t come on. If you are sure there was a dead cylinder (not intermittent), probably there’s a problem with the ECM, but I’d check the EGR valve, and for good spark as well. The P0101 code points to an issue with the MAF sensor, either the circuit or the sensor itself.
The computer is detecting the sensor's signal from the predetermined frequency. You might want to check if the sensing element is blocked or dirty); this is a common problem with MAF sensors. You can find MAF cleaning sprays at local auto parts stores if you need one. Otherwise, you may try trouble shooting the sensor using your vehicle repair manual. You can find Haynes manuals at your local auto parts stores or online.
Hi Dan thanks for your reply and input, suspect the same as you have mentioned and have checked most of the wiring harness and connections with no luck, no error codes with OBD scan. Since my post I checked again and as said lightly touched the wires to the indicator/high/low beam switch (Yellow/white wire this time) and since all is working fine again till next time, so far the engine check light comes on every time and starts fine even the throttle control valve is working fine now again which was a problem before.
My suspicion is that there is a problem with one of the wires in the loom under the dash. Will only be able to check the wiring again when the problem comes back. As you say intermittent problems are very hard to trace, this one more so as I have to check continuity through each wire which could end up not being a true reading as by touchin the wire continuity could be found. Hi Tad,You may have more than one issue going on. The battery light usually points to a problem with the alternator or charging system. Make sure the belt is correctly adjusted, and have the alternator checked if necessary -most auto part stores will do it for you.The engine light blinking is telling you a serious problem is affecting the catalytic converter and may cause damage.Scan the computer memory for trouble codes (DTCs). This may solve the engine stuck in high gear, but test the idle control valve, if necessary.Good luck.
Well, here's a new one for you. The engine light and stabilitrak/traction control lights came on after new spark plugs were installed. Engine was jerky (hesitation) and brakes did a pulse grab occasionally when applied. Error codes were P0171, P0174 and a G??? Code for the Traction Control.
![Tool Tool](/uploads/1/2/4/3/124369677/417109001.jpg)
Guess what?the problem was not the air flow, oxygen or fuel system sensors or the fuel injectors or vacuum lines, etc.it was one of the new spark plugs (GM iridium?) that was faulty. How about that!
New plug replaced, running like silk. The vehicle is a Saturn Outlook 2007 with 135,000 Km that is in showroom condition. Always well looked after. Hope this helps. For more information on managing or withdrawing consents and how we handle data, visit our Privacy Policy at: Show Details NecessaryHubPages Device IDThis is used to identify particular browsers or devices when the access the service, and is used for security reasons.LoginThis is necessary to sign in to the HubPages Service.Google RecaptchaThis is used to prevent bots and spam. AkismetThis is used to detect comment spam. HubPages Google AnalyticsThis is used to provide data on traffic to our website, all personally identifyable data is anonymized.
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