Malfunction Indicator Light ON

Malfunction indicator light comes up on dash.
Its also known as check engine light.

Now when the Malfunction Indicator Light (aka Check Engine light) comes on, this is indication that there is error code stored in cars computer.The computer has monitored problem with any ogf the electrical working part of the system.The computer module has to be scanned.

BUT WHAT CAN BE THE FAULT?
 Unfortunately, there are literally 100's of parts and sensors monitored in various systems, and to take a "guess" as to which part/sensor in which system is faulty, is virtually impossible.

BUT MY CAR IS RUNNING FINE?
If you are not experiencing any drivability issues such as skipping, stalling, shifting problems, etc, then more than likely, the problem is going to lie in the EVAP (emissions) system.

BUT IN SUCH CASES,WHAT ARE MOST POSSIBLE FAULTS?
Very commonly, this could be a faulty, loose or missing fuel cap or even putting fuel in while the vehicle is running.

• Check the cap for any cracks in the rubber o-ring on the underside. 
• Check the fuel filler neck for any signs of chips or debris. 
• Check under the vehicle, around the area of the fuel tank and the EVAP canister looking for any vacuum lines that have dry-rot cracks, holes or loose/missing connections. 

OK,BUT WHAT TO DO NEXT IF ALL THIS CHECKS OUT GOOD?


If these all check out fine, then the best thing to do at this point is to have the "p-codes" read from the on-board computer. The codes will tell what part is causing the problem.These p-codes are what is used as a "starting point" for the diagnosis and will tell which part/sensor in which system has the fault.

WILL MY CAR MECHANIC TELL ME WHAT IS FAULTY?
NO.There isn't a Mechanic on the planet that can tell you what is wrong with the vehicle just by "looking" at the Engine Light. Let it be any professional or local mechanic.Every single Mechanic's first course of action WILL be to obtain the p-codes. Once you get these p-codes you can more accurately and efficiently diagnose the problem and then make the repair.

ANY OTHER FREE OPTION TO RETRIEVE CODES?
YES,there is a cheaper and free option.
You can have these p-codes read FREE (except in California) at any local "big chain" part store (ie. AutoZone, PepBoys, Advanced, etc).

This details will help.
Thanks.

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2005 Chevy Impala: Service Vehicle Soon Warning Light?

The Vehicle Service warning light comes up on dash.
The system computer has detected any kind of error from any electrical working part of the vehicle.


SERVICE VEHICLE SOON LIGHT THEORY:------
The IPC illuminates the SERVICE VEHICLE SOON message in the message center when any of the following conditions occur:

-The PCM detects certain malfunctions that are not related to the emissions
system. The IPC receives a class 2 message requesting illumination from the PCM.

-The IPC detects a loss of class 2 communication with the PCM.
-The IPC does not detect any class 2 communication with the
vehicle.

BUT WHY THIS LIGHT IS ON?
When the Service Vehicle Soon light is on, this means the on-board computer detects a problem that is not related to the emissions system. This can be anything from a failing Oxygen Sensor, to a deteriorating Catalytic Converter to worn spark plugs, and anything in between. The best bet at this point, is to have the Diagnotic Trouble Codes retrieved from the on-board computer. These error codes retrieved will point to the faulty part/sensor, and you can then more accurately and efficiently make the proper diagnosis, and then the appropriate repair. Most local "big chain" parts stores, like AutoZone, will read these codes for FREE (except in California). Once you have these codes, you can make further troubleshooting tomake the correct repair.

PLEASE NOTE:----
The service vehicle soon light is different from check engine light because the car has both.

The Service Vehicle is for non-emissions related items, where as the Check Engine is for severe engine problems or emissions-only (like say, an EVAP Purge Solenoid) related items. Either way, the diagnostic process must begin with retrieving those codes, so that we at least have a "starting point".

This is the best possible option.

This will help.
Thanks.

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