Check engine light - Engine Troubleshooting


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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

Russ_heard
New User

Jun 20, 2011, 8:07 AM

Post #1 of 3 (1588 views)

Check engine light	Sign In

I have a 2000 dodge stratus es with a 2.4 dohc. engine. The check engine light has come on & I was wondering if there was a way to clear it. I heard that you could disconnect the battery & it would reset the check engine light. True or false?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 20, 2011, 8:10 AM

Post #2 of 3 (1583 views)

Re: Check engine light	Sign In

First get codes read so you know what it's trying to tell you,

T

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jun 20, 2011, 1:57 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1573 views)

Re: Check engine light	Sign In

Won't do any good to clear it if you haven't fixed the problem that put it on in the first place.
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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