Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Check Engine Light: Notes
All vehicles are equipped with a CHECK ENGINE light, located on instrument panel. Light comes on, as a bulb check, when ignition switch is turned to ON position and engine is not running. Light should not flash at this time and should go out when engine is started.
If CHECK ENGINE light remains on or flashes with engine running, self-diagnostic system has detected a problem. If problem goes away, light will go out after 10 seconds, but a fault code will be stored in ECM memory.
All trouble codes except for Code 51 (Switch Condition Signal) and Code 53 (Knock Control Signal) are stored in ECM memory. Codes 51 and 53 are erased from memory as soon as ignition is turned off. In order to detect an active Code 51 or 53, ignition switch must be in ON position (engine off) with diagnostic request terminal "TE1" in diagnostic check connector grounded. See Figure . Diagnostic check connector is located on left shock tower.
If ignition switch is turned to OFF position at any time during this procedure, a present Code 51 or 53 will be lost.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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