QuestionMY "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT JUST CAME ON - SHOULD I TAKE IT IN IMMEDIATELY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN
THIS IS A 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING JXI
THANK YOU
AnswerHi Ellan,
The engine control computer is always check the function of the systems that it operates and when it sees a manfunction that might increase the pollution coming from the tailpipe it alerts you to that fact and stores a coded message in its memory. It may be possible for you to ask the engine controller what fault it has observed that is stored as code in its memory. The most useful thing to do would be to try to get the fault codes that may stored in the engine controller memory to readout. Try using the ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on" and leave it "on" (doing this quickly, no longer than 5 seconds). By "on" I mean just the normal position when the engine is running, not the cranking position. The 'check engine'light will remain on when you leave the key in the "on" position with the engine still not running. But then watch the 'check engine' light to begin flashing, then pause, flashing, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause and keep track of the numbers. Repeat the readout and verify the counts are correct. Then group them in pairs in the order that they came out, thus forming two digit numbers. You may notice that the pause is shorter between the digits of a given number, and longer between the numbers themselves. Then send me a 'follow-up' question telling me the results of your readout. By the way, 55 will be the last number (two groups of 5 flashes each) and that is the code for "end of readout".
I have the troubleshooting manual for several engines and we can look up the possibilities of what is wrong based upon what fault codes you show. When you write back tell me what engine is in the Sebring you are driving.
There is also an essay on fault codes at the site:
http://www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
which gives the meaning of the code numbers. But then you need to get specific info for what exactly might be the diagnostic tests or parts to replace to complete the repair.
Because the self-readout capability is changing over time, this approach may not produce fault codes in your '97 at all, not even a 55. Then you will have to go to a good tune-up shop where they have a more sophisticated code reader in order see if there are any codes. You should be able to get a readout for under $50. I have heard that many chainstore autoparts places will do a readout for free (e.g. Autozone).
Find out what 4 digit P---- code is and write me back; but also inquire about how much the part or repair will be and we'll compare notes on what is proposed compared to what the manual says.
Roland
