Chrysler Repair: check engine light., vehicle exhaust emissions, chrysler corp

Question
What does it usually mean when the "check engine light" comes on?

Answer
Hi Rodney,
When it comes on and stay on it means that the engine computer has detected a problem that affects the vehicle exhaust emissions or detected a failed emission component, and that the computer has gone into a survival/"limp-in" mode that keeps the engine running but not as well as it might if there wasn't this problem present. If your car is pre-'97 or so you will likely be able to get the memory of the computer to tell you a code number that explains what system has the problem so that a repair can be investigated.
The most useful thing to do would be to try to get the fault code 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, model, and year of Chrysler Corp. car 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.
If this approach doesn't produce fault codes at all, not even a 55, then you have a newer model that doesn't provide for readout by the ignition key and then you will have to go to a good tune-up shop where they have a more sophisticated code reader that plugs-in in order see if there are any codes. You should be able to get a readout for under $50.
So those are some ideas for you to consider. Let me know what happens and how I might be of help.
Roland