When a 'check engine light' (MIL=Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is turned on, there is a DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) set/stored in the ECM/PCM (Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module). This code identifies which engine management system component/function experienced a malfunction. Once you pull/read this code, you may begin diagnosis.
Hello
The engine
and transmission in this cars drive train are fully
electronically controlled by a computer called the PCM (Power Train
Control Module). Whenever a problem like this occurs the computer
stores a record of the problem (there are of course some exceptions
to this, like the fuel pump for instance) in the form of a fault code
in its memory, to read these fault codes you must have the systems
memory scanned with a special tool. Once the fault code(s) are read
you then must perform the appropriate diagnostic testing to find and
resolve the problem(s) DO NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS UNTIL THE
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING IS COMPLETED.
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Hello
it is very unlikely that you can get a free loaner for this type of problem from any car repair center i am aware of.
The information below was complied by me, it explains what causes the check engine light to come on and the process of finding the cause.
When the Check Engine light (or Service Engine Soon) is turned on, the systems computer control unit (called the PCM) has sensed a fault in the electronic controls of the engine and/or the emission system. When this happens you will seldom feel the car engine run any different. There are about 200 possible system faults (the gas cap is just one of them) that turn the Check Engine light on, to know what has developed a problem you must have the system tested, this is called an OBD2 fault code test, Kragen/Oriley and Autozone parts stores (USA only) do this testing for free.
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