What does the check engine light mean? - 1997 Toyota Corolla

Means your engine computer has detected a problem with its engine management. When the light comes on (problem detected) it will store a retrievable code to direct a technician where to look for the problem. Now the light may come on and then go off (means the problem has gone away, but the code is still stored), or it may come on and stay on (means the problem is persistent and should be fixed.) You should not drive a car with the engine light on: it could lead to serious damage. Many parts stores will access your diagnostic codes for free.

• A check engine light means a sensor in the car malfunctioned and sent an error to the cars computer and in turn that light came on. So now you have to get the codes pulled and then write them down and the codes themselves will tell you what caused the light and how to go about fixing the car so the light stays away. You can get the codes read for free at your local major parts store. This can be something minor, a glitch or something more major going on but until you pull the codes you will not know.

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