Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This lamp is used to monitor fuel injection and emission control system components for malfunctions. When the ignition switch is placed in the On position, the lamp will illuminate for 2 to 3 seconds as a bulb check. If lamp remains on, a malfunction in the fuel injection or emission control system is indicated. If malfunction is intermittent, the lamp will go off when Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives a normal signal from the malfunctioning component. If the ECU receives an improper signal from a malfunctioning component for a time longer than that programmed into the ECU, a code will be stored in the ECU memory and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will be illuminated. After servicing the indicated component, Malfunction Indicator Lamp can be reset by clearing the ECU memory. The ECU memory is cleared by disconnecting the battery ground cable for approximately 10 seconds.