Engine replaced, check engine light on again
I've recently purchased this pre-owned van and it was showing the check engine light. So, I took it to the dealership. He diagnosed the engine failure and it had to be replaced. However, the dash shows the check engine light on yet again and I'm concerned that it might go out again. I found out that this is a very common problem with this make and model. What should I do? Is my engine going out?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. There are several reasons why the Check Engine Light is on, but the Check Engine Light is not always an indication that the motor will need to be replaced. A Check Engine Light that is steady may indicate a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. The best course of action here is to have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come out to and see what diagnostic trouble code has been stored in the car’s computer to turn on the Check Engine Light. After doing so, the certified technician will be able to diagnose the code and inspect the relevant systems thoroughly in order to recommend the necessary repair and resolve your issue.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The Light Stays On
If you`re experiencing this, don`t panic. You may think that there is still a problem with the car after the repair, but it`s because the light needs time to reset. The car`s internal computer only resets after a set period where it checks all of its sensors once more.
Will the check engine light reset itself? The check engine light on your Volkswagen will usually shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it`s tightened, the light will quickly turn itself off.
To make sure the check engine light does not reappear, it`s recommended that you drive your car 30 to 100 miles. This enables the vehicle`s “Drive Cycle” to reset, as the various sensors need time to recalibrate.
In general, you will need to drive between 50-100 miles after you clear your car`s computer. Hopefully, this will get rid of the check engine light once and for all. If it doesn`t, there may be a more critical factor causing this item to turn on.
However, failing to clear a code after a repair could leave you second-guessing the issue or doubling your work to recheck the codes. That`s why you should always make clearing codes an essential part of your repair process.
Failing Oxygen Sensor
One common issue that can cause your check engine light to turn on is a failing oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system, and if it detects a drop in oxygen levels, it will trigger the check engine light.
The “check engine” light is the onboard diagnostic system`s way of telling you something`s wrong. But that something could be one of many things, big or small. It could pop on because of something minor like a loose or faulty gas cap. It could also mean a major engine failure.
Plug an OBD-II scanner into your vehicle`s OBD port and reset it to clear the check engine light. Disconnecting and reconnecting your battery will restart your vehicle`s computer and clear the light. Drive an older vehicle around for a few days after repairs. The light will go off on its own once the computer resets.
Disconnecting your battery and draining the power to cause an ECU reset is one of the most common fixes for a check engine light that won`t go away on its own. Doing so is equivalent to a hard reboot on a desktop computer, which is a standard way to eliminate many common problems.
Let your vehicle rest for eight hours. Do not put the key in the ignition or unlock the car doors during this time.
The whole drive cycle must take at least 10 minutes. After performing a Universal Trip Drive Pattern, the computer clears the code, since it`s “seen” that the problem is fixed and not reoccurring.
It`s possible that the warning light won`t come back on after you clear the code. Then again, if the light does come on again soon, you must conclude that you do have an issue that needs to be addressed. And if you can`t handle the repair yourself, then you should take it to a shop and have it attended to.
If you want to perform a full reset, wait at least 15 minutes before reconnecting the battery to ensure all residual power has been drained. A full reset reverts your ECU to its factory settings and likely causes it to forget its learned ideal shift points and air-fuel mixing ratios.
If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Check engine light refuses to go off after engine replaced
ANSWER : Hello there, you have a long series of issues going on with your 2013 Hyundai Sonata. If you keep getting a repeating oil light on than there is likely a fault in that system.
Since this fault has lasted after the engine was replaced it could be a oil pressure sensor, wiring harness fault, ECU fault, oil pump, oil strainer clogged, or low oil pressure.
To diagnose this issue properly you need a complete vehicle inspection to start from square one and identify the root cause of all this.
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ANSWER : There are countless potential causes for your illuminated check engine light. The mechanic manually turned off the light, but it came back on because the problem has not been fixed. The first place to start is retrieval of the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes serve as a starting point for any further diagnostics a mechanic may perform. Codes will be stored anytime the check engine light is on. Since the first mechanic was unable to fix your concern, I recommend giving the professionals at YourMechanic a call. We offer expert check engine light diagnosis and repair.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine replaced, check engine light on again
check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.
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While driving on freeway truck goes into a limp mode, and the check engine light, abs light, parking break light, service brake
ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.
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I have a 2007 dodge ram 1500. Check engine light was on code came up as alternator. Replaced it and the check engine light is stil
ANSWER : Hi there. When an error code is created, it is often stored in the ECU until it is cleared by a professional mechanic during a check engine light inspection. It is possible that this is the source of your error light, especially if you are not having any further problems starting your vehicle.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine replaced, check engine light on again
Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
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Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.
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I have a 2010 camry. I just recently replaced the engine with a 2014 camry engine. Now I have Four engine lights on. I replaced on
ANSWER : If you swapped the engine from a vehicle that is 4 years newer than the car is then you are going to have electrical and sensor incompatibilities that may not be able to be fixed by just a few sensor replacements. There were many changes in computer and emission related items between 2010 and 2014 engines. I would recommend having a mechanic like one from YourMechanic come to you and compare the two engines to isolate the possible differences and see if the problem can be fixed.
Read Full Q/A … : Engine replaced, check engine light on again
