why did my obd indicator light come on?

Question

i have a 2003 dodge stratus just now i had my air running in my car i turned it off then i went to turn it back on seemed like it took longer to start then i noticed the obd indicator light stayed on i turned it off started it up it started with no problem but the light is still on what do you think is the problem or anything i can do or look at?

Answer 1

If you hook up the obo 2 code reader it will tell you the reason why the light is on, and some readers also reset the light on the dash.



Its cheaper to buy the reader then to have a read and reset. This is the link to the one I have also comes with the book of code meanings

and is very easy to use. Not to mention handy for future issues The reader works on almost all vehicles 1996- today.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Actron-PocketScan-code-reader/_/N-25iq?itemIdentifier=603853&_requestid=203974

In either case its the only way to figure out why it came on.



hope it helps

Lr

Answer 2

Can somebody explain to me why buying a code reader ... from AutoZone ... is cheaper than going in to Auto Zone and having your codes read free (and the specific results printed for you, and some diagnostic information provided)?



Yes, some AutoZone people will let you push the buttons to reset your codes, and even tell you the specific buttons to press, even though company policy is not to reset codes 'for you'.



You should have the codes read to determine what the situation is. Note that OBDII is a code system that deals with the emission controls, not with the specific internal computer systems in a particular vehicle, so the result can be different from a condition that would activate something like a GM SES light.



When you know what the code(s) are, you can troubleshoot the problem. Some cars will set the light if you refuel with the engine running (the purge system detects too much air since the cap is off!)

Answer 3

If the "Check Engine Light" is on, go see a mechanic for a diagnostic. There's over 200 possible codes in the computer. There's no way to tell which one it is without a diagnostic.



You can look at it all you want, but without a trained mechanic and a scan tool, there's no way to know what the problem is.





Beware of the parts jockeys at Auto Zone. They can scan the computer for free, but they're NOT trained to diagnose the actual problem. Their job is to sell parts, not fix cars.

Answer 4

The check engine light means "check the engine". Use an OBD2 code reader. There isn't another way to find out why the light is on.

Answer 5

On those cars I think if you turn the key on (don't crank) three times in a row, the trouble code will pop up where the odometer is. I'm not sure the trick to that, my friend's Intrepid did it though... If not, take it to AutoZone and they will check it for free... We can't really decipher why the light is on without a trouble code.