Disconnecting check engine lights

Unfortunately disconnecting check engine lights is against the law. The federal government in compliance with the clean air act has integrated this check engine light into the vehicle's computer system via hardwired components and communication modules.

When disconnecting check engine lights you are disabling the bulb check function as well. The bulb check is when the lamp is turned on behind the check engine light symbol to verify proper operation. This happens every time the key is on and the engine is not running. In other words this self test lets everybody know its not working right.

Why should you care if people know? Most areas have state inspections or smog check points that verify proper operation of the check engine light bulb test function. If you have disconnected the check engine light you will be in violation of the clean air act and will fail your state inspection.

The good news is that it can be easier to repair the malfunction than it is to disconnect the check engine light. The first step in the diagnostic procedure in most cases is clearing the code and see if it returns. Often an intermittent problem will trigger the light and it will stay on until you clear it.

This Autel Maxi scan I have on the left is the cheapest way of clearing codes that I have seen. I do not own this device but the reviews state it works as advertised. I recommend before you clear the codes that you write the 5 digit numbers down. This way if the check engine light comes back on you can see if it is the same code.

Disabling the check engine light would require you to disassemble the dash and remove the bulb. On most late model vehicles this is a difficult task to complete.

Also on some models when you remove the check engine light bulb your computer that handles the air fuel mixture will go into a backup mode.

This will cause poor gas mileage, lack of power and other symptoms. In essence your computer is monitoring the proper operation of the check engine light and its bulb. The technical term used to describe the check engine light bulb is the MIL or malfunction indicator lamp.

Do not disconnect the check engine light

Learning to fix check engine light malfunctions can be a rewarding experience. On this website I supply information on how to accomplish this repair. Visit the reset check engine light information page for tips on how to retrieve the failure code and repair the problem.

Also visit the DIY auto repair page for online auto repair tips for bringing professional results home to your driveway. I have learned over the years that when you try to cheat the system you wind up putting in more time and effort then if you properly fix the auto repair problem in the first place.

Disconnecting check engine lights

If your check engine light is on, this is your car's way of reaching out to you to let you know that there is a problem with the computer controlled fuel management or emissions system.

If you can afford a little more then the $29 it takes to buy the Autel Maxiscan mentioned above I would recommend taking a look at the Equus 3130 scan tool. This scanner will give you some room to grow and has many useful advanced features.

You can read the Data stream and monitor conditions at the time of the fault with a built in snap shot mode. The only feature this auto scan tool is missing is a back lit screen. This can be annoying in low light situations. But the price is good for the features and diagnostic capabilities included.

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Look at My Auto Repair Credentials and Work History on Google+.

This next link takes you to one of the most popular pages on this site. Learn how to turn off check engine lights without a scanner. See the auto scan tools I own and more reasons to forget about disconnecting check engine lights and just fix the problem.

Instead of disconnecting check engine lights try using factory diagnostic charts from all-data to repair them properly.

More information about the All-data service manuals including a video of how to fix cars with it is available from this next link. See why this thing is the leading online auto repair manuals program.

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