Check Engine Light - 基本常识

最近不少人问这个问题，懒得打字，我从下面的link 摘出几点，供菜鸟扫盲。 高手DIY 可参照 link 和 你的 shop repair manual (我说的是原厂的 repair manual, aftermarket 的那几种便宜manual 在这方面不细）。记住 Check Engine Light 的相关检测和维修可难可易，首先查查你加油时盖子有没有盖紧， 这是最常见的原因。如果把没有盖紧的盖子盖紧，Check Engine Light 也不会马上自己灭。你要把汽车蓄电池的cable断开，清一下车上的memory （如果有security code 的慎用）或用scanner tool reset 一下。 如果开了一段灯又亮了，那就得好好查查了。

The Link: http://www.obdii.com/

All cars built since January 1, 1996 have OBD-II systems. Manufacturers started incorporating OBD-II in various models as early as 1994. Some early OBD-II cars were not 100% compliant. OBD-II signals are most often sought in response to a "Check Engine Light" appearing on the dashboard or driveability problems experienced with the vehicle. The data provided by OBD-II can often pinpoint the specific component that has malfunctioned, saving substantial time and cost compared to guess-and-replace repairs.

The service industry calls the Check Engine light on your dash an "MIL" or Malfunction Indicator Light. It shows three different types of signals. Occasional flashes show momentary malfunctions. It stays on if the problem is of a more serious nature, affecting the emissions output or safety of the vehicle. A constantly flashing MIL is a sign of a major problem which can cause serious damage if the engine is not stopped immediately. In all cases a "freeze frame" of all sensor readings at the time is recorded in the central computer of the vehicle.

Because of their investment in the equipment required, most repair shops charge a fee, some-times substantial, to attach the scanning equipment and diagnose problems using the OBD-II system signals. With the introduction of more economical and user friendly scanning devices, it is now practical for almost anyone to access OBD-II signals and use them for their own testing and repairs. （到AUTOZONE 或类似autoparts store,他们免费帮你scan code， 再对照你得shop manual 吧。 ebay经常可以买到很便宜的CD版)