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Question

i'm driving along, my check engine light comes


Sent to Car Experts March 20, 2006 6:44 a.m.
i'm driving along, my check engine light comes on briefely and car loses power, it kicks back in and a few times it seems as though it wants to stall, what could this be or what could be causing this?

Optional Information:
1992 Buick century

Already Tried:
oil change, topped off of all fluids, fuel filter change, and gas treatment to remove any possible water
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
Answer
March 20, 2006 7:02 a.m. (18 minutes and 3 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

That is a warning light that comes on if the computerized engine control system detects an engine performance or emissions problem. Also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and some not as serious.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retreive the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will get you pointed in the right direction.

Here's the procedure to retreive codes from your car. We can give you the definitions if you post back with them.

To extract a trouble from the computer for diagnostic purposes, the Assembly Line Communication Link (ALDL) connector is used.

Ground terminals A and B with the ignition "ON" and engine not running. The system will enter the diagnostic mode. In this mode, the computer will display a 12, three consecutive times, by flashing the "CHECK ENGINE", "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP" or light. A 12 consists of one flash, a short pause, then two flashes in rapid succession.

After 12 is displayed, any stored trouble s will be displayed by flashing the "CHECK ENGINE", "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP" light. All s are displayed 3 times each then a 12 will repeat. In the diagnostic mode, the computer will also energize all computer controlled relays and solenoids.

Images available only to Customers.

The ALDL diagnostic connector is located in the passenger compartment.



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