A check engine light is a signal that a major issue with the vehicle is present. But if they don’t work, that’s a problem. Why is my 2004 Silverado check engine light not working?
When you initially turn on the ignition before starting the engine, does it turn on? All of the indicators should shine at that time to demonstrate that the check lights are functioning and that the computer has the ability to regulate them.
If not, the bulb is either burned out or has been purposefully disconnected.
If you bought your used car, the check light bulb might have been detached to conceal an expensive engine problem that won’t pass the government’s required vehicle inspection.
Any queries will be addressed in the article, and we can assist you in providing the best guidance. Please take the time to carefully read them and choose wisely.
What Does the Check Engine Light Really Mean?
The possibility of the check engine light turning on is limitless. An essential component of your car’s on-board diagnostic system is this engine light.
The warning will come on if the computer in your car notices a powertrain issue that could result in higher tailpipe emissions.
For instance, the light might be set off by a malfunctioning gas cap that would let fuel vapors escape into the atmosphere.
The light may also come on if there is an issue with the internal combustion engine that results in a misfire and consequently increased hydrocarbon emissions.
Additionally, because each automobile is unique, the year, make, and model can all affect what causes the light to come on.
Of course, because of the close interdependence of a vehicle’s parts nowadays, a malfunction with one subsystem (like the antilock brakes) may, in rare instances, create alarms in another subsystem (e.g., the powertrain).
However, the check engine light typically indicates a problem with the powertrain or associated parts.
Why Is 2004 Silverado Check Engine Light Not Working
It’s a good indicator if the check engine light isn’t coming on. The dashboard warning light may have burned out if your dashboard previously illuminated the check engine light and it does not anymore.
If the dashboard light is working properly, the ECM may be malfunctioning and preventing the light from turning on. See if the light turns on by attempting to remove a sensor harness.
If it does, the system is in operation. If it doesn’t, look for codes for the sensor you unplugged on the computer. The light is burned out if there is a code and the MIL indicator is ON.
If you require additional help with your check engine light not working, get in touch with a specialist, like one from your mechanic.
Read more: Reasons That Remote Start Not Working And Check Engine Light On?
How to Reset a Check Engine Light
When there is a problem with your vehicle’s emission control system or another computer-controlled system, your check engine light normally illuminates. The light emits a code that you can use to identify the issue and have it addressed.
If the code doesn’t automatically clear after making repairs, you might additionally need to manually reset the light. Utilizing a code scanner is the best technique to turn off a check engine light.
Using a Code Scanner
Get an OBD-II code scanner or borrow one. Scanners for OBD-II are compatible with all automobiles produced after 1996.
A code scanner can be expensive to buy, so unless you want to use one frequently, it is preferable to rent one. Customers can borrow scanners from some car parts retailers or from a friend or relative.
Connect the scanner to the port located under the steering wheel. Modern automobiles feature ports created expressly for OBD scanners.
Find the port underneath the steering column, and then attach the connection from the scanner to it. If you are unable to locate the port, consult your vehicle’s manual.
Press the “read” button on the scanner after turning the key to the “on” position. To turn the car “on,” insert your key into the ignition.
Avoid starting the car. Once the lights on the dash come on, turn off all the vehicle’s accessories, like the radio. Then, use the scanner’s “read” button to obtain the code for the check engine light.
A combination of letters and digits will make up the code. Make a note of every code so you can identify what it signifies and fix your car if needed.
While some don’t, certain scanners will define or explain the codes. If you don’t get one, seek up the code online or in the owner’s manual.
Your scanner’s “erase/clear” button should be pressed, followed by the key being disconnected and turned off. Your check engine light can be temporarily turned off by clearing any active codes.
You can turn off your car and disconnect the scanner after hitting “erase/clear” and waiting until you get the “no codes” message. But removing the codes doesn’t make the issue go away.
It’s advisable to take your car to a mechanic for a professional diagnosis and repair if your check engine light comes on.
Disconnecting the Battery
The battery of the car should have the negative cable removed. Locate the battery by lifting the hood.
The negative cable, which is typically denoted by a minus sign and has a black cap, can be removed from the terminal with a wrench.
Drain the capacitor of any remaining power. Try to turn on the car’s lights or press and hold the horn for 30 seconds.
Although there is no power going to the horn or lights, trying to operate them will drain the capacitor of any remaining electricity.
Reconnect your battery after waiting 15 minutes. When you reconnect the battery, the car systems will be fully reset if you leave the battery removed for roughly 15 minutes.
Reattach the negative cable to the terminal, secure it, and cap the connection. Error codes can be cleared and the check engine light can be reset by disconnecting the battery.
What to Do About the Check Engine Light
Depending on the issue, if the check engine light comes on, it may flicker or be on all the time.
An issue that requires immediate attention is indicated by a blinking light, or in some cars, a red light instead of a yellow or orange light. In either case, you ought to have the car looked at by a mechanic.
An engine misfire that is severe enough in late-model cars to send unburned fuel into the exhaust system, where it can quickly destroy the catalytic converter and necessitate an expensive repair, is typically indicated by a blinking light.
If that occurs, you should turn down the engine and get the automobile or truck checked out as soon as you can.
Even if there is no immediate danger if the light is steady, you should make an appointment as soon as feasible. When there is a malfunction, modern automobile computers frequently attempt to make up for it.
Therefore, even though your fuel economy may be failing and your car may be releasing unsafe amounts of hydrocarbons and other pollutants, you might not notice a decline in performance.
Here are some recommendations on what you should do if the check engine light illuminates:
Search for a critical issue that need quick action. Look for any warning signs of low oil pressure or overheating on your dashboard in the gauges and lights.
These circumstances call for you to stop and turn off the engine as soon as you can find a secure location to do so.
On some cars, a yellow check engine light indicates troubleshooting, while a red one commands immediate stopping.
Possibly tighten the gas cap. This frequently makes the issue go away. The light might not reset for a while, so keep that in mind. Some automobiles feature a secondary indicator that sounds when the gas cap is loose.
Reduce the load and speed. Reduce your speed and make an effort to lessen the demands on the engine if the check engine light is on or you notice any major performance issues, including a lack of power.
If any built-in diagnostic tools are available, use them. Many contemporary vehicles feature built-in remote diagnostic capabilities that allow for reporting on fault codes and scheduling an appointment for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my check engine light not working?
The dashboard warning light may have burned out if your dashboard previously showed the check engine light but it does not now. If the dashboard light is working properly, the ECM may be malfunctioning and preventing the light from turning on. See if the light turns on by attempting to remove a sensor harness.
Q: Why is my car not starting and why is the check engine light not displayed?
If the “Check Engine” light does not illuminate when the ignition is turned on, there may be an issue with the engine computer itself or there may not be any power going to the engine computer (for example, because of a damaged wire, a malfunctioning main relay, or a blown fuse).
Q: Can a car throw codes without checking the engine light?
So, is it possible for a car to generate codes without the check engine light on? Simply said, absolutely. Even if the check engine light never illuminates, the computer in your automobile might still create and retain fault codes. To retrieve these saved codes, though, you’ll need a code reader or scanner.
Final Thoughts
We’ve already covered some helpful advice. We truly hope it’s beneficial to you. If you take the car to the shop to have it looked at, the Check Engine Light will remain stable. You must pay attention since this light is crucial. I hope the advice above is useful.