Malfunction indicator lamp

The check engine light, english Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL ) is part of the initially required in California and now also in other states and countries on-board diagnostics of motor vehicles. This is an indicator light in the instrument cluster. Typically, the MIL is indicated by a stylized engine.

Purpose

If the on-board diagnostics has detected an emission-related, ie emission-related fault, the driver is prompted by lighting or flashing of the indicator light to prospect the workshop to compromise vehicle or the environment unnecessarily.

Legal requirements

When and in which errors display the check engine light is fixed in the legal regulations for on- board diagnostics. This also includes a functional test: when starting the engine it should light up momentarily. Does not happen, visit a workshop is required. In states with particularly restrictive environmental laws ( such as California ), it also happens that police in vehicle controls check the check engine light as upon lighting up only further movement is allowed until the next workshop.

Shutdown

Sporadic errors ( eg loose contact ), the check engine light if the fault or after the next engine has started. Otherwise, this can be done only by reading and erasing the fault memory in the workshop.