Check Engine Light comes on after starting pickup
On a recurring basis, the check engine light comes on when I start my pickup and it stays on for around 30 seconds. When I give the engine some gas, the check engine light goes out. When I release the throttle for about another 30 seconds, then the check engine light comes back on. I drove about 10 minutes and then stopped and let the truck idle before turning it off. After several minutes, the check engine light did not come on. There is no sputtering and no strange noises when I give the engine more gas. In addition, this is an OBD1 code and the auto parts store will not read it. What can yo
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1992 Isuzu Pickup. A professional will have the correct equipment to read OBD1 codes. Retrieving the diagnostic trouble code(s) is the first place to start when diagnosing your vehicle. Increasing RPMs changes engine load, which can in turn affect many different sensors and components, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The only way to narrow down the options and find the culprit is through in person diagnosis with an OEM compatible scan tool. A certified technician from YourMechanic can retrieve the OBD codes at your home or office.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Idling a car can cause carbon to build up on the spark plugs and inside the cylinder, which can in turn lead to a misfire or an underperforming spark situation. Either of these issues can lead to check engine lights.
If the check engine light happened to be flashing during these episodes of acceleration, that means there is a serious fault, such as cylinder misfiring, that requires immediate repair. Misfiring, in particular, has the potential to damage the catalytic converter which can result in additional costly repairs.
A failed O2 sensor is the most common cause of a flashing check engine light. The O2 sensor is a critical part of the exhaust system, monitoring how much unburned oxygen is exiting the engine in the exhaust. The sensor sends messages back to the engine to adjust the mix of oxygen and fuel being used.
When your check engine light begins flashing, it is most often caused by a charging system misfire. The fuel, oxygen, and spark in your vehicle must operate in a specific order to power it properly. Unfortunately, if one of these three cylinders malfunctions, the entire system will suffer.
A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it`s in good condition. If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on.
A car that idles rough but drives smooth may be due to broken motor mounts. The purpose of motor mounts is in the name! These cylindrical components are what keep your engine in place. Broken or weak mounts are unable to support the engine properly, creating a vibration at idle.
Exhaust Manifold Leak
When the exhaust manifold has a leak, it can cause the car to run unevenly or to sputter. It can also cause the check engine light to come in. You may also hear increased engine noise with the engine performing poorly. A leaking or cracked manifold is a potentially dangerous driving condition!
These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car`s emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
Yes, a bad spark plug can confuse your car`s internal computer and trigger the O2 sensor code.
The most likely problem is an engine misfiring from an ignition problem, such as a failed spark plug, plug wire, or coil problem. Some of these engines may also have problems with fuel injectors. I recommend having the Check Engine Light diagnosed by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic.
A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue, such as a loose gas cap. Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Standardized diagnostic codes help identify the trouble.
Use a spark plug socket to remove the plug to get a good look at it. The damage you see will help you determine the cause of the misfire. If the spark plug is just old, replacing it may solve the problem. Make sure to replace and properly gap new spark plugs.
These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car`s emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
If the check engine light is off, the engine operating temperature is fully within the normal range (not too cold and not too hot) and there are no outward signs of engine malfunction, you need do nothing at this time.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Check Engine Light comes on after starting pickup
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1992 Isuzu Pickup. A professional will have the correct equipment to read OBD1 codes. Retrieving the diagnostic trouble code(s) is the first place to start when diagnosing your vehicle. Increasing RPMs changes engine load, which can in turn affect many different sensors and components, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The only way to narrow down the options and find the culprit is through in person diagnosis with an OEM compatible scan tool. A certified technician from YourMechanic can retrieve the OBD codes at your home or office.
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Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.
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Car won’t start. The check engine light, battery light, and oil change light are coming on. I tried jumping the car and nothing happened. Why won’t my car start?
ANSWER : Hi and thanks for contacting Your Mechanic. If sometimes your vehicle will start with the new alternator and sometimes it won’t, then there is a loose connection in your charging system. Check all of the wires to the alternator and to the battery. Make sure that the battery cables are clean and tight. Make sure that the wires to the starter are clean and tight. A loose ground to the ignition system will cause the vehicle to not crank over. Check all of the ground wires from the battery to the starter. Make sure that they are clean and tight. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you.
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Traction light/reduced engine power and check engine light coming on
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some sort of intermittent wiring or sensor issue. If the problem occurred again after driving over a bump, then it may be possible that a damaged or loose wire is shorting or having contact issues. A common issue that can cause stalling is a faulty crank position sensor or wiring. I would carefully examine the engine for any loose or damaged wires. If the Check Engine Light comes back on, I would recommend having the trouble codes scanned before resetting the computer.
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Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
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Check engine light comes on and engine stalls but starts right back up. Upon restart the check engine light is off with no problems.
ANSWER : Hi there. It seems that there could be a loose wire or loose ground to the transmission sensors. First you will need to get a scanner and scan for any codes that are pending or stored in the ECM (computer). This will give you a location to start that is causing the engine to stall out. If you get the code P1684, then check the battery cables to see if they are loose or corroded. The code P1684 means that there has been a loss of electrical power to the ECM (power). If you need further assistance with your vehicle stalling intermittent, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Car goes into limp mode when the check engine light and VSA light comes on
ANSWER : The lights that you have on and the vehicle going into fail safe mode is an indication you have a major system failure that will require computer to be tested for codes first. There are many possible codes it can be so the additional testing will be needed to isolate the cause of the problem.
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I am not getting any power when I turn the key to the on position. there is no dash lights only check engine lite comes on.
ANSWER : The problem of having erratic electrical issues with this year Bronco they have problems with the ignition switch losing contact. You should check and replace the ignition switch. When the switch is removed you should check linkage rod and electrical connector for problems and repair as needed along with replace the ignition switch.
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