If your vehicle battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes at least
three days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions
control systems may have a problem.
Even though you may feel no
difference in your vehicle’s
performance, it can reduce your fuel
economy and cause increased
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it
clicks at least three times.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator off immediately; it takes at
least three days of normal driving.
If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn off as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The Malfunction
Indicator Lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle for a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to STATE EMISSIONS
TESTING for more information (see
page
).
199
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Readiness Code
178
If you keep driving with the
Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you
can damage your vehicle’s emission
controls and the engine. Those repairs
may not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
04/07/16 13:25:57 31S5T630 0181