What does a malfunction indicator light mean in a car?

The Malfunction Indicator Light can signal three different types of problems. Occasional flashes indicate temporary engine malfunctions. In this case, it is good to be aware of the possible forthcoming issues which can later on turn to more serious ones. The most common case is when the indicator light stays on constantly.

What to do when malfunction indicator light illuminates?

If you have a OBD-II scantool (for example one with ELM327 chip) and OBD diagnostic software, you can check the reason for the problem yourself. For example, our car diagnostic software can read the DTC code from the car and give you description of the code. Those will guide you towards the main cause of the problem.

What kind of car did I buy last week?

About a week ago I bought a 2007 Honda CRV, mileage: 91K, from a local car sales shop. Yesterday the engine management light came on and having the car inspected at a local garage it appears there is a problem with the car’s engine (code p2004: variable intake manifold system fault).

What should you do if your engine light goes out?

The issue is a major one and you should stop the engine immediately to prevent serious damage. For instance, it might cause the catalytic converter to overheat and even cause a fire. N.B. It is totally normal for the light to illuminate for a few seconds when you start the engine. But it should go out when the engine is running.

What happens if I find a defect in my car?

However, some private sellers may feel bad and give you some money back to fix the issue, and some dealers may not want to risk damage to their reputation, leading them to offer you a goodwill gesture in the form of financial compensation or reduced labor charges to fix the problem.

What to do if the dealer won’t take your car back?

What If the Dealer Won’t Take the Car Back 1 Refinance. When you purchase your car with a bank loan, you might have the option to refinance your loan to lower the rate. 2 Sell the car. If you absolutely don’t want the vehicle, you might be able to sell the car in a “like-new” condition. 3 Upgrade your options.

Can You unwind a purchase agreement on a car?

Obviously, unwinding a deal is a gray area, and you must carefully approach the seller with such a request. Although each situation is different, let’s look at three common scenarios. The vast majority of car dealers have no written policies that allow you to rescind the purchase agreement you’ve signed.

Can a used car be bought back under the lemon law?

If you think you might qualify for your car to be bought back under the lemon law, you’ll want to check your state laws to find out whether or not you qualify. In some cases, an attorney may even be necessary. Unfortunately for drivers who believe they’ve bought a defective used car, the lemon law almost always only applies to new vehicles.