This light should come on briefly, as a check toshow you it is working, as you start the engine. Ifthe light does not come on, have it repaired.This light will also come on during a malfunction inone of two ways:• Light Flashing — A misfire condition hasbeen detected. A misfire increases vehicleemissions and may damage the emissioncontrol system on your vehicle. Diagnosis andservice may be required.• Light On Steady — An emission controlsystem malfunction has been detected on yourvehicle. Diagnosis and service may berequired.If the Light Is FlashingThe following may prevent more serious damageto your vehicle:• Reducing vehicle speed• Avoiding hard accelerations• Avoiding steep uphill gradesIf the light stops flashing and remains on steady,see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to doso, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to parkyour vehicle. Turn the engine off, wait atleast 10 seconds and restart the engine. If thelight remains on steady, see “If the Light IsOn Steady” following. If the light is still flashing,follow the previous steps, and see your dealer forservice as soon as possible.If the Light Is On SteadyYou also may be able to correct the emissionsystem malfunction by considering the following:Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fullyinstall the cap. See Filling the Tank on page 368.The diagnostic system can determine if thefuel cap has been left off or improperly installed.A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel toevaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving tripswith the cap properly installed should turn thelight off.253
