Check Engine Light

As soon as I turn my car on (84 Fiero) the check engine light comes on and stays on. It used to come on after I had been driving for a while, but would turn off once I stopped at a red light or stop sign. After driving a while it would turn on again. Now the light is always on. Not sure what the problem is. Anyone know how to troubleshoot a check engine light? Everything else runs fine.

As it's an '84, you may have "fun" finding a qualified tech to look at it. But, when the "check engine" light is on or flashing, it indicates a code "stored" in the computer. A tech with an older type scanner can draw out the code and reset the computer. Do what the code tells you to do!

Jim

Thanks, I read somewhere to ground the top two connections on the terminal and get a pulse reading from the check engine light. I have done that, but only get the check engine light to flash. Know anything about doing it yourself?

http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/5007/fiero_osg/codes.html

There are some instructions that will tell you how to obtain the codes and what the codes mean. You'll need a paperclip for this high tech endeavor.

My mechanic does not know if he has the right computer. Can you use an OBD II? He told me that it was for 1996 vehicles and newer, but he thinks it is for all domestics.

I checked the back lights and the driver's side is brighter than the passengers when the engine is off. When I push the passenger bulb into the socket harder, it brightens up and it sounds like the fuel pump turns on, and at about the same time the check engine light appears... Can you make anything of it?

Ground problems.

Any way of fixing?

Fix: Find the wiring harness that has the lights are in (Haynes Manual) and locate where the ground is and reground it, or add another ground to the circuit.