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Check engine light on: Codes, Causes & Fixes

A steady check engine light means the engine computer has stored a fault that affects emissions or engine management. In most cases you can keep driving normally for now, but have the code read soon – many auto parts stores and any OBD-II scanner can do this. If the light came on right after refueling, check that the gas cap is tight; loose caps are a classic trigger for EVAP codes.

558Codes
2.7Average severity
12%High or critical
18%DIY-friendly
Severity distributionSeverity distribution

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All codes (331)

P0573 Powertrain The PCM thinks the brake pedal is always pressed – brake lights stay on, often from a missing… Moderate P0600 Powertrain The engine computer lost a dedicated data link to another module, most often the transmission… Moderate P0601 Powertrain The engine computer's stored software failed its checksum test at start-up – usually a reflash… Moderate P0602 Powertrain The engine computer has no valid or complete software – typical after a module swap or a failed… Moderate P0604 Powertrain The engine computer's working memory failed a read/write test – rarely a software issue, often… Moderate P0605 Powertrain The memory holding the engine computer's program failed its integrity test – try one reflash… Moderate P0606 Powertrain The engine computer failed its own internal self-test – check its power and grounds before… Moderate P0607 Powertrain A general internal performance check in the engine computer failed – supply, grounds… Moderate P061B Powertrain The ECM's safety monitor disagreed with its own engine torque calculation – often bad input… Moderate P0620 Powertrain The engine computer found a fault in the wire or signal it uses to command alternator output. Moderate P0621 Powertrain A fault in the alternator's 'L' circuit – the line behind the charge light or the ECM's turn-on… Moderate P0622 Powertrain The alternator's field control or field feedback circuit is faulty – output may drop out… Moderate P0625 Powertrain The PCM sees the alternator's field-monitor signal stuck low – usually the regulator, its plug… Moderate P0626 Powertrain The alternator reports a field signal stuck at or near full output – battery, alternator… Moderate P0627 Powertrain The PCM's fuel pump command line has no complete circuit – a dead relay coil, open wire, fuse… Moderate P0628 Powertrain The fuel pump control wire is pulled toward ground – a chafed wire, shorted relay coil or wet… Moderate P0629 Powertrain Battery voltage is leaking into the fuel pump control line – a short, corrosion bridge… Moderate P0638 Powertrain The electronic throttle or diesel intake throttle can't reach its commanded angle, often due… Moderate P0641 Powertrain The PCM's shared 5-volt supply 'A' is missing or out of range – often one shorted sensor… High P0642 Powertrain The PCM's 5-volt supply 'A' is being pulled below spec, usually by a short to ground in one… High P0651 Powertrain The PCM's second 5-volt sensor supply is out of range – usually a pedal, throttle or pressure… Moderate P0685 Powertrain The engine computer can't switch its own main power relay – open coil, blown fuse or broken… High P0686 Powertrain The main relay control line is being pulled to ground – usually a shorted relay coil… Moderate P0687 Powertrain The main relay control line sits at battery voltage – the relay may never switch on or never… Moderate P069E Chevrolet · Powertrain The fuel pump control module stored its own fault and asked the engine computer for the check… Moderate P06DD Powertrain The ECM commanded an oil pressure change and the measured pressure didn't respond – check… High P0700 Powertrain The transmission computer found a fault and asked for the check engine light – read the TCM… Moderate P0705 Powertrain The computer can't make sense of the gear selector position signal – P, R, N, D may be misread. Moderate P0706 Powertrain The range sensor works electrically, but its reading doesn't match where the lever and gears… Moderate P0707 Powertrain The range sensor signal voltage is below its lowest valid value – usually a short to ground… Moderate

Symptoms