Chevrolet Captiva Owners Manual: Malfunction Indicator Lamp

A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, helping to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions on page 9-15.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while the engine is running, this indicates that the OBD II system has detected a problem and diagnosis and service might be required.

Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system also assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

Caution

• If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
• Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle's emission controls and can cause this light to come on.

  Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10-2.

This light comes on during a malfunction in one of two ways: Light Flashing: A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.

To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:

• Reduce vehicle speed.
• Avoid hard accelerations.
• Avoid steep uphill grades.
• If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.

If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to stop and park the vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.

Light On Steady: An emission control system malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.

Diagnosis and service might be required.

The following may correct an emission control system malfunction:

• Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on page 9-38. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.

  A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.

• Check that good quality fuel is used. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and may cause stalling after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration.

  These conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.

If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the fuel brand used.

It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.

See Recommended Fuel on page 9-36.

If none of the above have made the light turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle. The dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that might have developed.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs

Depending on where you live, your vehicle may be required to participate in an emission control system inspection and maintenance program. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).

The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. See your dealer if assistance is needed.

The vehicle may not pass inspection if:

• The malfunction indicator lamp is on with the engine running, or if the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off. See your dealer for assistance in verifying proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp.
• The OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can take several days of routine driving.

  If this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD II system readiness, your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp, also known as the Check Engine Light, plays a vital role in the Chevrolet Captiva First Generation, alerting drivers to potential issues within the engine or emissions system. Its illumination on the dashboard serves as a warning for drivers to address underlying problems promptly to ensure optimal vehicle performance and prevent further damage.

The MIL can be triggered by various factors, including engine misfires, faulty oxygen sensors, problems with the emissions control system, or other engine-related issues. When the light turns on, the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) stores a corresponding trouble code, which can be accessed using a diagnostic scanner.

Retrieving the trouble code provides valuable information about the specific problem affecting the vehicle. It's important to note that while the MIL indicates a problem, not every instance signals a severe issue; sometimes, it could be a minor concern like a loose gas cap that needs tightening.

Dealing with the MIL in the 2018 Chevrolet Captiva typically involves several steps. First, drivers should check the gas cap to ensure it's securely fastened to prevent fuel vapor leakage, a common trigger for the MIL. Next, using a diagnostic scanner to read and interpret the trouble codes helps diagnose the root cause accurately.

Once the problem is identified, it's essential to diagnose and repair the underlying issue promptly. This may involve replacing or repairing faulty components related to the trouble code. After resolving the problem, clearing the trouble codes using the diagnostic scanner resets the MIL. If the issue is successfully addressed, the light should turn off, indicating that the problem has been resolved.

If the MIL persists or the vehicle exhibits abnormal symptoms such as rough idling, reduced power, or unusual noises, seeking professional assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership is recommended. Ignoring the MIL can lead to more significant issues and potential repercussions on vehicle performance and emissions compliance.