1996 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 120

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) Your Pontiac is equipped with.a ' . computer which monitors operation of the fuel, ignition and emission control systems. , NOTICE: 1. CHECK If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while, your emission controls may not work as well, your fuel economy may not as be good and your engine may not runsmoothly. as This could lead costly repairs that may not be to covered by your warranty. . This light should come as a checkto show youit is on, working, when the ignition on andthe engine is not is running. If ,thelight doesn't come on, haverepaired. it This system is called OBD1 (On-Board 1 This light willalso come on during a malfunction one in Diagnostics-Second Generation) and intended is of two ways: to assure that emissions areacceptable levelsfor at 0 Light Flashing-- A misfire condition has been the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and environment. (In Canada, OBD1 is replaced by 1 may damage the emission control system on your Enhanced Diagnostics.)The CHECK ENGINElight vehicle. Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis comes on to indicate that there is a problem and service and service is required. is required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the 0 Light On Steady -- An emission controlsystem systembefore any problem apparent, which may is malfunction has been detected on your vehicle. prevent more serious damage to your vehicle. This system is also designed to assist your service technician Dealer or qualified service center diagnosis and service may be required. in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.