Ask an expert

My 1993 ex-Japan 1.6 litre Corolla has a warning light which is not fitted on the New Zealand new version.

It normally comes on when the ignition is switched on and goes off after the engine starts.

Now it has begun to illuminate during travel and I don't know what it means.

It is yellow/orange in the shape of a car with what look like rays of sunshine around the rear-end.

Ian

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 19 September 2008

There is a problem with the engine management system if the light is coming on during driving.

It may be a problem with the catalytic convertor which is part of the emission system and is situated in the exhaust.

NZ new vehicles of this age were not fitted with catalytic convertors.

Best to get it checked out with a garage which has a scanning tool or can check for fault codes in the engine management computer.

Hopefully they can diagnose in this way, the vehicles age may be a problem.

If not, it's a little bit of trial and error and its where you need a good and experienced repairer.

Check out our AA Licensed repairer network if you are looking for a garage to carry out the diagnosing.