# How long should the check engine light stay on

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-should-the-check-engine-light-stay-on/57297>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** sedona, kia\
**Created:** [November 7, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-should-the-check-engine-light-stay-on/57297 "2010-11-07T20:52:32Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![indy4192](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/aeb1de/32.png) [@indy4192](https://community.cartalk.com/u/indy4192)\
**Post date:** [November 7, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-should-the-check-engine-light-stay-on/57297/1 "2010-11-07T20:52:32Z")

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When I start my 2002 Kia sedona the check engine light will remain lit for about 3-4 seconds after the car has started and all other dash lights have gone off, is this normal?

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [November 7, 2010, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-should-the-check-engine-light-stay-on/57297/2 "2010-11-07T21:51:33Z")

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YES…The ECM (computer) needs a little time to scan everything and decide everything is okay…