Here's why the light might be on:
* Choke isn't fully opening: The automatic choke is designed to gradually open as the engine warms up. If it's sticking closed or opening too slowly, the light might stay on, indicating the engine is running rich (too much fuel). This can lead to poor fuel economy and rough running.
* Choke is malfunctioning: There could be a mechanical issue with the choke mechanism itself (e.g., a broken linkage, a sticking valve).
* Faulty temperature sensor: The automatic choke's operation is often controlled by a temperature sensor. A faulty sensor provides incorrect temperature readings to the choke system, leading to improper choke operation and the light illuminating.
* Vacuum leak: The choke system often uses vacuum to operate. A vacuum leak in the system can prevent the choke from functioning correctly.
* Electrical problem: There could be a short circuit or a broken wire in the wiring related to the choke light circuit. This is less likely to be the sole cause, but could be related to one of the issues above.
* Improperly adjusted choke: While less likely on an automatic choke system, if someone has tried to manually adjust the choke and didn't do it correctly, it could cause problems.
Troubleshooting:
You'll need to diagnose which of these is causing the problem. Since this is an older car with a carburetor, this will likely require some hands-on mechanical work. Some steps you could take:
1. Check the engine temperature: Is the engine cold and the light on? If so, it's normal for the light to be on briefly, as the engine starts to warm up, the light should go off. If it stays on even after the engine is warm, there's a problem.
2. Listen to the engine: Is it running rough or rich (lots of black smoke from the exhaust)? This points towards a choke issue.
3. Inspect the choke linkage: Check for any binding, broken parts, or loose connections in the linkage that controls the choke.
4. Check vacuum lines: Look for any cracked, disconnected, or leaking vacuum lines connected to the choke system.
5. Consult a repair manual: A repair manual specific to your 1984 Chevrolet Celebrity will provide detailed information on the choke system, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting procedures.
If you're not comfortable working on the car yourself, take it to a mechanic experienced with older vehicles and carburetors. They'll be able to diagnose and fix the problem accurately.
