| Author |
Message |
martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
Member
Username: Mw360
Post Number: 763
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 6:40 pm: | |
James,
Agree with Arthur.In my '97 355 this was a recurrent maddening problem. First they replaced O2 sensors then finally both cats (under warranty) There is a 5 yr warranty of cats but unless yours is a '98 it obviously would not apply.Have it checked.My dealership doesn't charge just to make a diagnosis by computer. |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 896
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 30, 2003 - 5:19 pm: | |
James:
I've had that problem. Could be a lot of things, including CATS, etc. Better not to drive until you see what is wrong. I've had loose intake hoses, bad thermocouples, you name it. Some weren't a big deal, others were. If the CAT is plugged, you could blow up your exhaust manifolds, a very costly proposition. I wouldn't let this sit.
|
DMC (Machinnes)
New member
Username: Machinnes
Post Number: 42
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 12:35 pm: | |
Had that on a MB one time. Had to go to the dealer to have the code cleared. To much computer control in the newer cars. |
Matthew F (Mateotnt)
New member
Username: Mateotnt
Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 9:38 am: | |
Should we just assume that it was the gas cap? |
JRV (Jrvall)
Member
Username: Jrvall
Post Number: 722
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 6:20 pm: | |
>>>Is it true that a simple codes will clear themselfs with a certain number of cycles. <<
That's true, if the malfunction disappears the code should clear after 3 20 minute cylcles. |
DMC (Machinnes)
New member
Username: Machinnes
Post Number: 41
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 6:15 pm: | |
Is it true that a simple codes will clear themselfs with a certain number of cycles. |
Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Junior Member
Username: Rexrcr
Post Number: 166
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 3:23 pm: | |
Mike is right, cutting power to a '96 - newer OBDII car will not erase the error code. It may have a placebo effect though, so the code reader is the way. Unfortunately, the "generic" ones will only give you basic OBDII compliant information. It will not work with F1 gearbox, climate control, etc. Bummer. |
Michael Klein (Malibumk)
Junior Member
Username: Malibumk
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 27, 2003 - 12:49 pm: | |
JO:
If you are at all inclined, and you have a '96 or newer US spec car (it will be OBD II compliant) I recommend that you go on line or to your local chain parts store and buy a OBD II reader for about $125-175. With it, you can turn the light out (erase all codes) and begin the trouble shhoting process. I've had so many nusance trips that mine has paid it's way over and over again. Realize that anything you fix, even if it is in fact the cause, will not turn the light out, the fault codes are stored....neither will shutting the batterty power off. I have found that most trips are related to the evaporative system on the fuel tank. And as you may know, even a slight air leak at the gas cap will do it. For the $150, you'll cover most problems and at the price of about the first hour of F' labor...it's a bargin.
Mike |
DMC (Machinnes)
New member
Username: Machinnes
Post Number: 35
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 1:04 pm: | |
One thing you can try is shutting the batt. down for 30 min. or more Turn it back on, start car with every thing off in the car and test drive. This may reset the ECU if it was a fluke. I just had the same problem with my 96 and found out the when you get on the gas when its cold the O2 sensors can mis-read causing a check engine light. After getting on the hwy for a couple of miles and getting the car up to temp. the light is now gone. If the light remains get it checked out ASAP. |
MarkM (Zan)
New member
Username: Zan
Post Number: 5
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Monday, January 20, 2003 - 1:21 pm: | |
If it is a 95, there are test buttons beside each ecu. pushing these for 3-5 seconds will cause the check engine light to flash all stored errors. If you need the exact procedure and the code info let me know. |
Tom Bakowsky (Tbakowsky)
Junior Member
Username: Tbakowsky
Post Number: 162
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 3:36 pm: | |
Check to to make sure your gas cap is on tight. If your car is 96 and newer the OBD2 system checks to see if there are and leaks in the E.V.A.P system by putting a small amount of vaccuum to the system and holds it to see if there is a leak. If the gas cap is not on tight enough this will cause the check engine light to come on. |
James ODonnell (355m3)
New member
Username: 355m3
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 19, 2003 - 10:48 am: | |
My check engine light came on and I need advice.
Is there any thing I can check before taking the car to the dealer for service? |