Check Engine Light

Last night I got the check engine light to pop on when I was going down the free way. Coincidentally it was right after I got low fuel warning as well. I refueled and cycled the car twice and the light is still on. All gauges are fine and all fluids are good. The light is still on. Guess I should head to the dealer? Any ideas...

 

Make sure gas cap is REALLY tight.

 

Was thinking that. Will the light reset though after you get it on tight?

 

Sometimes. Other times it can be checked and nothing wrong. Your mechanic or dealer can reset it.

The car is a bit finicky as you will see.

 

Chad- You can also do an ECU reset by using the battery disconnect switch. Disconnect at night, turn off the radio and air conditioning. Reconnect in the morning, start the engine and let idle for 10 minutes (there is a longer run cycle test, but Ferrari went back to the 10 minute idle instead for the F430). That should reset the light as long as the problem no longer exists.

If you have a Becker radio, you will have to use the code to get the radio to work again.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

And also remember to wait 10 seconds after the 'OK' light to fire up the engine after disconnecting battery, or your ECU will throw all kinds of misfire codes due to valve timing not being correct.

Just remember this battery disconnect procedure (wait 10 seconds before firing up engine; 10 minutes after that) as the '10/10 rule' folks . Have a good one.

 

I get the same check engine light occasionally. Code P0042, Evaporative Leak. I can reset mine and it stays off for awhile, but sometimes comes on when I get below a quarter tank.

 

You can also go to any auto parts store and buy an OBD2 code reader. It will allow you to read the codes and reset and clear them as well.

 

The code reader is a good idea, but if the CEL keeps popping up frequently after you're sure you have a good gas cap (are you?), I'd try to permanently remedy the problem, which most likely is a vacuum hose leak. All that crap is on the driver's side rear of the car, accessible by removing the rearmost cover, where the gas manual release lever is. Take a look and inspect all hoses for possible damage and tight connections, but keep in mind vacuum leaks are pretty hard to find without a smoke machine. I personally much rather change all vacuum hoses, which is good preventive manintenance anyway, and cost is a small fraction of what a smoke machine test would cost.

If problem remains, at least you know it's not a vacuum leak. The bad news is it could be one of several valves, and since I don't know this car well enough yet, I can't comment on suggestions. That reminds me I need to get a service manual . Good luck.

 

Reset battery. Started car. No light. After 3 minutes of idle light flashed 5 times now its off. About 7 minutes into idle time the car running weird to me. Seems to be no throttle response. Is this because I have to wait a full ten minutes?

 

Uh oh no radio. Are codes car specific?

 

Chad- The radio code will be with your car's owners manuals and other manuals and is specific to the radio in your car. During that 10 minutes of idle, the Motronic is resetting all the parameters of fuel flow, timing, etc.

If no radio code with your manuals, there are a couple of ways to get it, and you would have needed it eventually, at any rate.

Taz
Terry Phillips