Check Engine/Slow Down Light 95-355

I have a check engine light that comes on every once in a while. I guess the term used is a "slow down light." I have read a bunch of old threads on this and it seems that 9 times out of 10 it's an easy and cheap fix. Am I correct in assuming this? I just thought I would ask you guys for your input.
I could be in for a trip to LFSC!


Thanks!

V.C.

 

Thankfully this light has not come on in my car yet.

I do recall that this issue commonly involves overheating cats...

 

I would also guess you may have a cat overheating - could be going bad...

But First - I would take a look at the sensors and make sure you don't either have a bad one - or maybe a bad connection... Look at where the cats are on your car and you will see a sensor on either side - make sure they are seeded well - you can take them out and make sure they have good contacts, etc.

Other things - if you think a cat may be going bad - how do you tell?

1.) Sometimes at the beginning you might get a bit of blockage - put you hand behind the exhaust - do you feel any difference between the right our left - if you do - you have have a bit of blockage - call it cat constipation

2.) Do you see what looks like a little glitter - coming out of the exhaust - you might see some on your hand after step 1.

3.) Do you hear any rattleing in your exhaust area - kind of like pebbles in your exhaust.

4.) Is your exhaust any louder than normal - on either side....

If it is a Cat problem.

Chances are with a 95 (like mine is) - the cats are probably going - not uncommon - nor bad from a cost standpoint to fix - there are many aftermarket and you can have your current ones rebuilt (Do a search - I think it is like 350 each) You can also go test pipes, etc for less...

Not a serious issue if it is the cats - on a rare occassion the cat internal material will block the exhaust and that is not good - but I think that is rare - due to it usually breaks up in small sandlike particles...

Check the sensors first - then look at the cats..

Rich Wallace

 

Make your life simple. 98% of the time the cause is a bad catalyst or "slow-down" ECU. If you only have one of the two lights coming on, swap the 1-4 & 5-8 catalyst ECU's. If the problem changes sides then the ECU is bad. If it does not change sides the it is usually the thermocouple. Rarely is a catalyst overheating without a change in the running condition. Probabally just a bad ECU. Make sure you are seeing a RED slow-down light and not the YELLOW check engine light. If it is a check engine light then disregard the above and visit a dealer to diagnose.

 

Could also be something as simple as fouled plugs or bad wires.

At any rate, the light is trying to tell you that the cat is overheating.

Question: Are cats 'in heat' at this time of the year??