Check Engine Light

[aggieEB]

I have had the check engine light come on in my EB twice in the past six months. It comes on for about a day and then goes off no matter how many times I drive my car. Anybody else have experience with this? I checked all the fluids I could check and everything seems fine. What else should I check or should I take it into the shop and have them look at it?

 

[aldive]

I would use a code scanner and determine what code caused the CEK first of all.

Keeo us posted.

Good luck......

 

[aggieEB]

Aldive, you are going to have to come down to my level on this one. What is a code scanner and where do you get one? I am guessing it hooks up to your X's computer right?

 

[aldive]

Sorry my friend, a code scanner is a devise that connects to your truck and "reads" trouble codes ( the code the trucks computer puts out when there is something amiss ).

Code scanners are available but some parts stores and the dealership can xheck the vode for you. I do not know what they charge.

Good luck and keep asking questions.....

 

[aggieEB]

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

 

[aldive]

I use this scanner and like it a lot.

http://www.autocheckup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=achkup&Category_Code=ST2

Good luck.....

 

[aldive]

To better understand OBD system, take a look at http://www.obdii.com/

 

[LStoudenmire]

Aggie, My Check Engine Light came on yesterday, and wanted to purchase an OBD Scanner, but they run about $150.00. I found in my Haynes manual a way that you can create a jumper wire and use it to read the codes. I also found this website with the same info. I was able to "read" the codes, but nothing pointed to anything that would cause the CEL to come on. I have heard that Autozone will check it for you, so planning on going there after work. Oh yeah, the website -> http://www.therangerstation.com/OBD_I.html Good Luck!

 

[Alec]

You can only jumper OBDI computers to get codes. OBDII computers require the proper equipment. LStoudenmire, the OBDI scanner only costs about $30; the parts store guy must have had a brain fart. But yes, OBDII scanners start around $150 and go up from there. Aggie, you're more than welcome to use mine if you want to come to Austin But Autozone will often do it for free. Good luck!

 

[aggieEB]

Why would I ever want to leave the thriving metropolis of Bryan/College Station for that backwater town of Austin?

Just kidding, thanks for the offer. I'm going home to Arkansas this weekend so maybe I will pick one up there. The light went away for some reason but I still want to have one for the next time it comes on.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by aggieEB
The light went away for some reason but I still want to have one for the next time it comes on.

Read what happened to me.... the CEL on then off...Dead Link Removed

 

[SouleDancer]

I had this similar problem, so i went ahead and got a scanner and it turned out to be the O2 sensors. Replaced both the upstream sensors (at $50 each) and it runs great.

 

[mkcrawford]

Aggie
I just had AutoZone read the codes on my X last week. They'll give you the code numbers and tell you what they mean.

 

[aggieEB]

Thanks guys, I am guessing the light has to be lit for them to do that right? Mine went out the other day and hasn't come back on. Would you guys take it to the shop and have them check it? I am about to make a 7 hour drive to and from Arkansas so I am kinda worried.

 

[aldive]

No the CEL does not have to be lit to get a trouble code. The PCM will hold trouble codes until they are cleared.

 

[aggieEB]

Awesome, thanks Aldive!

 

[rocco123]

You have an OBD(on board diagnostics 2) system. If you have an AutoZone parts store around, they will test it for you,free ....and sell ya the parts.
Only check eng light I ever had on my '94 (OBD1) turned out to be O2 sensors.Said both were bad...changed them and it fixed it.

OBD 1 testers are about 20 bucks, OBD2 tester- $120.

I suggest asking the parts stores in your area on free diagnostics.

 

[LStoudenmire]

I stopped by Autozone today and had one of the employees use a scanner to read my CEL Codes. He came up with 332(EGR Valve Opening not detected) and a 522(Manual Lever Position (MLP) sensor circuit open/vehicle in gear. My question is he never had me start the engine, only turn it to Key On. I asked him if he wanted me to start the engine, but he said "no that he didn't need it started."

If I read my Haynes correctly, in order to get all of the codes you must do a Key on , and then a engine on. Is this correct? Does it sound like he knew what he was doing? I'm tempted to go and buy a scanner myself and diagnose it.

oh, Alec , you're right. The scanner was only about $30.00. I don't know what planet the guy was from that told me $150.00. I specifically told him OBD-I.

 

[aldive]

Should do a key on as well as a running test.

 

[SouleDancer]

Originally posted by LStoudenmire
I asked him if he wanted me to start the engine, but he said "no that he didn't need it started."

You don't need to start the engine to get the codes that caused the check engine light to go on. They are stored and read by turning on the ignition.

The engine on test is mainly if you aren't getting codes, and are testing other things.