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Check engine light... but no apparent issue

Malakas
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Malakas Member

Malakas

Posted
Posted

All,

Quick question for those much more knowledgeable than me...

My 02 C4S has been running great, and just spent a weekend at Harris Hill Road performing like a champ! I drove the car home and to/from work the next 2 days with no apparent issue. Then yesterday I got a CEL after starting the car in the parking lot. I drove the car home, and it did not sound or behave any differently than usual. I thought perhaps I had not tightened the oil fill cap after topping off, but it was on securely...

The on-board computer just says "drive to workshop" or something like that.

Questions: is it safe to still drive the car minimally, and is there a way to get more specific information about the CEL? I already have a service apt with my Indy for Monday (soonest avail)...

Thanks to all!

1schoir Member

1schoir

Posted
Posted
All,

Quick question for those much more knowledgeable than me...

My 02 C4S has been running great, and just spent a weekend at Harris Hill Road performing like a champ! I drove the car home and to/from work the next 2 days with no apparent issue. Then yesterday I got a CEL after starting the car in the parking lot. I drove the car home, and it did not sound or behave any differently than usual. I thought perhaps I had not tightened the oil fill cap after topping off, but it was on securely...

The on-board computer just says "drive to workshop" or something like that.

Questions: is it safe to still drive the car minimally, and is there a way to get more specific information about the CEL? I already have a service apt with my Indy for Monday (soonest avail)...

Thanks to all!

A simple code reader (Actron or other brand) will give you the exact code when you plug it into your OBDII port. Some chain auto parts store (e.g. Autozone) will either lend you a code reader for free or read the code for you for free.

Once you have the code, you can do a search here for its meaning and potential fixes.

Regards, Maurice.

JeTexas Member

JeTexas

Posted
Posted

It's most likely your emmissions system. The EGR valve or whatever it is that Porsche calls it. If that's the case, then yeah, you're ok to drive it for a while. HOWEVER, until you read the codes, you won't know for sure, so read the codes first and report back here.

JeTexas Member

JeTexas

Posted
Posted

Actually, I just noticed you're in Houston. I can read the codes for you this weekend. Shoot me a message or email if you want to set something up.

Malakas Member

Malakas

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Actually, I just noticed you're in Houston. I can read the codes for you this weekend. Shoot me a message or email if you want to set something up.

Sent you a pm.

I'd really appreciate the help. ~J.

JeTexas Member

JeTexas

Posted
Posted

It could have been the Mass Airflow Sensor being touchy or a stuck Secondary Injection Valve solenoid that unstuck itself.

1schoir Member

1schoir

Posted
Posted
... ok, this afternoon I started my car... and the CEL was gone!

What gives?

If the condition that set off the CEL rectifies itself, the CEL will go off after a certain amount of cycles/time/mileage.

IIRC, "WVicary" gave a very good explanation of this process here a few months ago.

Regards, Maurice.

judgejon Member

judgejon

Posted
Posted

hey pal, nice seeing that very good looking Orient Red c4s out and about. I remember lots of good pics at 6speed. I was going to suggest cleaning the maf, but as noted in an earlier post it seems that sometimes a cel problem can clear itself. I clean the maf at every oil change with maf cleaner from a spray can. Isn't it funny how often problems are noted here after a day at the track. Well, maybe that's not too funny actually. You might think about getting a Durametric kit for checking the fault codes. A Durametric is a good investment to consider. good luck with this issue. Hopefully a non-issue.

Malakas Member

Malakas

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)
hey pal, nice seeing that very good looking Orient Red c4s out and about. I remember lots of good pics at 6speed. I was going to suggest cleaning the maf, but as noted in an earlier post it seems that sometimes a cel problem can clear itself. I clean the maf at every oil change with maf cleaner from a spray can. Isn't it funny how often problems are noted here after a day at the track. Well, maybe that's not too funny actually. You might think about getting a Durametric kit for checking the fault codes. A Durametric is a good investment to consider. good luck with this issue. Hopefully a non-issue.

judgejon, thanks man! She is running good. For a moment I was looking to trade her in for something a little more "hard-core", but I love her too much! I think the Durametric is a great idea - esp since I'd like to keep the car for a while. Here is some recent footage of the old girl in action... http://www.youtube.com/user/Iatrodesign

JeTexas, thanks again for the input and for offering to help read the codes... you're an example of what a great community this is!

Im going to clean the MAF when I do my oil change / x51 pan install ~ fingers crossed no more CEL!

Edited by Malakas
wvicary Member

wvicary

Posted
Posted

It's always safe to drive unless the Check Engine Light is flashing and no important fluids or flames are escaping from the vehicle. I also recommend Durametric.

Malakas Member

Malakas

Posted
  • Author
Posted

UPDATE::::

So despite the very generous offerings of some local guys, I ended up bringing the car to my indy (Motorwerks - awesome guys).

Code said: random misfires.

So we'll try changing the plugs and going from there... so much for "no apparent issue". :) The car almost has 50K miles and has not yet had the plugs changed (8 years)... hopefully this will be the solution!

Malakas Member

Malakas

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Just to close the door....

Changed all the plugs... and the 2 cracked coil packs... and voila! Running as smooth as ever!! A full test drive - and no thrown codes. :)

1schoir Member

1schoir

Posted
Posted
Just to close the door....

Changed all the plugs... and the 2 cracked coil packs... and voila! Running as smooth as ever!! A full test drive - and no thrown codes. :)

Thanks for the update. Great that you have it all sorted out!

Regards, Maurice.

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