Amber Engine Warning - Help

[83AndyJ]

Evening all,

i've been out in the 5 today and it's showing an amber engine warning light. This isn't a "STOP NOW OR EXPLODE" light, it's a "Help i'm not well" type.

I need to plug it in and get a code to narrow down the problem.

Has anybody got access to one of these without paying garage prices?

I'm in the PE9 Stamford Lincolnshire area

[MX-5 Lazza]

I don't have one now and I'm nowhere near you anyway but the one I bought from ebay only cost me about £35 and worked perfectly.

While you say it's only a warning light it is a serious one and could mean anything from a sensor with an intermittent fault to something engine killing like the engine running way too lean so I'd use it as little as possible until you've got it tested.

[83AndyJ]

Cheers Lazza. Yes I do intend to get this resolved ASAP. It's typical bad timing that it should occur just before work starts again in the new year and my fiancee needs the car to go to work.

Does anyone near Stamford Lincs have access to a diagnostics reader?

[83AndyJ]

I'm very pleased to report I fixed it!!

Turns out the alternator was not running smoothly, causing a power fluctuation to the OBD causing the Check Engine light.

Found a very easy-to-use tensioner adjuster on the belt.

So, tighened the belt using only a 12mm spanner, preventing any further squeeling on start, cancelling the warning light, an saving me from £25 spent on a diagnostics reader.

Love this car!