Urgent advice needed from you guys
Discussion
I'm due to go down to Kent tomorrow (from Nottingham)
Just had a 'check engine' message come up on the little screen. Engine switched off and then restarted and now no message (service is due in 500 miles).
I had just picked the car up from getting two new tyres fitted (so car had been jacked up) - anything to worry about or am I alright to use.
I can't get to a garage today so any advice would be most welcome
Just had a 'check engine' message come up on the little screen. Engine switched off and then restarted and now no message (service is due in 500 miles).
I had just picked the car up from getting two new tyres fitted (so car had been jacked up) - anything to worry about or am I alright to use.
I can't get to a garage today so any advice would be most welcome
It happens from time to time on my HSV usually if I've been stuck in slow moving traffic for a while. I think it's the lamda sensor.
It will show up on the diagnostic check, but I wouldn't worry.
The light normally goes out after a while or always after a restart.
I'm sure a more technically explanation will follw shortly.
It will show up on the diagnostic check, but I wouldn't worry.
The light normally goes out after a while or always after a restart.
I'm sure a more technically explanation will follw shortly.
There are a whole host of faults [many minor, and a couple that need further investigation] that will cause the light to come on. Firstly check all your fluid levels. If all is OK then the problem is due to one of the many sensors returning an out of range value (high or low). You need to have someone with an ECU scanner download the stored code which will tell you where the problem originated from.
Given that the 'check engine' light went out on a reset I would hazard a guess that the issue was transient and minor.
Did the light come on whilst driving or when you started the engine? How long after you started the engine did the light come on?
If you've had the exhaust and/or headers fitted and the 'check engine' came on within ~10min of starting the engine and normal driving it's probably the O2 (lamda) sensors. This may be true if you haven't had any mods. O2 sensor issues are more prevelent on cold mornings.
If you were giving it some round corners, etc it could be the oil pressure sensor.
If you've recently refueled it could be pinging on a bad batch of fuel.
Another common cause is the MAF sensor. Just verify that it's securely in place.
None are critical issues.
>> Edited by comm_SS_V8 on Thursday 10th November 11:15
Given that the 'check engine' light went out on a reset I would hazard a guess that the issue was transient and minor.
Did the light come on whilst driving or when you started the engine? How long after you started the engine did the light come on?
If you've had the exhaust and/or headers fitted and the 'check engine' came on within ~10min of starting the engine and normal driving it's probably the O2 (lamda) sensors. This may be true if you haven't had any mods. O2 sensor issues are more prevelent on cold mornings.
If you were giving it some round corners, etc it could be the oil pressure sensor.
If you've recently refueled it could be pinging on a bad batch of fuel.
Another common cause is the MAF sensor. Just verify that it's securely in place.
None are critical issues.
>> Edited by comm_SS_V8 on Thursday 10th November 11:15
Looks like you're going to need that PCM code to get root cause. I do believe the issue to be minor so go forth and take the trip. Just note down if it happens again and what happened leading up to it.
I invested in the "Draper Fault Code Reader Vaux/Opel" (DPR68083) and has been the best £17 I've spent in a while. OK it's basic and only works on Vauxhalls/Opels but it works. And the best thing is it's the cheapest OBDII cable you're going to find (BIG HINT). Simply chop the tool off, add a DB9 connector and download some OBDII scanning software (freeware or shareware) and you're away. You can even write your own software if you like.
It's even small enough & light enough to keep in the wifes handbag
You can purchase the tool from:
toolsnstuff.co.uk
justoffbase.co.uk
abbeypowertools.co.uk
tooled-up.co.uk
They all work out around the same price once they sting you for P&P.
I invested in the "Draper Fault Code Reader Vaux/Opel" (DPR68083) and has been the best £17 I've spent in a while. OK it's basic and only works on Vauxhalls/Opels but it works. And the best thing is it's the cheapest OBDII cable you're going to find (BIG HINT). Simply chop the tool off, add a DB9 connector and download some OBDII scanning software (freeware or shareware) and you're away. You can even write your own software if you like.
It's even small enough & light enough to keep in the wifes handbag
You can purchase the tool from:
toolsnstuff.co.uk
justoffbase.co.uk
abbeypowertools.co.uk
tooled-up.co.uk
They all work out around the same price once they sting you for P&P.
Hi
Ive had a recurring problem with the check engine warning. I'm into diagnostics for my job and have investigated it in some detail. The fault occurs on my CV8 after sitting idling in traffic for say half an hour or more. It can be cleared from the display by pressing mode button, but it stays in the PCM as historic trouble code until you clear it with a scantool. I also believe it is caused by the Lambda sensors. In traffic, they dont really get enough exhaust heat to make em work properly, and on an oscilloscope trace they switch much slower than usual, spending too much time in the low (lean) state. The pcm figures that its running lean and compensates until it decides theres a prob, and throws a code (lean left or right bank) Dont think its a serious problem.
I use EFI Live and Autotap scantools, if any group members are in NW surrey area I'm happy to do a scan/live data/oscilloscope test FOC - Just let me know !
Cheers, V8Dave
Ive had a recurring problem with the check engine warning. I'm into diagnostics for my job and have investigated it in some detail. The fault occurs on my CV8 after sitting idling in traffic for say half an hour or more. It can be cleared from the display by pressing mode button, but it stays in the PCM as historic trouble code until you clear it with a scantool. I also believe it is caused by the Lambda sensors. In traffic, they dont really get enough exhaust heat to make em work properly, and on an oscilloscope trace they switch much slower than usual, spending too much time in the low (lean) state. The pcm figures that its running lean and compensates until it decides theres a prob, and throws a code (lean left or right bank) Dont think its a serious problem.
I use EFI Live and Autotap scantools, if any group members are in NW surrey area I'm happy to do a scan/live data/oscilloscope test FOC - Just let me know !
Cheers, V8Dave
Thanks lads
Unfortunately got your replies to late.
Monaro was fine traveling down.
Just getting a burning rubber smell every so often - can't see any obvious problems - have literally just had new 245's added to the rear, but can't see any obvious rubbing.
Due for a service next week so will get them to check.
Once again lads thanks very much for the help you have offered and would have offered it is really appreciated.
Unfortunately got your replies to late.
Monaro was fine traveling down.
Just getting a burning rubber smell every so often - can't see any obvious problems - have literally just had new 245's added to the rear, but can't see any obvious rubbing.
Due for a service next week so will get them to check.
Once again lads thanks very much for the help you have offered and would have offered it is really appreciated.
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