check engine light

[bluev8]

Hello !!

Yesterday when I were driving my Esprit V8 -96 ,the
check engine lamp started to light!
The only thing I noticed with the car were the idle,
It was more unstable then usually.
When I unconected the batteri the lamp disapperad.I
reconected the batteri, drove the car a bit, then the
light come on again.
What could it be, any thoughts!!
regards Niclas

[Skerd]

You can check to see what error code number it set off. How to do that is explained in www.espritfactfile.com somewhere.

[kmaier]

The V8 is OBD-II compliant and you'll need an OBD-II scan tool to check and/or reset the check engine light. In short, if the light comes on solid, it was a one-time error and could possibly reset itself if the problem does not occur again. If the light is flashing, it's more serious and you should not run the motor until the problem is found and fixed.

The V8 is known to be very picky about the fuel you use. If you recently filled up and either tried a different brand or from a different station, it might be the cause. I have found that Shell Super Unleaded always turns on the check engine light. A scan tool reveals code P0171 - system too lean bank 1. I have not had any check engine lights since changing to Chevron Supreme.

In any case, I would recommend getting it checked to be safe.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[rob.e]

kmaier said:

The V8 is OBD-II compliant and you'll need an OBD-II scan tool to check and/or reset the check engine light.

Your dealer should have a "tech1" device that will tell you what the fault code is.

[bluev8]

Hello again!

To the 4 cylinder Esprit can you use a program(software)in a lap-top and scan for error codes.
Is there any similar program to the V8 one the market?
Instead for a tech1 tool!!!

/Niclas

[cnh1990]

Try this place:
www.obd-2.com/#help
Calvin 90 SE

[kmaier]

I use an Ease Diagnostics scan tool which attaches via RS-232 to a Palm device. They also have the same for standard PC/Laptop. For more details, contact: www.obd2.com/

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[MadMaxx]

You can't do the on-off-on-off-on-off trick in the esprit? I thought that was standard on all ODB equiped cars.


MM

[baconlotus]

When I replaced my battery I learned that after reconnecting the battery it takes 3 cold starts for the light to go off. Since you disconnected your battery it sounds like you are in the same situation.

[LOTUSUSA1]

Is there an OBD-2 connector found in the '87TE? If so, what type of connection is used and where is it located? THX.

[kmaier]

No, OBD-II was implemented in 1996. For some history and general facts about OBD-II, the following link should be useful: www.obdii.com/background.html

Regards, KM
2000 V8