Possible CEL Source?

[MusicalGenius]

Before heading out to San Fran for work I was driving home and a solid CEL popped up. Everything seems to be running smoothly, after coming home and checking again it still comes up and is solid. Stefan mentioned that he would be able to help me with a scan in the next few days.

I was wondering though if my starter could be the source, it's been grinding a little more often than usual ever since that mad cold snap since before christmas.

[FlyBoy]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

I don't think a grinding starter would throw anything into the computer.

Could be lots of things when the car still seems to be running fine. Mine throws a temp sensor code after I have plugged in the ZeroStart a few days in a row. I also had a recurring CEL when my catalytic converter was on the way out ("Catalyst below efficiency threshold" or something like that), came on every couple months until I dealt with it.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

See I need to drive to get to work (especially since the snow is falling in such amounts at the moment), but don't want to trip something too harmful. Plus barring any f*ck ups I should be able to scan it tomorrow night.

[bocefus]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Total long shot but here's my story. Over the last couple weeks I had been getting a CEL off and on (something to do with the throttle actuator), then when it got really cold my starter made the grinding noise right after start-up. I put in a new battery last weekend and now everything is good! Plus it starts so much nicer now. I've read about others who have thrown the throttle code and the battery fixed the problem, not sure how if at all it affected the starter though.

As long as it's solid you should be ok to make it to work.

[edicius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

You can go to partsource and they can check your codes for free.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

See I replaced my battery about… three weeks ago.

As for a scan, Stefan is going to help me with that tonight. Fingers crossed!

[Stonewall]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Have fun driving through hidden valley, the roads suck!

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

HAH! If it's anything like the Hamptons or Citadel it'll be a cake walk. Although with the weather at the moment everything is going to be a fun little slush-fest.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Alright so here's what that scan came up with.

Everything was good except for the following:

Address 01: Engine Labels: 021-906-018-AFP.lbl
Part No: 021 906 018 M
Component: MOTRONIC ME7.1 V006
Coding: 00031
Shop #: WSC 00000

2 Faults Found:
16804 - Catalyst System; Bank 1: Efficiency Below Threshold
P0420 - 35-00 - -
17544 - Fuel Trim: Bank 1 (Add): System too Lean
P1136 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000


Any ideas?

Also a huge thanks goes out to Stefan!

[FlyBoy]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

The catalyst below efficiency threshold may mean your catalytic converter is on the way out. There is extended warranty on some, but I don't know if VR6 is included. The light turned on about 3 months later the first time I turned it off for that.

Can't say about the fueling. Might be a cold thing. I would wait and see if it comes back.

[stefan]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Have fun driving through hidden valley, the roads suck!

this is the good end of my drive every day. my work end is worse

[edicius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Check for vacuum leaks in your intake system.

[MusicalGenius]

Re: Possible CEL Source?

Ah good information, I'll try the vacuum leaks when I get an opportunity.