Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Knox on May 11, 2010, 08:13:32 PM

Title: Check Engine Light
Post by: Knox on May 11, 2010, 08:13:32 PM

or more vaguely referred to in the manual as the "Malfunction Indicator Light"...

This came on for me today on the way home, I know I should see if it stays on through a few driving cycles but I'd prefer to get it checked out before I take it out on the weekend with the Club.

Whats the general practice for you guys when the light comes on? Is there anything I can do to self diagnose or do I pretty much have to take it in to get it looked at?

It is a 2003 TJ, Manual Transmission, nothing really done to it yet. 71000 kms currently. Seems to shift fine, idles not so perfect, but it doesn't sound bad by any means...

any ideas?

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Evil-Jeep on May 11, 2010, 08:19:05 PM

Get a OBD code reader or take your jeep to a parts store like NAPA and see if they will let you borrow one of theirs.

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: dontask on May 11, 2010, 08:26:56 PM

Auto Value for sure scans for free.  Lots cheaper than the dealership

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Immortal on May 11, 2010, 09:34:32 PM

Quote from: Knox on May 11, 2010, 08:13:32 PM

Whats the general practice for you guys when the light comes on?


any ideas?

take apart your dash, and remove that pesky little lightbulb... or black tape over top of the light... either way works, but you will still get a slight glow in the dark when you use the tape method.
x2 on purchasing an OBDII unit.

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Knox on May 11, 2010, 10:49:25 PM

i did have electrical tape in my pocket at the time, but I was refraining myself. haha, I'll head over to Auto Value tomorrow

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: frenchy on May 11, 2010, 11:05:15 PM

Had you just filled up your fuel before the light came on?

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Knox on May 11, 2010, 11:14:27 PM

Naw I filled up on the weekend, floating around 3/4 a tank, I don't think it would be fuel related but always a chance eh?

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: JackstandJohnny on May 12, 2010, 08:21:13 AM

Quote from: Knox on May 11, 2010, 11:14:27 PM

Naw I filled up on the weekend, floating around 3/4 a tank, I don't think it would be fuel related but always a chance eh?

tighten your fuel cap just incase. happens frequently on TJs. loose gas cap triggers a sensor and trips the CEL. happened in the TJ a bunch.

then go read your codes :)

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: apex on May 12, 2010, 11:55:47 AM

Cycle the ignition 3 times and watch the code on the ODO. Google it to find your problem.

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Knox on May 12, 2010, 08:59:12 PM

P0456

Evaporative Emissions System - Small leak detected

faulty gas cap application (apparently) but I filled up on Saturday and the light came on on Tuesday go figure. One of the guys at a Auto Value reset the warning light for me and I was good to go.

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Evil-Jeep on May 12, 2010, 09:21:05 PM

I have more than once been reminded by the check engine light to put the gas cap on........ at least it is a cheap fix!

Title: Re: Check Engine Light
Post by: Slewfoot on May 12, 2010, 10:17:34 PM

Quote from: Knox on May 12, 2010, 08:59:12 PM

P0456

Evaporative Emissions System - Small leak detected

faulty gas cap application (apparently) but I filled up on Saturday and the light came on on Tuesday go figure. One of the guys at a Auto Value reset the warning light for me and I was good to go.

Perhaps someone else was checking your gas cap for you Monday evening? Hopefully it's locking and they can't help themselves.