96 rodeo check engine light

howdy,
i have a 96 3.2L rodeo with 90k on it and the CEL comes on intermittently...sometimes for days at a time, sometimes just for minutes. what is the procedure for tripping the diagnostic sensors under the dash, and then, how do i interpret the signal?? i assume that it was just the O2 sensor reminding me to give money to the dealer, but you never know. any words of wisdom?

If you have an autozone in your area they will read them for free.

if not, you can buy a code reader for as little as 40-100 bucsk. A shop will charge 50 bucks to read the code, so it is a great investment.

I have this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030

I recently used it on a friends car that had a CEL and we found out what the problem was.

no auto zone out here...no ANYTHING really. saipan is just a tiny speck in the pacific. i heard you can trip the sensors and get a manual readout which is a series of flashes and then figure it out from there.

anyone?

nope not on OBII. You'll need a reader.

Hey, you are describing exactly what happened to my 97 3.2L. The engine ran fine but the CEL came on & off for a day or so at a time, then slowly stayed on longer until it was on all the time. When I finally had the code read, it confirmed what I already suspected from reading this forum...a dirty EGR valve. A shop would love to sell you one I'm sure, but if you search this forum for instructions oh how to clean it, you will save alot of money. I am no mechanic by any means, but the instructions here with pics make it very simple and only takes 20-30 minutes. Read the thread "EGR- clean or replace" for the links and good luck.

Hey, you are describing exactly what happened to my 97 3.2L. The engine ran fine but the CEL came on & off for a day or so at a time, then slowly stayed on longer until it was on all the time. When I finally had the code read, it confirmed what I already suspected from reading this forum...a dirty EGR valve. A shop would love to sell you one I'm sure, but if you search this forum for instructions oh how to clean it, you will save alot of money. I am no mechanic by any means, but the instructions here with pics make it very simple and only takes 20-30 minutes. Read the thread "EGR- clean or replace" for the links and good luck.

I have done this search and found only this thread, any help ???

Waterkc,

You can find the instuctions to clean the EGR in Amigo2k's FAQ's. The FAQ's are located at the top of the Rodeo/Passport page or in his signature of his posts. It is a great write-up, makes it real easy to do.