93 Probe GT Check Engine Light

[Fun_Porsche]

I have a 93 Probe GT (2.5 v-6) that had the check engine light on for quite a while. I was told that it was from the oxegen sensor which was supposedly very difficult to change, so it remained on. When I took it to a "Smog Only" (CA) shop it failed to pass. Upon inspection I was told that it required the oxegen sensor and the catylitic converter to be replaced. So after fixing the problems I returned for the smog which it now passed. Where my problem comes in and the reason for this post is, how could it do this with the "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" still on?
What exactly causes the check engine light to come on and can it pass smog with the light still on?
I might also ad, shortly after I had this work done, the engine in my car began to suddenly stop running (would just die) when driving on the freeway, but after pulling to the side of the road it would restart and off I'd go. Over the course of a month it continued to do it with more frequency to the point where now it's not running at all... Could these two issues be related (the check engine light and the engine dying) or do you think it's a coincidense??? Thanks

Any info greatly appreciated...

[Fizer70]

If you never had your CEL reset, it will still light up the CEL. In orer to reset the CEL, you have to disconnect the negative battery terminal for a couple of minutes then reconnect it. The power loss will reset all of the CEL's.

If the CEL light returns, then you have something else wrong with your Probe. You will need to check your CEL's and read the codes. On a '93 PGT (Probe GT), it's really easy to check the codes yourself. You do not need to take it to a shop to have the codes read.

All you need is a small paper clip


Locate the Diagnostics connector located as in the picture:


Then insert the paper clip into the "TEN" and "GND" circuits to jump it. Do not make a mistake with the connections. You might blow the fuse going to your dash guages (easy fix-replace the fuse). See this pic:


Once you get all that setup, turn your car to the "on" position, but don't actually start your car.

Look at the CEL light. Count the blinks and read the codes as described in this web page: http://home.golden.net/~trinity/Probe/malf/malfcode.htm

You can still pass Emissions if the CEL's did not involve the emission side of the car (some other sensor and not your O2,etc)

The dying engine problem is a common problem on '93-'94 PGT's. The ignitor in your distributor is failing. It is caused by a heat related failure of the ignitor. The condition will become worse until you will no longer be able to start your car up. You will need a new distributor/ignitor.

The CEL and the dying engine might be related, but you have to check for codes.

Go to www.probetalk.com . I'm Omaha95PGT there. It's a great site for all things Probe/MX-6 related.

Report back with your CEL's

[marshall's ol' blu]

In the shop we had a mazda miata pull in. The car would run for a while then shut off. Run the car until it got hot it would shut off. after testing the ignition system. nothing failed. then we checked the fuel pressure. after about an hour of nerve racking testing. My instructor said it my be the fuel pump. so we replaced the fuel pump. well still did the same thing. so I remember a 89 pontaic lemans doing the same thing. I was the fuel pump relay. replaced it and fixed the problem.

[SphinxMunkey]

Originally Posted by marshall's ol' blu

In the shop we had a mazda miata pull in. The car would run for a while then shut off. Run the car until it got hot it would shut off. after testing the ignition system. nothing failed. then we checked the fuel pressure. after about an hour of nerve racking testing. My instructor said it my be the fuel pump. so we replaced the fuel pump. well still did the same thing. so I remember a 89 pontaic lemans doing the same thing. I was the fuel pump relay. replaced it and fixed the problem.

My friend had that happen to his probe, it was a mess.

[RigsPGT]

I just discovered this site searching for some Tokico Illuminas and the thread: How can i beat a Probe! caught my attention and made me become a member.

First off i would like to give a shout out to all my Probe/MX6 fellas for being a big support of ProbeTalk and MX6 community. (I see Marc floating here too, right Fizer70 )

Second which i think Marc illustrated, try ProbeTalk.com and report back ur code numbers.

Peace, Rig

[ahull]

I have a 94 GT and the check engine light is on. I am pulling out 2 codes, the first one a 15 and the second 17. I heard that an engine teperature sensor may have an effect on this. Is the Engine temperature the same as the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor?

Originally Posted by Fizer70

If you never had your CEL reset, it will still light up the CEL. In orer to reset the CEL, you have to disconnect the negative battery terminal for a couple of minutes then reconnect it. The power loss will reset all of the CEL's.

If the CEL light returns, then you have something else wrong with your Probe. You will need to check your CEL's and read the codes. On a '93 PGT (Probe GT), it's really easy to check the codes yourself. You do not need to take it to a shop to have the codes read.

All you need is a small paper clip


Locate the Diagnostics connector located as in the picture:


Then insert the paper clip into the "TEN" and "GND" circuits to jump it. Do not make a mistake with the connections. You might blow the fuse going to your dash guages (easy fix-replace the fuse). See this pic:


Once you get all that setup, turn your car to the "on" position, but don't actually start your car.

Look at the CEL light. Count the blinks and read the codes as described in this web page: http://home.golden.net/~trinity/Probe/malf/malfcode.htm

You can still pass Emissions if the CEL's did not involve the emission side of the car (some other sensor and not your O2,etc)

The dying engine problem is a common problem on '93-'94 PGT's. The ignitor in your distributor is failing. It is caused by a heat related failure of the ignitor. The condition will become worse until you will no longer be able to start your car up. You will need a new distributor/ignitor.

The CEL and the dying engine might be related, but you have to check for codes.

Go to www.probetalk.com . I'm Omaha95PGT there. It's a great site for all things Probe/MX-6 related.

Report back with your CEL's

[Fizer70]

Originally Posted by ahull

I have a 94 GT and the check engine light is on. I am pulling out 2 codes, the first one a 15 and the second 17. I heard that an engine teperature sensor may have an effect on this. Is the Engine temperature the same as the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor?

Codes 15 and 17 (according to the link I posted) refer to the front O2 sensor. Just replace it. It should clear the code. Be sure to reset the computer by disconnecting the negative lead on your battery for a couple of minutes (also depress the brake for about 30 sec).

The ECT is also the engine temp sensor. It's located on the left side of the engine near the engine coolant fill cap.

[PTAK]

I found on the website that helps you interpret the codes that if you have ABS, automatic tansaxle or an airbag, you need to click another link to interpret the codes etc. I tried clicking the link for that but it seems to not be working. I would really like to know if anyone has any other ideas for me to interpret the code then, because my CEL keeps coming on and later today I will do the paperclip thing to see what's going on.. Hope someone can help!! Thanx!! (93 PGT)