"Check Engine" Light

[miamibob]

I have a '93 Grand Marquis amd last night the "Check Engine" Light came on and stayed on for about 10 mins. When I left my destination (several hours later) the light DID NOT come on and never did again. Will have to try it today. What are the possible causes for this? It didn't "flicker", it just came on steady! Thanks....MB

P.S. The car made no strange noises, no smells and I checked the fluids and all were fine!

[HEMIDAZE]

Whatever caused it should be saved in the OBDII memory. Take it to Autozone and they will plug in their code reader for free. (with the hope that you will buy your needed parts from them). Other places may also be free or charge up to $70. Or you can buy a cheap reader for less than $50.

[miamibob]

Hi "HEMI",

I have a code reader - I believe it is still an OBD1 and if came with a Code Reference Book. If "it" rears it's ugly head again I'll put the reader on it and see what the code(s) are and take it from there. I also tightened the Fuel Cap just in case (it was already tight but I checked it). Sometimes that could throw a code/light but not this time. Many thanks for the speedy reply!! MB

[sheebeehuh]

It is OBDI and you can read the codes without a reader. I would check it just in case even though your light didn't stay on.

[miamibob]

How do you read the codes without a reader? The light did not flash so you can't count them like when the ABS Light flashes and you count for codes. MB

[HEMIDAZE]

miamibob,
sorry about the OBDII thing. I see you have a 93. I think the OBDIIs were 96 and newer. I was thinking about buying a scanner because I am falling behind the times but my 03 Dodge can be read by turning the key on and off three times leaving it on the third time and reading it at the digital speedometer milage display. I had an o2 sensor go out about a month ago. Yours can be done something like that but you have to know how to turn the reader on by some combo of key movements. The info will be on the internet somewhere if you have the time to look, or you can try the three times thing.

[sheebeehuh]

Originally Posted by miamibob

How do you read the codes without a reader? The light did not flash so you can't count them like when the ABS Light flashes and you count for codes. MB

You can check OBDI codes without a reader a couple of different ways. Below is a link to a pretty good write-up on how to do it...

http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

If your check engine light (CEL) works (i.e., is not disconnected or burned out) all you need is a single piece of wire to connect the diagnostic connectors together and you can count the flashes on your CEL. The CEL on my 94 Ford van did not work so I used a test light connected to the battery.

[miamibob]

Many thanks to all the great folks who took the time to respond. I appreciate your time and the GREAT info!! I have some pressing health issues to handle first but I will check it out and post any info I discover! MB

[Huney1]

Any number of things can cause the CEL to come on, but if it went off that means the computer is happy now. Pretty sleepy right now but I'll look into it some more and I know a man who can help you. How many miles on it and give me some maintenance history.

[miamibob]

Odometer went out at just under 60K but I am thinking it has between 80 and 90K. What do you need to know as far as maint is concerned? MB

The O2 sensors are original as is the EGR Valve. I recently changed plugs, wires, fuel filter and cleaned the Map Sensor (with the proper cleaner). NO SILICON Spray was ever used under the hood as I know that can kill O2 sensors in no time!!

[Huney1]

Maintenance: One of the most neglected imoprtant maintenance items is drain and flush the cooling system and put in new anti freeze. I'm a preventinve maintenance freak and I do mine every three years. Many a tranny has gone to toast because people don't change the tranny fluid. Lot of controversy over if you should have it power flushed whereby they hook up a machine that back flushes suppose to get all the dirt off the filter and puts in new fluid. They can drop the tranny pan and put in a new filter and new fluid, about 6 qts, but it hold 16 qts so in order to get it all out you have to drain the torque conver to. If you didn't get an owners manual you can print one out on line. Follow it to the letter and you should be good to go. If you don't have proof in writing or receipts for maintenance being done then assume it wasn't.

CEL: I'm going to have a friend Shorod who is one of the best in the business drop in here and get you squared away on the CEL because he forgot more than I know about OBD codes. I have a Taurus and wife has a Marquis so I swing back & forth to both forums.

[miamibob]

Huney1 you da man! Thank you for your level of concern. In addition to the health issues I'm putting an alternator in my '87 GM today. It also has what I believe to be a vacuum leak as the A/C blows strong and then cuts out and the car gets warm. I need the time (and strength) to run every position on the control unit and see what the car is doing or not doing. Ought to be interesting to track this down!

[shorod]

Hmmm, without the codes, not a lot for me to comment on yet. A loose fuel cap should only be a concern with OBD-II equipped vehicles (1996 and newer if sold in the US), but worth checking as you did anyway.

I assume that along with no noises or smells, there were no abnormal vibrations either?

I agree with most above, when you have a few minutes, pull the codes, post them here, and we'll brainstorm some more.

Wish you well with the health issues!

-Rod

[Huney1]

"Odometer went out at just under 60K but I am thinking it has between 80 and 90K." Average is 15K mi a year and if it has 90K that's only 7K mi per year. Very low mileage there Bob and just thought I'd point that out.

Hope you get better physically and I can relate. I'm a senior citizen and going thru getting meds regulated to stop these darn heart flutters and hope I don't have to get that electro physilogy done where they oblate/kill the nerve IN the heart that is causing the mis-fire. A friend of mine had it done and he was on the operating table 22 hours!

[miamibob]

Hi Huney1!

Yes, the mileage is VERY low as the car is only used for neighborhood running around. I believe the mileage I quoted to be somewhat accurate.

As for the health issues I deeply appreciate your concern. Make sure you have enough Magnesium in your diet or through suppliments. That helps control heart patterns. If you believe in Natural healing (I have personally seen these formulars work) try looking at http://www.800herbdoc.com This guy is a MD and I have used his stuff with great results. I earn NOTHING from him or the site - just passing on some info that could help! Better than 22 hours on a operating table!! If you wish you can send me replies at [email protected] and I will do what ever research you need and pass along only info I KNOW works! MB