Could somebody plz settle a dispute I'm having? What causes the check engine light to come up for our car? Is it because the engine is running too rich so, the computer runs more air or less fuel to compensate? Or is there no way to know unless it's brought to a mechanic? Thanks guys.

 

A loose gas cap can cause the CEL to come on.

 

take it to the dealer. I had a bad CAT converter causing the check engine light to come on. Also the car was running very rich. I could smell it. It was also getting 160-180 miles per tank.

 

My CEL has been on for months!!! I had one of the ProFlow throttle bodies installed at an independent shop (which has a GREAT reputation). The CEL has been on ever since, no matter what they or I did to try to correct it. I have it at the dealer now and they can't figure it out either. BTW, I have not told them about the replacement TB. :-)

Anyway, they want me to bring in my stock air filter, which I replaced w/ the JR filter I got from Mingster. They claim that the after market filter could be the culprit. I'll get back on this thread when I've done that. Wish me luck.

 

A MIL is always associated code that can be read with the appropriate hardware using the port in the passenger's footwell. Autozone will usually lend you a code reader, but I just go to my local Honda dealer who's kind enough to read it without charge. Establishing a good relationship with your dealer is a useful thing. Could be lots of things. Good luck.

 

CEL (Check engine light=engine symbol) not to be confused with MIL (Maintenance indicator light=oil can symbol) is driven by the OBD-II vehicle diagnostic system. OBD-I used prior to 1996 was emission specific. The post-'96 OBD-II monitors many systems. Emissions, Powertrain, Brakes, Electrical, etc. So your problem may not be fuel related. To be sure you should pull....or have pulled the codes set in the car. This will be done using either OBD-II Explorer software and an interface cable or a PGM Scan tool. By the way you will not pull any MIL's, only CEL's and pending CEL's. MIL's are hard programmed to make a light come on to remind you to check your oil and service. They have nothing to do with on board vehicle diagnostics. As for other posts here...yes a loose gas cap can set a CEL "code" and is actually quite common here on the board. Specifically the OBD-II system detects a vacuum failure in the fuel evaporative system. As for the throttle body....what code was set? It could be many things. Probably an imbalance of LTFT and STFT caused by the additional air. It will go away after a number of cycles. Yours is a case, unlike most here, where you would would be advised to reset your ECU. Thereby re-establishing the milli-ohm relationship of the two fuel settings. If youl'd like to learn more about the system and the heart of your car consider picking up "Getting to Know OBD-II" available through Amazon.com. OBD-II Explorer software and interface cables can be picked up from :http://www.obd-2.com/. Any questions please feel free to PM me..........

Utah

P.S. In 2002 the OBD-II interface was relocated to the drivers side footwell...a little mentioned change in the '02 model .

 

Utah, thanks, I stand corrected in my terminology.

Seeing as we're on the subject, then, what tricks a MIL? Just mileage since the last oil change or service (which presumably is based on information entered into the ECU by the mechanic with each service) or are there actual sensors which diagnose a need for servicing or an oil change?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cbender
[B]Utah, thanks, I stand corrected in my terminology.

 

Did I read correctly that Auto Zone has a reader that i can use to scan the ecu? I would rather find out what the culprit is before going to the dealership. Thanks.

 

Yes, AutoZone will lend you a reader (at least my local AutoZone will) for free.