CEL - 87k miles - 1999 Model - Help (1 Viewer)

[uzj100]

The CEL just came on in my Cruiser. I look under the hood and made all the vacumm pipes are connected (one was unhooked). The plastic engine covers hides so many vacuum pipes, it is like a web of pipes. Checked all the fuses. Everything seems fine. It even runs fine. I also checked the gas cap and made sure it was tight. The beast is out of warranty and I want to try and fix this on my on.

4 Questions

1. Has anyone out there had this happen on their 100 series (aout same mileage and yr model)?

2. What were the issues if there was a problem? O2 sensor, catilytic converter?

3. Can you reset the CEL by disconnecting the battery?

4. Does anyone have the software for a laptop that tells what the codes are by plugging into the OBDII port and if so how do you like it and where do you purchase it?

Once again, thank you in advance for all your help,

uzj100

 

[hoser]

UZJ100, OBD2 vehicles tend to trip off codes quite easily. Like you checked, it could be a simple fix like a loose gas cap or oil cap. Keep in mind, it can take 25-50 freeway miles before your CEL turns off.

OBD2 readers are priced from $40-800 plus. I have both a simple $150 reader that can reset codes and a software/laptop type for my VW that tells much more information. Anybody who does work on their post 95 vehicle should have at least the handheld reader/reset type.

Most cars CEL can be reset by disconnecting the battery, stepping on the brake pedal a few times and waiting 10 minutes or so.

 

[rph74]

If you have an Autozone in your area, I suggest that you go there. They will hook up and diagnose your CEL for free! In my experience, CEL's have been caused mostly by bad O2 sensors, though a loose gas cap can also cause it. Did your gas cap click the last time you filled up?

 

[uzj100]

Yes, the gas cap clicked.

Thanks for the info. I disconnected the battery now the thing does not want to start. I have to crank it and step on the gas like back in the day of carbs. The CEL light is out. Where does a 100 normally idle? 500 rpms? It is idling really low to the point of wanting to cut off and when I turn on the AC, that does not cause the revs to go up any. It is drivable however starting it is a bitch. I left it running, hoping that would help things. I will let you know in a bit.

uzj100

 

[uzj100]

Reply to myself. I let it run for a bit. Now it starts fine, maybe because it is warmed up. I will let it cool down and try again. No CEL light.

New question - Is anyone running without the plastic engine cover? This thing is there to hide the spider web of vacuum hoses. One of mine was even unhooked. Also, my does this strange noice every now and then like the truck is taking a fart. But is just the engine cover shaking.

 

[hoser]

By disconnecting your battery and thus resetting your ECU, your vehicle will run on a "base" program while it "learns" all the sensors and makes adjustments. During this time, which could be up to 25-50 miles or so, your cruiser won't be as efficient nor smooth. But I wouldn't expect it to be that difficult to start. There's a good chance that your CEL will come on again in the near future.

I had an '94 RX7 Twin Turbo before that had a problem keeping vacuum hoses connected. I eventually changed all the hoses to silicone type and Zip tied all the connections. Keep in mind that Zip tying might make it a little more difficult to work on your engine (in case you need to remove the hoses).

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

You had a great car Hoser!

 

[hoser]

Yeah, the FD RX7 is one of the most fun cars I've ever owned/driven especially when modified. Lightweight, powerful, agile.... I would definitely buy another one. Too bad there aren't any new cars out there with the same spirit.

 

[cruiser99]

I took my cover off first thing after I brought it home. Never put it back since. Never had any problems. The injector tapping nose is more pronounce though.
Let us know what happend. Very interesting case!
cruiser99

 

[uzj100]

CEL back on after about 50 miles. Dag gone, this is the 2nd CEL in less than 7k miles. What I am driving a Land Rover or Benz or BMW? My CEL never came on any of my 80 series. I will find an autozone and get those guys to check the code for free.

Thank you for the help,

uzj100

 

[Augie]

OBDII supposed to help you a lot in diagnistic. Do you own a PDA? If you do This OBDII scanner are worth their weight in gold or even more. For $75 you could not beat that.
Combine that with Garmin Ique and you have a very powerful navigation and PDA and on board diagnostic center.

 

[hoser]

CEL back on after about 50 miles. Dag gone, this is the 2nd CEL in less than 7k miles. What I am driving a Land Rover or Benz or BMW? My CEL never came on any of my 80 series.

Actually, think of OBD2 diagnotics as a blessing (unless you are doing serious engine mods). It keeps your engine running in tip top shape. OBD1 cars can run crappy all the time w/o throwing a code.

 

[fj55-100]

Have worked for toyota a long time!------- cdl on a 100 is almost allwayse an emission code the moast regulated by the state. common 100 failures are gas cap , canister , air flow meeter, and throttle body,-------if you are local to Los Angles i would turn it off for you !!!!
Evan

 

[greglomax]

Also, my does this strange noice every now and then like the truck is taking a fart. But is just the engine cover shaking.

This sounds like the same noise I have been asking about on here for about 6 months. No one else seems to have heard it. It only lasts about 2 seconds, but sounds like I have my cell phone on vibrate and laying on the dashboard. I have never been able to tell where it is coming from or what causes it. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to when it does it. I do feel a vibration in the pedals when it happens, though.

Any thoughts on what this is or where it is coming from?

 

[uzj100]

We should run a test. Remove the engine cover and see if it happens again. I bet not. It sounds like some kind of harmonic issue, after a certain number of vibrations, the cover vibrates all by itself.

Regards,

uzj100