Check engine light comes on, but car runs fine

[DrunkPenguin]

Hey guys! I havn't posted in forever but I have a problem maybe someone can help with.

Originally the oil was about a half qt low so I filled it up and reset the battery to shut the light off. Ran fine for a day and then the light came back on. So I changed the oil, same problem. Then I noticed the k&n air filter was extremely dirty so I took it off and cleaned it, reset the battery and light stayed off for 3 days, now its back on. The car seems to be running as strong and healthy as ever.

Any ideas on some things I should check for?

 

[ECLIPSE4x4]

Yeah the first thing you need to do is tell us what the code is. Go to Autozone or somewhere similar and get them to retrieve the code.

If we don't have the code, we are just shooting in the dark.

 

[Drifter27_04]

One of the o2 sensors maybe bad...try calling your local Autozone to see if they can check it if not you my have to take it to the mits dealership to have it put own there machine or if you know of someone with DSMlink you could ask them to check the the engine code for you.

 

[IHeartTurbo]

Low/old oil will have nothing to do with setting a code. And neither will a dirty air filter unless it's so dirty it's almost blocking all air flow. Like they said, get it scanned or there is nothing we can do to help.

 

[a_scobel]

One of the o2 sensors maybe bad...try calling your local Autozone to see if they can check it if not you my have to take it to the mits dealership to have it put own there machine or if you know of someone with DSMlink you could ask them to check the the engine code for you.

Yes, Autozone should be able to let you borrow a reader & you can do it right there in the parking lot. They usually just tell you to leave a credit card or ID or something at the counter until you bring it back.

 

[Drifter27_04]

Yes, Autozone should be able to let you borrow a reader & you can do it right there in the parking lot. They usually just tell you to leave a credit card or ID or something at the counter until you bring it back.

Thanks, for the information. I was not sure.

 

[DrunkPenguin]

Ok I'll check my local autozone and see what they can do. I'll post back when I get results.

 

[Drifter27_04]

Ok I'll check my local autozone and see what they can do. I'll post back when I get results.

Whats the word on your car? Have you had it looked at yet?

 

[DrunkPenguin]

Not yet the cars been parked. I'm building a house right now and the car is the last on my priority list. Bare with me guys, one of these days I'll get it done and I'll post back then.

Johnny

PS, roofing sucks!

 

[DrunkPenguin]

ok I had my gf take the car to autozone and the code they got was P0443. can anybody tell me what this code means?

 

[Drifter27_04]

PO443 EVAP COntrol System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction


Here you can find a list of the codes and there meanings

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191516

 

[DrunkPenguin]

Thanks for the link! This is a new one for me not sure where to start. I should add when I said the car runs fine I probably should have mentioned it does not start well in the cold if that helps. It will start and die 2 or 3 times before starting. Once running it runs fine. So where should I start? I found a couple threads related to this but couldn't find one with a posted fix. Should I replace the purge valve?

 

[leakyfaucet]

If I were you, I would check all hoses for vacuum leaks, especially the hoses that come off the throttle body and go to all the emissions stuff. That's a place to start. There is a solenoid with vacuum lines to it that raises the fuel pressure to help with cold starts. It's possible this vacuum line has a leak or came unplugged.

This is a great website:
http://members.shaw.ca/dsm.1000q/Engineprimer/
It points out which solenoids are which, as well as their functions.