Common startup CEL??

[HaveSomeJoe]

Anyone have a quick answer for what the problem might be if my check engine light comes on for about 2 seconds at startup and then goes away after the idle settles?

 

[Taylor3180]

I got a quick answer I think everyone's car does it. Mine has done it since day 1. hell even my brothers evo does it. Along with everyone of my friend's cars. . If it were a true CEL it would stay on for longer then 2 seconds don't you think?

 

[HaveSomeJoe]

Yea yea I know what youre saying, I know theres that check engine light that comes on at startup, but I should have said that this one seems a little different. It lasts actually more like 3 or 4 seconds when the idle jumps at startup, its a little rough of a startup too. I'll just hook up my friends dsm-link and see if it is actually a problem.

 

[vinnio]

Well, mine doesn’t come on at startup. In fact, it doesn’t come on at all unless there is something wrong. Tell us what you find when you hook up the dsm link.

 

[steve]

The bulb test light (not really a MIL) comes on and goes off without starting the engine.
To make sure that's isn't what's going on wait until he light goes off to start the car and watch for the CEL your seeing.

Get a logger and check for saved codes or keep it connected and read the code when it pops up.