How to get the CEL back?

[Outdorsman]

Well stupidity led to disconnecting the battery when I got a CEL, I assumed it would be there again when I reconnected it but no.


Is there any way to get the CEL to come on again? I can't really find out whats wrong with my car until I get that CEL back.

 

[destruckeclipse]

By disconnecting the battery you reset the ECU, so for now there is no CEL. Drive the car around till it throws the code again.

 

[Outdorsman]

By disconnecting the battery you reset the ECU, so for now there is no CEL. Drive the car around till it throws the code again.

Thats the issue, my car can't move. Is there any other way like letting it idle?

 

[pauleyman]

No. There is no other way. If the conditions of the CEL are met at idle then yes it will flag it. If not then no, the only other way is to drive it. Unless you have some suspect of what CEl this is there is no way to know. . We don't have enough information. If you had no symptoms, just a CEL you'll never know what it was. You'll only know if you get another CEL well...you've got another CEL.

 

[Outdorsman]

I have reason to believe my car is out of timing. It hesitates, shakes, studders and won't move. It tends to die unless gas is applied. It had a CEL when all this occurred but its gone now. Thats why I want it

 

[pauleyman]

Sorry, there is no way. If you think its out of time then check it before running it.

 

[crash89]

If you think your car is out of time, look up the VFAQ and check it.. Take about 5 minutes to do. As stated it wont come back on unless you drive the car.