How common are CEL lights?

RePo · Post by **RePo** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:49 am

How many have NEVER had a CEL? I'm living with my emissions codes and I don't think I'm alone. I want to see if it's as common as it seems like to me.

BlueCrush · Post by **BlueCrush** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:54 am

I have had CEL's, checked them with my OBD2 scanner, got the code, fixed the problem myself and cleared the code.(Mine was a P0420 - 1st O2 sensor)It is more common if you have mods like CAI, SR, Header or Exhaust because they can affect the MAF sensor and the O2 sensor readings.If you have no mods then you should get the code checked at autozone and fix it yourself or take it to you dealer or a trused mechanic.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 2:16 am

oh, shoot, I should have started a new choice: Caused a CEL, Checked it, Fixed it & Cleared it myself.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 3:45 am

I fixed my P0420 with a new cat

GrayFox · Post by **GrayFox** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:17 am

haven't had any (nock-on-wood )

Mavrik · Post by **Mavrik** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:35 am

I've had two cases of CEL coming on. First case... messed up my MAF doing a CAI install... Warranty bought me a new sensor.Second time after I installed my unichip. It cleared itself in about 2 days. Never had one since.

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 4:45 am

Never had one, past my warranty, over 40K miles on an 05 so far.

Ol' Timer · Post by **Ol' Timer** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 7:53 am

When the Air Bag light went ON a second time after the Dealer cleared the code(s) the first time, I went back to the Dealer. They pulled codes P1820 and P1821, Left Seat Deployment Module. They ordered a new seat (P/N 88973919 - Unit Price $1,145.12). The following week I brought it in and they installed the new Driver's Seat. And, YES, this was covered uner warranty.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:03 am

All right I'm mad, RePo, you jinxed me, my Vibe just threw a po171 system too lean (bank 1)... great

nygiantzz1 · Post by **nygiantzz1** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:27 am

Here you go V, possible causes:P0171System too Lean (Bank 1) Air induction system Injector blockage Mass air flow sensor Engine coolant temperature sensor Fuel pressure Gas leakage in exhaust system Open or short in heated oxygen sensor (bank 1, sensor 1)circuit Heated oxygen sensor (bank 1, sensor 1) Heated oxygen sensor heater (bank 1, sensor 1) EFI relay PCV valve and hose PCV hose connectionECM

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:38 am

Quote, originally posted by nygiantzz1 »Here you go V, possible causes:P0171System too Lean (Bank 1) Air induction system Injector blockage Mass air flow sensor Engine coolant temperature sensor Fuel pressure Gas leakage in exhaust system Open or short in heated oxygen sensor (bank 1, sensor 1)circuit Heated oxygen sensor (bank 1, sensor 1) Heated oxygen sensor heater (bank 1, sensor 1) EFI relay PCV valve and hose PCV hose connectionECMOh, is that all... I wonder if it's my K&N... BTW, thanks for the possible causes list.

nygiantzz1 · Post by **nygiantzz1** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:43 am

It doesn't matter what it is, you are under warranty. Let the dealer fix it.

VforVIBE · Post by **VforVIBE** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 8:46 am

Quote, originally posted by nygiantzz1 Â»It doesn't matter what it is, you are under warranty. Let the dealer fix it. But I just got back from the dealer... *pout* *pout* and they wouldn't do anything if it is my K&N SR intake.

nygiantzz1 · Post by **nygiantzz1** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 9:10 am

The only thing on your SR that could be causing it is the filter. clean the air filter, maybe the MAF too, disconnect the battery to clear the code and see if it comes back. If it does, it's probably something else and will be under warranty.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 12:08 pm

The only one I ever had was due to me forgetting to plug in one of the coils after changing plugs. My buddy had CEL's on his '03 back when he had it quite frequently, they were always evap issues of some description. Don't think they ever gave him the codes that it threw.Good poll. Another good one would be to see the proportion of modded cars with the light on to bone stock ones. I tend to see more modded ones throwing CEL's than stock ones.OBD-II's been a pain in the (removed)! Especially when something as simple as a loose gas cap can trigger the light. I've got a "check fuel cap" light on my new one, as do a few other cars nowadays. Glad to see that these things are starting to become utilized. It would have been cool to see such a thing present at the start of OBD-II systems though. Just using the check engine light for the gas cap problems is a problem, IMHO. Both the customer and the dealer have better things to do than waste their time on a trip to the shop because the gas cap didn't get installed properly.

WD0AFQ · Post by **WD0AFQ** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 12:52 pm

Mine has been on since 4000 miles after changing the intake tube. Dealer said it needed a new computer. They put it on under warranty. 4000 miles it is back on and out of warranty, but the computer has an 80,000 warranty they told me. Sometimes I reset it myself but mostly just let it show. Seems to run just fine with the light on. 03 GT.

DopeVibeGT · Post by **DopeVibeGT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 4:54 am

Once for a bad cat. Dealer fixed under warranty. Never had an issue with the CEL and CAI.

2002sportside · Post by **2002sportside** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:39 am

I got one by unplugging the coolant temp sensor with the engine running. I don't recommend it. On the plus side, we got to skip that part of the lab.

mike7311 · Post by **mike7311** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:06 am

I've seen a 0420 once, but it never reappeared. I will warn those of you that haven't replaced the cat to not jump the gun and spend 500 to replace it. This appears to be a common problem that may be just a glitch with the ECM. As long as the cel is not blinking, this is an intermittent issue. It is probably due to a misfire or backfire. I personally think that the ECM is just to damn sensitive to the sensors.

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 5:07 am

Most CELs are for emissions problems, but a blinking CEL means a serious problem. I don't think that if the CEL is steady or blinking has anything to do with whether the problem is steady or intermittent. A blinking CEL is supposed to be for times when you need to turrn the car off or else.

blake31 · Post by **blake31** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 12:13 am

i got my first CEL this week. i've got a 2004 with 65,000 miles on it, and i put a TRD CAI on very early, like within the first 2,000 miles after i bought it new. i went to autozone and they scanned it and said it was the O2 sensor. he cleared the CEL and i'm going to see if it comes back.

xing512q · Post by **xing512q** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:43 am

Hello, i got the exact same problem as you! After i installed my Cosmo Racing shortram air intake. my CEL came on, i got it checked in autozone, it shows that Oxygen sensor is too slow during testing! i'll have to replace the 02 sensor! Do anyone in here know where i can get a new 02 sensor for theBase model, auto? where can it get it for reasonable price? thanks

xing512q · Post by **xing512q** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:46 am

blake31, the CEL is going to come back like another 1000 miles. he cleared the CEL , don't help at all, that just reset the computer for short period of time, the problem is still there. good luck!

2002sportside · Post by **2002sportside** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 11:08 am

For a 2003-04 Vibe, Front o2 is PN 88971384 GMPartsDirect $81.03 (129.85 List)Rear o2 is PN 88971385 GMPartsDirect $105.63 (203.14 List)

How common are CEL lights?

How common are CEL lights?

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (joatmon)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (ANO_Vibe)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (Mavrik)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (VforVIBE)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (nygiantzz1)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (VforVIBE)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (nygiantzz1)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (VforVIBE)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (ColonelPanic)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (2002sportside)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (mike7311)

Re: How common are CEL lights? (RePo)

Re: (xing512q)