First Check Engine Light
#16
08-09-2008 | 05:05 PM
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I have a 04 with Nav and don't need the radio code when resetting the battery.
#17
08-09-2008 | 07:29 PM
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What are the two banks referring two? Do they refer to each exhaust? If so, I'd find it unusual that sensors failed on both sides at the same time.
So should I try to reset the codes first and see the errors pop again, or should I just take it to the dealer? I'd love to find an indy Porsche certified mechanic here in Michigan.
So should I try to reset the codes first and see the errors pop again, or should I just take it to the dealer? I'd love to find an indy Porsche certified mechanic here in Michigan.
To have both sides show up would point to either they swapped pre- and post- cat O2 sensors, or they didn't properly connect the post cat sensors.
Funny to get 1000 miles before it shows up....Or maybe slathered antisieze paste on them leading to fouling?
I'd ask whoever installed the exhaust to give it a look ... actually re-reading your post, if it was you- you need to check your O2s and wiring...
A
#18
08-09-2008 | 07:42 PM
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I installed the exhaust myself. I was very careful with the O2 sensors to avoid fouling them, and I am certain they are connected correctly. As I recall, I only had one sensor per side. I haven't looked into where the others are. I think I may pick up a Durametric and reset the codes then wait and see if I get them again. If so, I guess I'll have to pull the sensors. I still don't understand how both banks could fail at the same time.
#21
08-10-2008 | 08:15 AM
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4. Liquid- I disagree entirely with your indy. A large number of the CEL faults will impact AFR, which in turn can damage the engine. Not immediately, but over time. For example a CEL due to an overly rich condition can increase fuel wash in the cyl wall, and fuel contamination in the oil- both increase ring wear and bearing wear- not 'engine will sieze tomorrow' but over time they will have an impact. THis is not meant to be scare tactic, but the concept that the CEL is just some 'silly emissions crap' is wrong.
A
A
#22
08-10-2008 | 08:20 AM
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I did not mean to suggest that the CEL can just be ignored as just a silly emissions light. I would never drive with the light on without having the codes read to be sure what the problem is. I was merely suggesting that there are many reason CEL will come on and as long as it indicates a condition which won't damage anything (which is almost all of them), then it's not urgent to get it repaired and the car can continue to be driven.
My Indy (who read the codes for me) told me not to worry about since it's totally useless and won't affect the engine. In fact, he said the only real CEL to worry about is a blinking one which means the catalytic converter isn't working. He told me to drive it like I stole it until he can get me in to fix it. I wouldn't worry about it, but you do want to get that code read.
#23
08-10-2008 | 05:20 PM
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Perhaps you can describe a situation in which continuing to drive during failure of the SAI blower/sensor/system could lead to engine damage? I've done some research and it's my understanding that the blower only runs during cold starts to preheat the exhaust and to ensure unburnt fuel is burned before exiting the tailpipe. I'm not a car expert and I'm always eager to learn more about these cars so if I'm wrong, please let me know.
#24
08-10-2008 | 06:14 PM
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I agree, as soon as I saw the thread my hunch was the O2 sensors. There should be two on each side. I would have a professional tuner look at it.
#25
08-10-2008 | 06:42 PM
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Went back and looked at the pictures I took when I was swapping out the exhaust, and lo and behold, I see two sensors! My age is affecting my memory!
I don't know of an indy tuner here in Michigan, so my choice is to replace the sensors myself or take the car to my local Porsche dealership. My concern in doing it myself is that if something caused the O2 sensors to fail (remember both failed at the same time), I could replace the sensors and soon be in the market for another set.
I have had sensors go in other cars, and the cars performance noticeably suffers. I see no change in performance in the 996TT. I didn't have time to do anything today other than order a Durametric reader. Rather than disconnect the battery, I'll just wait until this unit shows up to reset the CEL. If I get the error codes again, I'll find a mechanic.
Ken
I don't know of an indy tuner here in Michigan, so my choice is to replace the sensors myself or take the car to my local Porsche dealership. My concern in doing it myself is that if something caused the O2 sensors to fail (remember both failed at the same time), I could replace the sensors and soon be in the market for another set.
I have had sensors go in other cars, and the cars performance noticeably suffers. I see no change in performance in the 996TT. I didn't have time to do anything today other than order a Durametric reader. Rather than disconnect the battery, I'll just wait until this unit shows up to reset the CEL. If I get the error codes again, I'll find a mechanic.
Ken
#26
08-10-2008 | 07:28 PM
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I don't want to get into a flame war over this or hijack this thread, but my indy read the codes and told me not to worry about it until he can get me in later this week to correct the problem with the SAI system. He has serviced my porsches for the last 10 years and he knows them inside and out and has never streered me wrong. I think in owning cars like these it's important to have a knowledgable mechanic that you can trust and I'm very happy to say I have one.
Perhaps you can describe a situation in which continuing to drive during failure of the SAI blower/sensor/system could lead to engine damage? I've done some research and it's my understanding that the blower only runs during cold starts to preheat the exhaust and to ensure unburnt fuel is burned before exiting the tailpipe. I'm not a car expert and I'm always eager to learn more about these cars so if I'm wrong, please let me know.
Perhaps you can describe a situation in which continuing to drive during failure of the SAI blower/sensor/system could lead to engine damage? I've done some research and it's my understanding that the blower only runs during cold starts to preheat the exhaust and to ensure unburnt fuel is burned before exiting the tailpipe. I'm not a car expert and I'm always eager to learn more about these cars so if I'm wrong, please let me know.
#29
08-14-2008 | 04:13 PM
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My Durametric software and cable showed up today. I installed the software on my laptop and hooked it up to the car. I got the same codes as Autozone did, but my software identified the issue as Cat Efficiency related to each bank. I used the software to reset the error and started the car. No CEL light. I let the car run for a bit then turned it off and started it again. Still no light.
I'm not enough of a wrencher to know what exactly initiated these errors. The car had been sitting outside in the sun all day. I started it in the evening to head home, and the CEL light remained lit after the remaining cluster idiot lights turned off. As the errors hit right when the car was started and both cats were effected, I'm hoping the issue was nothing more than perhaps some vapors or fuel in the cats when the engine was started. I'll drive it for awhile and see if the errors come back.
Outside of those errors, the software reported no other issues. Very easy software to use, and I found perusing the motronic information rather interesting.
Despite the money this forum has urged me to spend, I find it and you all a great resource. Only wish I could contribute more.
Many thanks!
Ken
I'm not enough of a wrencher to know what exactly initiated these errors. The car had been sitting outside in the sun all day. I started it in the evening to head home, and the CEL light remained lit after the remaining cluster idiot lights turned off. As the errors hit right when the car was started and both cats were effected, I'm hoping the issue was nothing more than perhaps some vapors or fuel in the cats when the engine was started. I'll drive it for awhile and see if the errors come back.
Outside of those errors, the software reported no other issues. Very easy software to use, and I found perusing the motronic information rather interesting.
Despite the money this forum has urged me to spend, I find it and you all a great resource. Only wish I could contribute more.
Many thanks!
Ken
