Check Engine Light
10-09-2010, 06:33 PM
#1
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Location: Key West, FL
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Check Engine Light
I have a 2002 C4S with 70K miles which has had very little use for the past 5 years. It has been stored in a garage with a cover on it and driven just a few miles each month. It had a major inspection at 60K but not much has been done since.
The last time I drove it I got the check engine warning light. The car is running normally and the dealer is 30 miles away. Should I drive the car to the dealer or have it towed? Is there something I could check myself to save the expensive dealer visit?
I checked the gas cap to ensure it was tight. I suspected the alcohol in the fuel but I am not aware of other owners having fuel problems. It almost seems like an emission control problem but I don't know where to start. The car is located in Venice, FL. Can anyone recommend a good Porsche mechanic that is close by? I was going to drive it to the dealer in Sarasota but I know that will be expensive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Peter
The last time I drove it I got the check engine warning light. The car is running normally and the dealer is 30 miles away. Should I drive the car to the dealer or have it towed? Is there something I could check myself to save the expensive dealer visit?
I checked the gas cap to ensure it was tight. I suspected the alcohol in the fuel but I am not aware of other owners having fuel problems. It almost seems like an emission control problem but I don't know where to start. The car is located in Venice, FL. Can anyone recommend a good Porsche mechanic that is close by? I was going to drive it to the dealer in Sarasota but I know that will be expensive.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Peter
10-09-2010, 07:04 PM
#2
Race Director
Is the check engine light flashing, or on all the time. If it's flashing don't drive the car. A code reader from some of the parts stores can read the code, post it online and we can tell you what it means.GL
10-10-2010, 11:11 AM
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Have you added or checked the oil lately? A loose filler cap will throw a CEL. Also Barn996 has a good idea too.
If you want to clear it and see if it comes on again just disconnect the battery for 5 seconds and reconnect. If it comes on again I would get it looked at.
If you want to clear it and see if it comes on again just disconnect the battery for 5 seconds and reconnect. If it comes on again I would get it looked at.
10-11-2010, 01:08 PM
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Thanks. My car is in Venice and I am in Key West. Next time I go I will check the oil filler cap, although it has not been removed for a while. I will also disconnect/reconnect the battery. It is a steady light, not flashing. I will look for a code reader as well. I really don't use this car so maybe it is time to let it go before I get more serious problems.
Thanks
Thanks
10-11-2010, 03:10 PM
#6
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[QUOTE=bonsaipeter;7965613]Ordered an OBD II code reader for 26.99 plus 8.99 shipping from an eBay vendor. Hopefully this will give me the code. Is the plug in visible?[/QUOTE
Left side of drivers compartment, and yes if you bend down it is visible.
Left side of drivers compartment, and yes if you bend down it is visible.
10-11-2010, 04:02 PM
#7
Race Director
As mentioned, it's under the dash to the left of the steering wheel, just plug in and follow directions. Mine is key on, engine off, read the displayed code or codes, erase the codes, unplug, turn off key.
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01-03-2012, 11:46 AM
#12
Maybe... but he did not post the name of the company or device. (unless the moderator erased something I missed)
Maybe just as it appears, a guy who does not spend every waking moment obsessing about his Porsche. In other words, a deviant.
Maybe just as it appears, a guy who does not spend every waking moment obsessing about his Porsche. In other words, a deviant.
