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WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on?

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Old 05-18-2008, 08:32 AM
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Default WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on?

I have a 92 civic DX, 90k miles. I would say once every 2 months the CEL light comes on...I immediately turn the car off and turn it back on and it doesnt come on for like another 2 months.(and I drive it a good amount)

WHat would happen if I tried to check the code with the 2 pin connector tutorial? I guess what im trying to say is what happens if your car is not throwing a code, but you check for one? WIll the CEL still flash, or just do nothing?
Old 05-18-2008, 08:41 AM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (krisfnbs)

The code would still be stored in the computer.
Old 05-18-2008, 09:17 AM
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I check OBDII cars often and I've scanned cars that were supposed to have recently had check engine lights on, but it's now off. Sometimes something shows but it usually doesn't. I believe the CEL still usually lights if you have a stored code.

This could be different for OBDI cars though.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> want to buy something in the classifieds but I am on trial!!! Someone unlock my account. Thank you.

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You are not on trial. Moderators also do not unlock accounts. It should automatically change after you've goen through the trial membership period.
Old 05-18-2008, 09:49 AM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (krisfnbs)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krisfnbs &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">WHat would happen if I tried to check the code with the 2 pin connector tutorial? I guess what im trying to say is what happens if your car is not throwing a code, but you check for one? WIll the CEL still flash, or just do nothing?</TD></TR></TABLE>

When connector is jumped:
No Codes Present/Stored = Solid CEL
Code(s) Present/Stored = Flashing Pattern

Next time the CEL pops up while driving, don't turn the car off. Just pull over and jumper the connector to read the code.
Old 05-18-2008, 09:59 AM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (BlueCrxNC)

not tryin to thread jack, but is it bad to leave it jumped?
Old 05-18-2008, 10:11 AM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (obuhmyuh)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by obuhmyuh &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">not tryin to thread jack, but is it bad to leave it jumped?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would imagine it's not best to do so. The jumper is also intended to prevent the ECU from changing timing while you adjust it manually via the distributor's rotation. What I do is install a switch (glovebox or elsewhere) to flip as needed to check codes or adjust timing.
Old 05-18-2008, 10:18 AM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (BlueCrxNC)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BlueCrxNC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I would imagine it's not best to do so. The jumper is also intended to prevent the ECU from changing timing while you adjust it manually via the distributor's rotation. What I do is install a switch (glovebox or elsewhere) to flip as needed to check codes or adjust timing.</TD></TR></TABLE>

thanks, im just waiting to get a new ECU to clear my codes, and ill remove it, but I don't mess with timing... for now... Once again, thanks and sorry for jacking.
Old 05-18-2008, 05:41 PM
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Default Re: WHat happens when you try and check a CEL code, and your CEL is not on? (obuhmyuh)

thanks guys.
Old 05-18-2008, 06:36 PM
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yea mine comes on every once and while also and turn it off then back on with no cel. I still check it and it steady comes back 1 and 43 so i figure 43 is making 1 come on in my obd1
Old 05-23-2008, 06:42 AM
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still very cool that even with old cars you can check the codes with a paperclip...haha
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