BajaNomad

Check engine light just came on in my Jeep

Alan - 6-24-2010 at 11:47 AM

Can anyone recommend a mechanico in the La Posada area of La Paz? I assume it is something minor as it still runs fine but would like it checked by someone with a card reader before I head too far off the beaten path.

mtgoat666 - 6-24-2010 at 11:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
Can anyone recommend a mechanico in the La Posada area of La Paz? I assume it is something minor as it still runs fine but would like it checked by someone with a card reader before I head too far off the beaten path.


use tape to cover the light. this solution is cheap and gives you peace of mind :lol:

wessongroup - 6-24-2010 at 11:56 AM

It may have been the music... oh, my and I'm part Scottish too..

Maybe a reset ... and then see if it shows up again...

My sons Cadillac was giving him a "light' said try that... it worked ...

Alan - 6-24-2010 at 11:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
It may have been the music... oh, my and I'm part Scottish too..

Maybe a reset ... and then see if it shows up again...

My sons Cadillac was giving him a "light' said try that... it worked ...
Okay, does anyone know the reset procedure for a 97 Wrangler?

bajaguy - 6-24-2010 at 12:16 PM

Check ypur gas cap and ensure it is on correctly

Bob H - 6-24-2010 at 12:18 PM

To reset.... disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes and reconnect it. The light should go off.
Bob H

Udo - 6-24-2010 at 12:20 PM

Another solution is to pour about a cup of Acetone in the gas tank for the next couple of fill-ups. Mexican gas has a tendency to carbon over the ECR sensor.
Also, after adding the acetone, disconnect the negative battery cable and reconnect after a few minutes.

surfer jim - 6-24-2010 at 12:36 PM

Yep...check for loose gas cap first. Light will go off on its own after a few start cycles if that was it. Like said above disconnect battery to reset system if you can't wait.

Bob and Susan - 6-24-2010 at 12:57 PM

time to play...

put the key in the ignition and turn the key to run (not start)
then off
then run
then off
then run
that's 3 runs and 2 offs

Leave the key in the run position.

the check engine light will turn on for a few seconds, then turn off, then after 20-30 seconds start flashing

the flashes are counting out 2-digit trouble codes.

fast flashes count up each digit
longer pause between digits

codes are...
11 No crank reference signal detected during engine cranking.
12 Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles.
13 No difference recognized between the engine MAP reading and the barometric (atmosphereic) pressure reading at start-up
14 MAP sensor input below minimum acceptable voltage.
15 No vehicle distance (speed) sensor signal detected during road load conditions.
17 Engine coolant temperature remains below normal operating temperatures during vehicle travel (thermostat).
21 Oxygen sensor
22 Engine coolant temperature sensor
23 Intake manifold air temperature sensor
24 Throttle position sensor
25 idle air control motor
27 Injector
33 A/C clutch relay circuit.
34 vent solenoid circuits.
35 radiator fan relay circuit
41 generator circuit.
42 auto shutdown relay
44 battery temperature voltage circuit
46 Battery voltage
47 Battery voltage
51 Oxygen sensor
52 Oxygen sensor
53 PCM
54 No fuel sync
55 Completion of diagnostic trouble code display
62 Unsuccessful attempt to update service reminder indicator
63 Unsuccessful attempt to write to an EEPROM

i'd try the gas cap first:biggrin:

Pompano - 6-24-2010 at 12:58 PM

For mine, I turn key on and off three times without starting..that usually resets the dang thing.

Hook - 6-24-2010 at 01:16 PM

On an 05 Wrangler, it takes FORTY on and offs of the key to reset it.

If you have an Autozone over there, they will check and clear your code for free. At least they do over here in Guaymas.

I will bet big bucks that it will prove to be a code telling you that the gasoline is low octane. I run Magna Sin. Mine comes on over here every 8-10 tankfuls or so. It's always the same thing, so I just ignore the light.

Woooosh - 6-24-2010 at 01:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
I will bet big bucks that it will prove to be a code telling you that the gasoline is low octane. I run Magna Sin. Mine comes on over here every 8-10 tankfuls or so. It's always the same thing, so I just ignore the light.

I think I'd ignore that gas source too if I could...

Hook - 6-24-2010 at 01:28 PM

No noticeable loss of performance with Magna Sin. And it's not like I have a Chevron to go to, instead.

Besides, from what I've read, as much as 10% of the Pemex fuel you receive can be doctored on the black market. It's unavoidable down here.

MikeYounghusband - 6-24-2010 at 02:43 PM

Read the owhers manual it will tell you that it will reset on its own. Sometimes it comes on when you low on gas. If you want to reset it like Bob H said just disconnect the Battery for a couple of minutes

BajaSerg - 6-24-2010 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
To reset.... disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes and reconnect it. The light should go off.
Bob H


Yup it works:cool:


wessongroup - 6-24-2010 at 04:10 PM

Come on Alan... don't keep us in suspense .... you moving with no light?

David K - 6-24-2010 at 06:29 PM

Time to get a Toyota???:yes::light:

Alan - 6-24-2010 at 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wessongroup
Come on Alan... don't keep us in suspense .... you moving with no light?
Sorry but try to remember it is summertime in La Paz. I had to keep my priorities straight. I took off the gas cap and screwed it back on again until it clicked. Then the wife and I went to La Concha for lunch then spent a little time at the beach. By then it was siesta time. I tried the 3 on/offs but the light didn't blink at all so now that it is cooler I will undo the battery cable and try that. Results will have to wait until manana as it is then off to Tailhunters for a c-cktail to be followed up by Arrachera tacos at Rancho Viejo, then perhaps a game of pool at Tequila's.

bajaguy - 6-24-2010 at 07:03 PM

Well, I see you have your priorities right!!!!

Alan - 6-25-2010 at 06:13 AM

Before going out last night I disconnected the battery for about 2 minutes but to no avail, the light was still on. :?: Oh well off to Tailhunter to watch some of the freeway series and then on to Rancho Viejo before calling it a night. When I started it to leave RV the light was out ??? Hmmmm, I am assuming it was the gas cap and it just finally reset on it's own. Thanks for all of the reply's and especially to Bob and Susan for such detailed advice.

Ken Cooke - 6-28-2010 at 08:17 AM

Sometimes, you might try placing a plastic shopping bag inside of the gas cap to use as an improvised gasket in conjuction with the gas cap. This might indicate a sealing problem with the gas cap itself. Happy Jeeping!

wilderone - 6-28-2010 at 08:25 AM

Gas mix might have something to do with emissions which are detected and reported via the codes. My check engine light went on for the first time after a fill-up at an indian casino gas station - stayed on for about 3 months, went out. I filled up again at the same station a month later, the light went on again. The dealer told me it had something to do with emissions. The car ran fine - the eheck engine light was on and off for about 2 years before I sold the car.

Martyman - 6-28-2010 at 08:44 AM

My engine ligth came on on my last trip to baja. It turned out to be mice or rats chewing up wires under the hood. It affected my acceleration but I limped home anyway.

Alan - 6-28-2010 at 10:10 PM

Well the light came back on again today on my way to Muertos. I'll try a fill up with premium to see if that helps.

landyacht318 - 6-28-2010 at 10:24 PM

I have read that on some Chrysler vehicles, that in order to reset the computer without a code reader, one must disconnect the battery, then turn the key past on to start for several seconds to drain any juice left in the capacitors in the computer.

I do not know if this is correct for some vehicles and not others, or none at all. I know it is not true on my 20 year old dodge.

Hook - 6-29-2010 at 05:17 AM

If it IS the gas, filling up with Premium wont work right away. The code needs to be reset by some means, whether x number of power up cycles, a battery disconnect............or have a code reader reset it. Is there no AutoZone over in La Paz? Two lights in such a short time bears investigating.

Still betting it's the fuel composition...............

Marc - 6-29-2010 at 06:26 AM

I years ago I drove my Jeep with the "check engine" light on to Loreto and back. I was sweating it the whole way. Turns out it was just a sensor on the smog thingamajig, and no big deal. The dealer said that is probably 99% of why it goes on in Jeeps. I think the fad then was to remove the converter between smog checks.

wessongroup - 6-29-2010 at 06:49 AM

Wow, what a lot of good stuff.. man.. having this kind of information source 40 years ago would have saved a lot of time and money .... yeah I know they didn't have "check engine" lights.. well, at least none of my cars did .....

My old VW, had the "roll over" foot switch when you ran out of gas.... you had one gallon left.. as it didn't even have a gas gauge ... wow, how did we make it getting around ... with a lot planning and a lot of tools and spare parts...

Ken Cooke - 6-29-2010 at 07:01 AM

I drove with the check engine light on my Rubicon for approximately 3 years thinking it had to do with my gas cap. Instead, it was the gas vapor sending lines were worn and the unit needed replacement. I could have kept driving on this, but fixing this meant if the light came on again, a real problem could be identified.

Hook - 6-29-2010 at 07:06 AM

The smog thingamajig is/was probably the O2 (oxygen) sensor. They have become much cheaper now, than in the advent of smog regs. And they are easy to remove, in many cases. Just disconnect the electric lead and remove with a deep set socket or an end wrench, IF you have the clearance. They are usually mounted near the end of the exhaust manifold or the beginning of the exhaust pipe system.

Your VW was, I believe, 1960 or earlier, correct? My first car was a 60 bug. No synchormesh into first on those models, either. 36 hp, total.

fishabductor - 6-29-2010 at 08:54 AM

Alan,

I think the Jeeps dead, I'll take it to the dump for you. I will need the title, keys etc...:bounce::bounce:

Just kidding


Another thing that causes the light to go on is when the gas guys overfill/top off your tank. Most new cars don't like this and the engine light will come on.

O2 sensors are also a known failure point.

my last 2 f150's had teh light on for 4 years. the 2nd one i bought with the light on for CHEAP, been driving it for 4 years now..lights still on. I even drove it down from Seattle to los cabos that way, hauling a quad and a boat.

Alan - 6-29-2010 at 09:26 AM

I know I have seen an Autozone in La Paz. Just trying to remember where.

I'm pretty sure the light is absolutely nothing as it still runs just great. I just prefer the piece of mind knowing things are right when I venture off the beaten path.

Bob H - 6-29-2010 at 09:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
I know I have seen an Autozone in La Paz. Just trying to remember where.

I'm pretty sure the light is absolutely nothing as it still runs just great. I just prefer the piece of mind knowing things are right when I venture off the beaten path.


OK, now you can use a Sharpe to color over the light. That'll do it.
Bob H

comitan - 6-29-2010 at 09:55 AM

Alan

If you want to come out here I have a tester.

wiley

TMW - 6-29-2010 at 10:37 AM

While a check engine light can be as simple as tightening or replacing a gas cap I would not let it go for too long without knowing what is causing it. If it is an O2 sensor that can lead to a pluged cat converter, not a cheap part especially now in CA with the new rules. If the vehicle is for Baja only then don't worry too much and just bypass the cat converter, otherwise I'd get it fixed.

Alan - 6-29-2010 at 01:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Alan

If you want to come out here I have a tester.

wiley
That sounds great and thank you for the offer but when I filled it with premium this morning the light went off immediately so the saga continues.