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Check engine light but no codes
- Thread starter ta240
- Start date
- :
- Central Virginia
- :
- 2019 CX-5 Reserve
I have no first-hand advice, but a quick Google search yielded this article with some handy tips (I'm not being snarky about you searching the internet.)
This guy's #1 tip was to check the OBD reader.
-Is it a low-end one?
-Is the s/w out of date?
-Does it read all the codes for your specific mfr/model car?
But this is just me copying this guy's ideas. He has other suggestions as well.
He did say that the light is coming on because the emissions are out of whack...you just don't know why yet.
As an aside, I have a Bluetooth OBD2 reader with software installed on a tablet. I've had the CEL light come on once in my 2019, and the codes were available. It was just a generic issue with the gas cap being loose.
This guy's #1 tip was to check the OBD reader.
-Is it a low-end one?
-Is the s/w out of date?
-Does it read all the codes for your specific mfr/model car?
But this is just me copying this guy's ideas. He has other suggestions as well.
He did say that the light is coming on because the emissions are out of whack...you just don't know why yet.
As an aside, I have a Bluetooth OBD2 reader with software installed on a tablet. I've had the CEL light come on once in my 2019, and the codes were available. It was just a generic issue with the gas cap being loose.
- :
- 2019 CX-5 GTR
So the question is:
Can a check engine light come on without storing a code that a code scanner can read?
Answer:
Yes
and
No.
As @Avoidin Deer eludes to it could simply be the code scanner you are using.
Might be time for an upgrade or replacement:
low end:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00652G4TS/?tag=m20b7-20
upgrade
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PXQVKBY/?tag=m20b7-20
more upgrade:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RBRSSG4/?tag=m20b7-20
Wisdom on most of the innerwebs is that some ODBII scanners and their software are better than others.
"Most likely the fault code is a manufacturer-specific code, and OP’s tool is simply not good enough and can’t retrieve it "
Without any additional information about what scanner/software used, or where you are located, how the vehicle is driven or even how many miles/kilometers are on the vehicle, any odd/new behaviors -- I am gonna hazard a guess that on a 2013 model the fault in question is emission related (gas cap, mass air flow sensor, O2 sensor, etc).
In the forum resource for knowledge sharing there is a something documented for the DIY person; many Ford/Mazda owners have had good success with Forscan: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.astech.forscanlite&hl=en
Can a check engine light come on without storing a code that a code scanner can read?
Answer:
Yes
and
No.
As @Avoidin Deer eludes to it could simply be the code scanner you are using.
Might be time for an upgrade or replacement:
low end:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00652G4TS/?tag=m20b7-20
upgrade
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PXQVKBY/?tag=m20b7-20
more upgrade:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RBRSSG4/?tag=m20b7-20
Wisdom on most of the innerwebs is that some ODBII scanners and their software are better than others.
"Most likely the fault code is a manufacturer-specific code, and OP’s tool is simply not good enough and can’t retrieve it "
Without any additional information about what scanner/software used, or where you are located, how the vehicle is driven or even how many miles/kilometers are on the vehicle, any odd/new behaviors -- I am gonna hazard a guess that on a 2013 model the fault in question is emission related (gas cap, mass air flow sensor, O2 sensor, etc).
In the forum resource for knowledge sharing there is a something documented for the DIY person; many Ford/Mazda owners have had good success with Forscan: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.astech.forscanlite&hl=en