Flashing cel

G

gsmooth

Member

• Mar 24, 2010

• #1

CEL flashed maybe 5 or 6 times then stayed on.

My guess is either the coil pack or spark plug needs changing.

Coil pack and spark plugs were replaced and EGR valve cleaned about 2 years ago...i think its time again.

This would be the 4th time in 8 years I've cleaned the EGR.

Any other guesses or advice?

(2002, MP5, manual)

 

C

CheeseHelmet

Member

• Mar 24, 2010

• #2

Get the code checked somewhere, it could be any number of things. If you don't have access to a OBDII scanner I'd recommend getting one off ebay. Where I live you have to shell out $50 to get your codes read, I found an OBDII scanner for $30 shipped on ebay. It's not the fanciest but it can read and clear codes which is all you really need.

 

bazooka joe

No words

Moderator

Contributor

:

92 & 16 Meyatas

• Mar 24, 2010

• #3

ya, why guess and replace parts for no reason? get the code read or get a scanner...worth every nickel...

 

M

MazdaP55

Member

• Mar 24, 2010

• #4

Auto Zone will scan for free but won't erase by law. So although you get the code and fix it, the CEL light might stay on. Soooo... you're better off buying one! My friend has a bluetooth one and is coming to test mine tomorow... Usualy it's a mass air flow alert.

 

D

dandan2

Member

:

mazdaspeed protege

• Mar 24, 2010

• #5

MazdaP55 said:

Auto Zone will scan for free but won't erase by law. So although you get the code and fix it, the CEL light might stay on. Soooo... you're better off buying one! My friend has a bluetooth one and is coming to test mine tomorow... Usualy it's a mass air flow alert.

Click to expand...

autozone erased my code every time. why would there be a law agianst it? if there is something wrong with the car the computer will just throw another cel. i finally broke down and got one.

 

P

P-Funk!

:

Lancer Ralliart Sportback

• Mar 25, 2010

• #6

The computer will also reset the light after you disconnect the battery and pump the brakes.

Or after 3 cycles of it not noticing the problem - it will turn off the light by itself.

 

S

slavrenz

Member

:

2001 Mazda Protege LX 2.0

• Mar 25, 2010

• #7

Get those parts replaced soon or you're going to fry your catalytic converter.

And no, it is not usually a bad MAF like another poster said above. It's usually bad coil packs or spark plug wires.

 

G

gsmooth

Member

• Mar 25, 2010

• #8

Thanks everyone.
I cannot remember the exact name of where I purchased my coil packs last time. Autozone was suggested but I made the purchase on another site (I think Orions?)
Can anyone confirm the name?

 

bazooka joe

No words

Moderator

Contributor

:

92 & 16 Meyatas

• Mar 25, 2010

• #9

guys, how do we know what the problem really is unless the code is read? we can guess all we want...spend the money on the right parts the first time!