CEL issues...

[Brian00GTS]

Hey all, I've had my 2000 GT-S for a little over a month now, haven't done anything to the engine *yet*, and for some reason when I started it the other day, the CEL came on and has been on ever since. It's not a loose gas cap...I can't think of anything I changed since the last time I started it and was wondering if any of you had an idea on what to check.

Sorry for the lack of info to diagnose and thanks for any suggestions you can provide!

Brian

[chameleon]

Brian00GTS, it is extreamly difficult to diagnose an engine over the internet becasue the same symptomes can be caused by several different problems. In your case, you have no symptoms, only a CEL, which makes it even more difficult to diagnose. I would strongly suggest that you take it in to a dealership so they can find out what caused the CEL to appear.

The only suggestion I can think of is to check your mass air flow sensor. A lot of people have been getting CEL's recently and have found that it was a result of a dirty MAF. If it looks dirty you could try cleaning it with some alchohol.

My hunch is that the dirty MAF sensors are caused by oil getting on them from K&N style air filters. Almost all aftermarket intakes have K&N style air filters that have oil in them to help trap dirt. The only exception to this that I can think of is the stainless mesh Blitz SUS. You don't have an aftermarket intake, but it still might be worth checking out.

http://www.newcelica.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22402

[HOMEP666]

I had the same thing happen. The reason was that the fuel level was two to one bars before empty. The dealer told me it was that. All they did was to reset my computer and it went away.

[Griffin]

Originally posted by Brian00GTS
Hey all, I've had my 2000 GT-S for a little over a month now, haven't done anything to the engine *yet*, and for some reason when I started it the other day, the CEL came on and has been on ever since. It's not a loose gas cap...I can't think of anything I changed since the last time I started it and was wondering if any of you had an idea on what to check.

Sorry for the lack of info to diagnose and thanks for any suggestions you can provide!

Brian

Is it still under warranty? If so take it to the dealership. Without knowing what the code is theres no point in even trying to guess.

Griffin

[Brian00GTS]

The only warranty it's under is the powertrain...it's got 46k on it, so I get to pay to have the code diagnosed :). Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check the MAF and if that isn't it, I'll just take it up to the dealership and let you know what happens.

Brian

[chameleon]

Don't worry Brian, this is covered under the powertrain warrenty. It is all explained in depth in the "warrenty information packet" that is packaged with the owners manual. Items covered under the 60 month/60,000 powertrain warrenty include...

engine cylindar block and head and all internal parts, intake manifold, timing gears and gaskets, timing chain/belt and cover, flywheel, valve covers, oil pan, oil pump, engine mounts, engine controle computer, water pump, fuel pump, seals and gaskets, Transmition case and all internal parts, torque converter, clutch cover, transmission mounts, transfer case and all internal parts, engine control computer, final drive housing and all internal parts, axle shafts, drive shafts, constant velocity joints, front hub and bearings...

So, basically every thing that makes your car "go" is still covered under warrenty. :)

[Brian00GTS]

Ah, okay, that's really good to know :) I was worried there for a minute. I took a little while to look during lunch break today, and it turns out that the bottom clip on the intake was loose. I'm guessing that's what it was...I reattached it and reset the computer, and the light hasn't come back on. Thanks for the help everybody!

Brian