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Old May 13, 2007 | 12:46 PM
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Default Check Engine Light

I am a new 993 owner (cab, 45,000 miles). I have put only about 800 miles on the car and had the 45K service done by a great local shop. Just last night I was driving home and my Check Engine light came on. I read the manual and it didn't really indicate what might trigger the Check Engine light.

Any suggestions as to what triggers this light?

Is it safe to drive 8 or so miles to the shop?

Thanks in advance.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Go to kragen or some other auto parts store and buy a OBDII reader (if a 95, OBDI, I believe) and read the codes from your computer. You don't have to buy the reader if you go to Kragen. They will read the codes for you for free.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Could be any number of things, usually pollution control or engine management type sensors. Could be something as simple as a faulty gas cap to the catalytic convertor. Safe to drive to the shop as long as it's not blinking / flashing.
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Old May 13, 2007 | 01:22 PM
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Most chain auto parts stores provide a free check of your CEL right there in the parking lot. If your nice to the tech, he'll let you clear the code. (The store won't do it because of liability.)

I've found that buying my own reader (around $125) has proved very useful not only on the 993, but on any OBDII vehicle, which is almost any vehicle out there.

-Jim
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Old May 13, 2007 | 02:39 PM
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I found probably the cheapest OBDII reader on the planet at harborfreight.com
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94169
$39. It does the basics: reads codes and readiness and can clear the faults and reset the light
-Andrew
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Old May 13, 2007 | 02:57 PM
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Now that is a deal!!! I wonder if the Porsche codes are on the CD? (I doubt it!).

Cheers,

Mike
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Old May 13, 2007 | 02:58 PM
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Thanks to all for your suggestions.

My 993 is a '97 so I assume that I need the OBDII reader. Is that correct?
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Old May 13, 2007 | 04:52 PM
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Yes, OBD II.
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Old May 14, 2007 | 01:30 AM
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Thanks......I ordered the OBDII reader from harborfreight.
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Old May 14, 2007 | 12:25 PM
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Originally Posted by Gary996
Thanks......I ordered the OBDII reader from harborfreight.
Be sure to let us know what the fault was and how you found the tool.
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Old May 14, 2007 | 08:47 PM
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Mike, I have a mac and the CD is PC , so I cant tell you what codes are on there, its some app I think, Not a .pdf or text file.

I use http://www.iequus.com/

They have a place to type in and look up the codes on their front page

They make good readers too it seems, but for more money.

I just picked up the harborfreight one 'cuz I was there buying some nitrile gloves and there it was on sale. Their tools arent that great, Chinese cheap stuff, but if you are going to use something once or twice in your life. . . well I just look at them as a "long term rental"
-Andrew
I guess Im gonna need an avatar soon. . .
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Old May 14, 2007 | 10:01 PM
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If they changed your belts check to see if they used oem belts after market can cause check engine light code is misfire
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Old May 15, 2007 | 12:38 PM
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My '96 993 had the check light coming on/off for 30k miles. My mechanic told me it was a known problem (something to do with air intakes) with 993's, and just told me to ignore it. I moved, and the new dealer/mechanic couldn't fix the problem either at regular checkups. Then I had a major service done at 65K at the dealer, and the problem disappeared. The dealer must have replaced something (or a combination of things) which cured the problem. Now it works just fine for me....
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Old May 15, 2007 | 12:44 PM
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I agree with jk 12. I had the same thing happen to me right after my 30,000 service. The code was misfire and the independent who did the service and the dealer spent considerable time on it and it turned out to be that the belts did not get aligned properly during the service. I have a friend who also had the exact same thing happen.
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