I had a 95, looking at 95-98. If the CEL is on in the 96-98, what is the typical cost to fix? I'm not fully up on the issue and search is sort of all over the map in terms of info.

 

It would depend on why the CEL is on. It could be something minor like a faulty sensor or it could be
the dreaded SAI problem. SAI issues can sometimes be solved by flushing the system. This method
can buy some time before a top end rebuild is required. Cost estimates? I'm probably not the best
person to answer that.

 

How much is an inch of black electrical tape?

 

Does SAI = top end then?

 

It could mean top end refresh.

However, if SAI ports are clogged they can be cleaned. I would decide which route to go based on miles and oil consumption.

 

Also bear in mind that the car would not pass inspection with the CEL on. By searching the archives you'll find the procedure to turn off the CEL, reset your readiness codes, and be able to get through inspection.

 

Get a OBDII reader and you can find out what the code is for and figure how much it will cost. When my CEL came on a few months back, it was just because of the DME relay had gone bad --$35 and 2 minutes of my time.

 

It sounds like though that if the CEL is on in a used car looking for purchase, just walk away...?

 

Absolutely not. You need to determine what the cause is first. If you deem it easily fixable, then it is not a big deal. You can even use that as a bargaining tool to get a better price.
Now, if you don't want to spend any time investigating/fixing the problem, then yes, walk away.
Personally, I would not walk away until I knew what the issue was.

 

Edit: What Darin said ^^

If it's nearby, might be worth going and reading the codes off it. Might keep other buyers away and give you negotiation leverage if it turns out to be something minor.

 

Ah...agreed...but remote is a bit tough. I guess I can ping him and see if he has the fault codes, but I'm highly doubtful since he's relatively unknowledgeable and just parroting his mechanic.

 

Is this the one with the O2 sensors that need replacing? If so, that would trigger a CEL. Still, I would walk if you can't get the actual codes from the guy's tech. Takes a few minutes with an OBD2 scanner and will pretty much tell you if the car needs a top end.

 

P1411 ≠ new top end. At least not absolutely.

 

A gas cap that wasn't closed tightly will give you a CEL. Don't walk away from a good car unless you know what CEL code is throwing.

 

Cabrio: If one were to take off the filler cap and start the car, would that automatically trigger a CEL? and would it disappear after putting on the cap?