Engine Check Light, again
#1
Engine Check Light, again
Is there a list of the usual causes for the check engine light to come on, or is this a infinite list?
I have a 2005 GT3, bought new, with almost 26k, about half of which is used on a track. Last year,(of course) after my warranty was up, I got my first check engine light and it turned out to be one of the cats were bad. I replaced both cats with FabSpeed 200 cell ones, for less money than one OEM cat. Yesterday, I was giving several of my winter parked cars their monthly warm-up drives and when the GT3 came up to operating temperatures, the check engine light came on again. I have another different car that is a 2008 that I just live with light on because I am tired of chasing all of the causes. I am sick of check engine lights. There must be a conspiracy by car manufacturers to drive people nuts enough that we sell perfectly good cars and go out and by new cars. Does everyone have this problem with their older GT3?
I have a 2005 GT3, bought new, with almost 26k, about half of which is used on a track. Last year,(of course) after my warranty was up, I got my first check engine light and it turned out to be one of the cats were bad. I replaced both cats with FabSpeed 200 cell ones, for less money than one OEM cat. Yesterday, I was giving several of my winter parked cars their monthly warm-up drives and when the GT3 came up to operating temperatures, the check engine light came on again. I have another different car that is a 2008 that I just live with light on because I am tired of chasing all of the causes. I am sick of check engine lights. There must be a conspiracy by car manufacturers to drive people nuts enough that we sell perfectly good cars and go out and by new cars. Does everyone have this problem with their older GT3?
#3
+1 on the code reader. They cost almost nothing now.
If you didn't install the O2 sensor extenders, don't be surprised if it's a cat warning again. I had that very thing happen after my car sat for the Winter with new Fabspeed cats and no extenders.
If you didn't install the O2 sensor extenders, don't be surprised if it's a cat warning again. I had that very thing happen after my car sat for the Winter with new Fabspeed cats and no extenders.
#4
Three Wheelin'
I have the same CAT's and if I warm the engine in the garage to charge the battery (20-30min) and don't drive it. Check engine light will come on after 2-3 times of doing this.
Have a shop clear the code.
Add injector cleaners during next fill up, drive the car. My mechanic advised me not to start and let the car sit in the garage. Best if driven and reved to 6k a few times during the drive so the cats can get hot too. Car will also burn the fuel optimum as the EPU will adjust based on mixture read at the sensors.
Have a shop clear the code.
Add injector cleaners during next fill up, drive the car. My mechanic advised me not to start and let the car sit in the garage. Best if driven and reved to 6k a few times during the drive so the cats can get hot too. Car will also burn the fuel optimum as the EPU will adjust based on mixture read at the sensors.
Last edited by tgavem; 02-14-2016 at 11:35 AM.
#5
Rennlist Member
No offense intended to the op, but I just gotta say that only one check engine light after 9 years, in which the car saw 50% of its use as a track car, is damn amazing. Hardly a conspiracy! Don't ever buy a ten year old lambo if your second cel is stressing you out lol!
#6
Extenders too good to be true?
I've got the same Fabspeed 200 cats and CEL shows frequently. It's easy to clear the fault with the Durametric but still a problem with annual state inspections.
As I understand it the extenders are installed only on the sensors downstream of the cats so that should not impact the performance of the engine. Can someone verify that?
In addition to Mike have others had success using O2 sensor extenders to avoid the cat CEL?
For those with extenders did you use straight ones or the ones with an elbow?
TIA
As I understand it the extenders are installed only on the sensors downstream of the cats so that should not impact the performance of the engine. Can someone verify that?
In addition to Mike have others had success using O2 sensor extenders to avoid the cat CEL?
For those with extenders did you use straight ones or the ones with an elbow?
TIA
#7
Three Wheelin'
I am in the camp with purchasing a code reader. If you bring the car to a Porsche dealer they will charge you much more to reset the codes than the cost to purchase a code reader which you can use over and over again.
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#8
Three Wheelin'
Plenty of used Durametrics on the board...I'd definitely suggest one of those over a generic code reader (have both)
#9
I've got the Durametric, but it would be better still if the extenders prevented the CEL from coming on to begin with.
Even after clearing the CEL code the ECU retains the fault until the system is "ready" again; that's another PITA.
FWIW since O2 sensors all use the same plug, the extenders are cheap and easy to install.
Even after clearing the CEL code the ECU retains the fault until the system is "ready" again; that's another PITA.
FWIW since O2 sensors all use the same plug, the extenders are cheap and easy to install.
#11
Rennlist Member
Have fab catbypass with fab muffs- no extenders. No cel ever. Originally was stock muffs with catbypass - steady state hw cruising - cel would trigger. Didn't affect performance but that idiot lite is more annoying compared to the airbag lite. Mike
#12
Maybe Fabspeed is driving you nuts
If you use proper product together with a correct ECU Map no light will come up...
#13
Fabspeed, catless x pipe with the extensions. I only get CEL's when I drive like granny. Easy solution here, except when my wife is in the car. So I guess this should actually read-
I only get CEL's when my wife is in the car.
ck
I only get CEL's when my wife is in the car.
ck
#14
The Rebel
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Lifetime Rennlist
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As many have mentioned, your best strategy is to purchase a scanner. Just to make sure, if it's feasible, look under her skirt and check for exhaust leaks, make sure the O2 sensors and all has been installed properly.
Just out of curiosity, has the ECU ever been flashed/tuned/remapped?
Just out of curiosity, has the ECU ever been flashed/tuned/remapped?
#15
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For those running catless and want to help reduce/eliminate CEL's...we just came out with a Catted O2 Spacer
http://www.fabspeed.com/universal-o2...ic-converters/
http://www.fabspeed.com/universal-o2...ic-converters/
__________________
Porsche Performance Specialist
John@Fabspeed.com
215-618-9796
Fabspeed Motorsport USA
155 Commerce Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034
www.Fabspeed.com
Porsche Performance Specialist
John@Fabspeed.com
215-618-9796
Fabspeed Motorsport USA
155 Commerce Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034
www.Fabspeed.com