Rainy days, Mondays and CELs

[Billy Blaze]

Coming home tonight the Check engine light came on, I will be taking the car down Monday to get the code #.

[riverracer]

Monday????
Go now....
How can you sleep with that light on?

[Billy Blaze]

Got a full weekend, it will have to wait til Monday.
It is distressing though....I need a break from the breaks.

[tailchaser]

Moderators note: The era of "I have a CEL" has come to an end. This post was moved to bull. All future posts lamenting the CEL and keeping us in suspense until the next full moon will be burned in a fire. Carry on.

[Billy Blaze]

WoW

I'll just get the fix from Gary.

[Titus]

I think you missed the point.... We don't want to here about getting a CEL unless it includes the code that goes along with it. With the code, it can become "Miata Tech and Chat" as people offer advice on clearing a PARTICULAR CEL code. With out the code, there is no possibility of any real technical discussion, so therefore it is "Bull". Get the code, and then come back and post the code in "Miata Tech and Chat".

[channelmaniac]

Hey Titus, you may make moderator yet!

But seriously... Billy... If you're gonna work on these newer vehicles yourself you should go out & spend some money on a cheap eBay code reader... If not, at least drive over to your local Vato Zone, O'Reilly's, or other auto parts store & get the code read.

It'll at least let you know what is going on so if you take your other vehicle to a repair shop you can tell if they are trying to rip you off.

RJ

[Billy Blaze]

Thanks RJ....I think I will get one this is my 3rd code, and likely the same one EGR.
From what I have heard the code readers are relatively inexpensive.
Should it be the EGR, I guess I will have to take it apart and clean it...may as well do the paint on the intake manifold while its off.

[altiain]

Billy, tc isn't trying to be an ass, but without the specific code, we can't do anything to help but chime in saying "Gee, that sucks".

Get us the code, and we'll get you a fix.

[tailchaser]

I think you missed the point.... We don't want to here about getting a CEL unless it includes the code that goes along with it. With the code, it can become "Miata Tech and Chat" as people offer advice on clearing a PARTICULAR CEL code. With out the code, there is no possibility of any real technical discussion, so therefore it is "Bull". Get the code, and then come back and post the code in "Miata Tech and Chat".

Yup. Thanks, T.

I kinda look at it like this... Posting "I got a CEL" without having taken a ride by Vatozone is a lot like "My car quit and I think it's out of gas, but I haven't looked at the gauge yet."

Now... Feel free to post "I got a P0674" as many times as you want - granted, that the code for a bad #4 glow plug, so I don't expect that many times on a Miata board, but Code-diagnosis-repair-resolution reports are useful, since the more indications that Fix B cures problem A on electrical gremlins, the better we all feel about going through the trauma of applying Fix B.

My apologies if I was too brief in my initial gripe. Cheers!

[Billy Blaze]

No prob, I guess I am just a little frustrated.

I was able to get by Autozone and it's the p0402? I think that is the code anyhow it's excessive EGR flow.
That's the 3rd time for that particular code, I really don't feel completely comfortable taking off the intake manifold and cleaning out the EGR hole but I guess I will have to get through it....since I am out of cash.

I have the info from Miata.net about how to clean it out, anything I need to get it done besides some cleaner, q-tips? is there a sealant i need etc?

[riverracer]

Can you get one of those code readers that mounts in a pod on the A pillar? It might just come in handy.....IMHO

[sammm]

I have the info from Miata.net about how to clean it out, anything I need to get it done besides some cleaner, q-tips? is there a sealant i need etc?

A small zip tie or piece of weed-eater line works great for cleaning out the small hole inside the intake cover. No sealant/gaskets needed. Get a few cans of throttle-body cleaner and go to town. Clean the throttle body while you're at it. It's cheap and easy! (Just like some people I know )

[Billy Blaze]

LOL

The reason I asked about a sealant is that I noticed when I got the car back that there was some red stuff that looks like permatex in the crack the separates the two halves of the manifold.
I picked up some permatex just in case, but it's good to know I wont need it....one less thing to do.

I plan on trying this later today or tomorrow afternoon.

[sammm]

red stuff that looks like permatex in the crack the separates the two halves of the manifold.

Now that I think about it, I'm fairly sure there's supposed to be a permanent (metallic) gasket that goes in between the 2-halves. That's probably why there is permatex instead.

[Billy Blaze]

hhmmm....so if the metal gasket is gone will that affect anything?
I mean is there a drawback in using the Red Gunk instead of the intended metal gasket?

[MadMerv]

I think Billy would be better off with a HORSE.........................

[Billy Blaze]

You trying to sell me one of your horses Merv

[Billy Blaze]

ok here on step # 11 there was only 2 bolts holding the bracket on.
What is this bracket for?

Unfortunately when taking off one of the hoses it came off hard and my hand came down and hit the refridgerant (sp?) hose and busted it so I have no A/C now

[Sharpie]

Damn Billy, if it weren't for bad luck, you wouldn't have any luck at all. Hope it's all an easy fix.