I got a CEL today. Let me explain the circumstances:

I went to work at 9am this morning with no problems. When I went outside, I crank the car up and I had a CEL. Hadn't pumped gas in awhile so I know it isn't the cap. I proceeded to my second job and I pulled the battery cable to see if it was a fluke. After replacing it, it came back on with the second start (the first one never lights it). It was raining today but it rained while my car was parked before the CEL and it was in a parking garage. I'm noticing no loss in power. The only thing I have notice is that when I crank it up it bogs just a second and then acts normal. If this means anything, when I added oil at my last full tank, I spilled a little bit.

Please help guys. Ask questions if needed.

 

might just be a miss fire, my cel is actually lit up now, and if I drive it around for about 3 days it'll go away. It's solid and not blinking correct?

 

No, it isn't blinking. I absolutely hate that light more than anything. Anything suggestions or precautions?

 

A CEL on start-up isn't usually anything motor-threatening.
Its likely an evap leak or bad CAT or O2S.

 

Alright. Well tell me this, what should I do to eliminate symptoms. My dealer sucks **** and I don't want to take it up there if I don't have to.

Should I wait for the cycles to pass?

Thanks everyone for timely responses.

 

Get the codes scanned.

 

Alright. Will do soon. I doubt it's an evap leak because I had that one already and got the new cap and it went away.

Ugh... I hate CELs so much. Any additional input from anyone else?

 

Like MazdaManiac said, get the codes scanned at the dealer. Your car is under warranty anyways! you cant figure out what to do until you know what the code is.

 

Actually, I think my warranty may be up now.

 

Also, is there anyway I can disable the light for the time being? You don't understand the wrath it induces from me.

 

If you just want it to go away, buy a resetter/reader from the 'bay, $40......

Just make sure it can handle the "CAN bus" protocol.

S

 

UPDATE: Popped the hood this morning at work because I was tempted to cut the power for one last CEL drive before I accepted it and I noticed something: My DipStick is gone! (Laugh, I know it's funny ) But seriously, it's just plain gone! Could that be the problem? Perhaps some kind of leak or something?

From my last tank ago I must have missed the hole. I never have a problem missing a hole so this is new to me.

 

UPDATE: Someone in a PM told me to check my hoses and vacuum lines and all of them were attached that I could see. Is there one I should check in particular?

 

There is the little one directly under the throttle body - it controls the VFAD diaphragm. It will give a CEL if it's off/leaking.

S

 

Do you think the absence of dipstick could be throwing it?

 

If it is an '06 or '07, they have a newer PCV system, lets the "crancase" vent into the intake. An uncontrolled leak of air into the sump would probably upset the fuel trim settings - short answer, yes.

S

 

So, not an 04?

 

UPDATE: Check the hose under the throttle body. It was properly connected. Anything else?

I just want to let everyone know that I appreciate all contributions in my time of need.

 

If you had the TSB for the PCV hoses, you might trip a CEL with an air leak like that.

 

A new Dipstick will be here tomorrow from Rosenthal... I just wonder why it took 3 days or so to trip the CEL if that's the case. But now, if you pull the battery cable for a reset, cut if off (after it's warmed up of course), and start it again, it runs the code every time!

 

The 3-day delay is because it was registered as an evaporative leak.
The PCM likes to be absolutely sure its not an spurious reading before it waives a flag on that one.

 

Ok. I'll wait on trying to get the code pulled until I get my dipstick tomorrow morning. I'll update this then. In the meantime, if anyone wants to touch on this, it will surely be welcomed.

 

UPDATE: Got the codes pulled and I pulled a P 0037 - After Cat O2 Sensor failure if I'm not mistaken.

Simple replacement in order?

 

You are correct, P0037 is the rear O2 sensor. I would make sure that the connector is fully connected, but it will more than likely need replaced.

 

UPDATE: Just ordered the rear 02 Sensor. Should be here tommorow.