North American Turbocoupe Organization

Full Version: how can I force a CEL on with the engine off??
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Might sound like a weird request but I have a sneaking suspicion that my CEL light is somehow rigged up to my brake light. Is there something I can unplug that would guarantee throw a CEL on my 88 tc ?? thanks
Maybe just jumper the diagnostic plug to put it in self-test mode? There's an article for that in the tech articles.
Disconnect the knock sensor and start the engine. CEL should stay on.
Key in RUN with engine off CEL should be on. It wont turn off until the PCM gets a PIP signal (i.e., engine crank).
Jeff K Wrote:Key in RUN with engine off CEL should be on. It wont turn off until the PCM gets a PIP signal (i.e., engine crank).


So instead of me try to explain this I filmed my car with the Key in run with the engine off and I had no CEL on. The previous owned ran a solid state voltage regulator to the dash and im wondering if he maybe messed up something in the process..anyways check this vid out if you can and please tell me if it doesnt look right lol..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxhcvO-hVYU
So. it just came on briefly when key turned to start? That is weird. Should be on whenever key is in run. Try this: start the engine. If you have a 5 speed (I think you do), use clutch to kill the engine. Does the CEL come on when the engine stalls? It should. Does the CEL flash codes when PCM is put in test mode?
Jeff K Wrote:So. it just came on briefly when key turned to start? That is weird. Should be on whenever key is in run. Try this: start the engine. If you have a 5 speed (I think you do), use clutch to kill the engine. Does the CEL come on when the engine stalls? It should. Does the CEL flash codes when PCM is put in test mode?

It is 5 speed and what do you mean like stall it out on purpose ??

I haven't attempted to put it in test mode yet because I need to figure out how to do it lol.
Yes, stall it out with the clutch. See the articles in the Tech Articles for pulling the codes.
Just stalled it out and the only light that came on was my brake light??? Wtf
I am somewhat at a loss here...... No clue if it will help, but I would pull the cluster and clean all the plugs, terminals, etc as well as look for damaged wires, traces on the plastic PCB, etc. My wild guess is a grounding problem or shorted / damages wires / PCB traces.
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