CEL question

[Rex]

Having a "debate" with someone...

Can a CEL go out on its own (in a Nissan), while you are driving?

[911/Q45]

My Q has an intermittent injector problem that triggers a CEL, when it clears so does the CEL.

[DAEDALUS]

The error code will be stored in the ECU for 50 starts thereafter if it doesn't get triggered again.

[Q45tech]

On pre 96 Q a CEL is the equivalent to a mild heart attack, serious things have gone wrong!............you rush to the hospital......to find the clog.

[Rex]

I had a CEL on mine a couple of months ago, I checked it, it was determined (with help from here, of course) that it was o2 sensors.

But my question (based on personal experience that once on, the only way to make it go out is to turn the car off) is can a CEL come on, then go off while the car is still running/driving down the road?

[elwesso]

yes, it can..... Its never happened to me, but people here have had this happen.

[911/Q45]

That is what I descibed in my post above.

[elwesso]

Obviously Rex didnt see that!!!

Just kidding Rex!!!

[Rex]

Thanks Wes (and 911/Q45) I did. I just have NEVER heard of a CEl going out while the car was still running, it was one of those "are ya sure?" kind of things.

Thanks again.

[fxjackso]

911/Q45-

When you see this is there a stored code?I thought that on non-CA 90's there was no injector code. Or, is it just a combination of things?

[911/Q45]

My car is a CA 90. I didn't check the codes because the symptom was exactly the same as when my #6 injector failed. I bought an injector and have been waiting for a "hard failure", as the ohms all check on the injectors. I'm now waiting for an engine temp sensor to fix a HVAC blower fan problem and have been told that a bad temp sensor may also be causing my intermittent cold rough idle and CEL. I've got my fingers crossed and will keep you advised.

[szh]

My dumb questions: what does CEL stand for ... "Check Engine Light" perhaps?

Z

[elwesso]

Correct, Z......

[szh]

Thanks!

Z

[911/Q45]

I just replaced my engine temp sensor. It solved my HVAC blower problem and I have high hopes for solving the intermittent CEL problem too. $20 and a 19mm crowsfoot wrench are a pretty small price to pay. You have to remove the dash temp gauge sensor too. They are located right behind the small coolant cap under the top front plastic cover that hides the front two injectors. If you do it when the engine is cold you don't even lose any coolant.