engine light help for smog check 2

[1red240sx]

I own a 91 240 recently converted to a 5spd. Ever since then the check engine light has been on and when I took it to my mechanic, he said it would always stay on since my transmission was from CA and my KA 24DE is from Florida and its different emissions. He even changed the O2 sensor but it didn't help. I had my smog check 2 like a month ago and it passed with flying colors but since the light was on, it failed visual. I came home and took out the light bulb and when I had it re-tested they failed me b/c the CEL (check engine light) was supposed to come on when you turn the key to ACC so in turn he failed me too even tho the engine passes. Now when I talked to my friend on Friday night, he told me I can cut the CEL wire in the harness and splice it to the oil light. I did that about an hour ago and the CEL still doesn't come on when in ACC and the OIL light stays on when the engine is running. what can I do to have the light come on when I turn it to ACC and for it to stay off when the car is running so I can get my certificate. I look forward to hearing from you because I got to leave later on today and don't have the longest hours since I work in the afternoons. let me know.Garrett

[x240xdrifter]

that was dumb and it shouldn't matter if your engine is from ca or not, thats check all your emmisons things, like egr and timing and fuel, make sure everything is good, cel lights go on for a reason, even if its a stupid reason they can usally be fixed

[1red240sx]

what can i do b/c im getting this **** alot and wanna know how to fix it. just let me know how to rewire it and I dont want to hear anymore **** like take it to a tech, thats not solving it.

[x240xdrifter]

this is what I would do, I would reattach the wire to the cel and double check the transmission for any missing sensors, then I think there is a way to jump the wires on the ecu to give you a code, look it up on the fsm and see what it says, your transmission has nothing to do with your emmissons by the way so one form ca is no different then one from nh, so double check that, I know there are a few sensors around the transmission, and double check your emiissions, i.e. egr and etc for any clogs, best of luck

[scottydog]

Have you checked for error codes on the ECM? My guess is EGR function problems. There is a sticky that shows you how to pull the error code.

Rewiring the CEL to try to pass smog might get you arrested.
Modified by scottydog at 8:39 PM 1/10/2009

[jetroy240]

oops, sorry for wrong info,pull the codes first, turn the ignition on, access the ecu at passenger kickpanel, use a pocket screwdriver & turn the small screw at ecu clockwise fully &count the red led flash 2 times to go into self diagnostic mode then turn the screw fully counterclock wise & count the no. of red flash , long flash count as 10 & short flash as one, so if u have 3 long flash & 2 short flash, it means code 32.

thanks for the correction, got used to working on whatever in front of me.
Modified by jetroy240 at 6:55 PM 1/12/2009

[scottydog]

My ECM on a 91 only has two modes. The readout has only a red light. Long flashes for the the first digit, short for the second.

[del82]

I own a 91 240 recently converted to a 5spd. Ever since then the check engine light has been on and when I took it to my mechanic, he said it would always stay on since my transmission was from CA and my KA 24DE is from Florida and its different emissions. He even changed the O2 sensor but it didn't help. I had my smog check 2 like a month ago and it passed with flying colors but since the light was on, it failed visual. I came home and took out the light bulb and when I had it re-tested they failed me b/c the CEL (check engine light) was supposed to come on when you turn the key to ACC so in turn he failed me too even tho the engine passes. Now when I talked to my friend on Friday night, he told me I can cut the CEL wire in the harness and splice it to the oil light. I did that about an hour ago and the CEL still doesn't come on when in ACC and the OIL light stays on when the engine is running. what can I do to have the light come on when I turn it to ACC and for it to stay off when the car is running so I can get my certificate. I look forward to hearing from you because I got to leave later on today and don't have the longest hours since I work in the afternoons. let me know.Garrett

Sounds like you're driving a POS. Oh, and splicing the harness is never a "fix". The only situation where it's a good idea is when swapping engines with similar harnesses or ones that can use the same ECU with minor changes.

You should also be warned that if you've disabled your CEL and sell the car, and someone finds out, there's a fine involved. You can also lose your right to sell cars, but that's only for dealers.

Also, sounds like your smoggers and the mechanic you've been taking your heap to are morons. The CEL check is when the engine is in the "ON" position, there's no need to have a light in ACC. Secondly the trans doesn't have an emissions-related sensor on it, far as I know. You should just be able to change the speed sensor.

You don't seem to want to hear "take it to a tech" so i'll improvise.

Take it to a GOOD tech. Maybe the Nissan dealer, if they're fairly reputable. Also, tell them about the trans. Stop trying to fix it on the cheap, get it done right or take it to the junkyard instead of butchering the harness to try to cheat your smog check =/

Or...you could always put the auto back in for the smog test, heh heh. I suspect they won't care that it's got a clutch master, so long as it passes properly.

[locoluna825]

It couldnt be the transmission there the same no matter what state. Its the ecu thats different. I saw you mention you only had a red light wich deffinitly means its an outa state car. The cailfornia modles have a red and green led light on the ecu. I have so much info on the egr systems and electronics on these cars since ive had egr prblems not to long ago. You should have 5 modes when your have turned the screw and hold it. it will blink once for mode one then will blink 2 times for MODE 2 then 3 for MODE 3 and so on. The mode you are looking for is MODE 3 (self diagnostic mode). when you get to MODE 3 you turn the crew back to its origanal position. Then the red lamp will flash in a series of flashes so you have to count them (so say its cod 43) it will flash 4 times first then pause for a moment and finish with the last 3 flashes. The code will just keep repeating until you turn the ingnition to the off possition so dont worrry about missing it. To erase the codes and to get rid of that light (im not saying this will fix yoru problem) go to mode five and turn the car off after that it whipes the memorry. Now if the problem is still there its going to come back on after you drive it.

11 Crank angle sensor circuit12 Air Flow meter circuit13 Engine temperature sensor circuit14 Vehicle speed sensor circuit21 Ignition signal missing in primary coil31 E.C.U (E.C.C.S control unit)33 Exaust gas O2 circuit43 Threottle position sensor circuit55 No malfuntion