posted thread in Diagnostic but no one helps! So I try here, maybe someone can help me.

ok, my car was running fine and still is. But last night after I started the car, my CE came on and been doing that until now. Only mod I have in there is a Iceman Intake and I doubt that caused it. I'm assuming something wrong with the xhaust system for I've been hearing little rattling noise near the CAT for a while. I'm trying to get some idea so hopefully I don't get ripped off by the mechanics or I'll just drive it like that. Is it the CAT? Xhaust gas sensor? that all I think off. Oh, another thing is I hear noises from the engine when started cold. It's like something is banging together and goes away once engine is warm.

do the "keydance". turn your engine on, (dont start it) then turn the key to off then back to acc then off then acc (repeat a few times) then leave it on Acc.. the CEL will flash and that will tell you what is causing the CEL you can decypher the flashes by looking here:
http://www.2gnt.com/nuke/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=8

Hope that helps..

(oh.. that sound doesnt seem good to me.. might want to investigate that further.. remember nothing really "goes away" when the engine warms up.. it just decides to hide itself IMO)

-Aaron

Thanx Aaron. This way I don't have to spend $ for a scanner someone suggested me.

Ok, I got the codes. They are 12 and 31

12 = direct power input to the PCM has been disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles

31 = EVAP solenoid circuit; Check Evaporative purge solenoid / Clogged purge line / Vacuum hose / Evaporative emission canister clogged

What I check now? How can PCM be bad when my car is running as normal? Where is the Evaporative purge solenoid and the purge line?
Where is the Evaporative emission canister at?

Vacuum hose is hooked up to my intake I suppose!

Actually, the key dance code is very generic. What that link sends you to is a list of what circuit is giving a problem but they don't describe the problem. The P0403 number they give... that's not the only code that can come up for that "31".

In the picture below is an excerpt from the chilton manual. It lists 10 different "P" codes for that one particular key-dance code. It lists virtually every possible problem related to the evaporative emissions control system. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, the owner pumping gas while the car is running, a vacuum line loose. On the other hand it could be a wiring harness problem, a PCM (powertrain control module), or defective leak detection pump, hole in the gas tank, pinched/severed vacuum line. There's too many possibilities to be able to give a valuable suggestion as to where to start trying to fix this problem. I'd suggest going to a parts store and having the codes read. Write down the actual "P" code and get back to us.
Doug

I'm still thinking of buying the scanner software from TUNERSTEIN, seems like it gives lots of info. Do u or someone u know has one think it's worth it? I do hear a lot of good things about having a scanner.

Having just a scan tool in itself, for someone not in the automotive industry would be a complete waste of time. Buying a palm with scan tool and datalogging capability would be much more cost effective and a wiser investment. Look in to the numerous other posts already on-going for info about pocketloggers and such.
Doug

Check your EGR valve, those lins have a tendency to come loose. There are three vacum lines total. Check all the vac. lines off the back of the intake as well. Let us know what you find.

EGR valve/solenoid is not part of the evaporative emissions system.

if anything, go to autozone. they check for free then get yourself a chilton's manual to check the codes. i love that damn book. it's the bible for us.
later

How about OBDII scan software & cable and TunerStein and a Chilton's manual. I'm planning to do works on on car in the future too so I think this will help. I'm not a mechanic but I'm a quick learner. Sooner or later I'll be a somewhat decent mechanic myself. The reason I haven't been working on my car is I don't have much time and of course funds for tools and equipments; I hate to have to be in the middle of work and have to run to look for tools. But I'm gathering what I need slowly.

Originally posted by 98Turbbo420A
Check your EGR valve, those lins have a tendency to come loose. There are three vacum lines total. Check all the vac. lines off the back of the intake as well. Let us know what you find.

Click to expand...

Check vacuum hoses and they are nicely snug. Didn't pull them off to see if they'r clogged. Even yanked the ground of the battery to try and reset the ECU but no help. I'm getting closer to wanting that TunerStein OBDII logging software. Maybe that'll tell me more info since it collects data from the ECU too, and might be able to reset the CEL. The only thing im waiting for is their new edition with color graph which they said will be long time. Guess I'll have to get the non-color version. Also goin to purchase the Chilton's manual with it. I think that'll do it.

If any interested in checking them out and give me suggestion, go to
www.tunerstein.com
thanx

Originally posted by Doug99RS
Having just a scan tool in itself, for someone not in the automotive industry would be a complete waste of time. Buying a palm with scan tool and datalogging capability would be much more cost effective and a wiser investment. Look in to the numerous other posts already on-going for info about pocketloggers and such.
Doug

Click to expand...

Doesn't the scan/data logger give us a P-code, that's what it says in product description.

Yes, P codes are displayed, the wording is not always exactly the same as the diagnostic manual may be worded but it's close.
Doug

Is there any good cost effective mods I can do to my car? Right now have Iceman for noise since I can't really notice the up power except for the gas needle when I stomp on it about 10 consecutive times. Hungry for power but the only Eclipse I'm interested in trading for is a hard to find GSX, without getting a car loan tired of that.

Originally posted by Doug99RS
Yes, P codes are displayed, the wording is not always exactly the same as the diagnostic manual may be worded but it's close.
Doug

Click to expand...

I guessed I didn't ready the description line very careful. Sorry they were talking about direct power input for the PCM could be disconnected so I guess it might cause the light to come on.

I guess I'm sold for the book and the data logger since those are good tools to have

Refer to other threads under this "Non-Turbo Performance" forum for cheap/effective mods. Please use this thread to address the topics mentioned in the title.