On my way to work this morning my SES light came on. Car's running fine, no apparent problems. A few minutes later I notice SES has gone out. I'm pretty sure this is correct but check me on this: even though SES is not on, the code is still stored in the computer and can be read by the usual DIY method.

Now I'm wondering if other codes have been set and I've missed seeing SES. Do you check for DTC's at regualar intervals as a part of your maintenance routine? Thanks.

 

i never do. i think a code is only stored for 50 starts after it's set. that way a momentary problem or a problem from long ago isn't still in the ecm when you check it.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

...but I do. Soem of the errors won't turn the SES light on, and will store for 50 engine starts as Ed suggests. For me, that's about a month or more on any given vehicle, so the errors you uncover can be informative. And it certainly can't hurt anything unless you do it wrong.

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Later,
Vader
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