Engine light after spark plug install...more to read

580 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by maxt, Nov 29, 2001

maxt

Discussion Starter · Nov 28, 2001

Ok i fired her up with just 2 new spark plugs adn that when the engine light came on. I accidentely forgot to hookup the 2 blue connectors on each side of the upper intake manifold....it was really rough idle and revving. i shut her off and today i did the other 2 spark plugs (the hidden ones really tucked away) and teh check engine light is still on.
I am hoping that it will shut off by itself but i fear going to the dealership because they charge lots of money to scan and reset, and i changed the dist. cap, rotor & spark plugs to save a few bucks!!!
Any help appreciated in the matter. most importantly, there is nothing wrong with driving with thaty light on right??
Thanks!
Max
p.s. i read a bunch of posts about the check engine light and one of them about the light being on for a leaky exhaust system said it would reset itself after a few warm-up cycles. does this apply to me??

[Modified by maxt, 9:15 AM 11-28-2001]

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Red Baron Golf

· #2 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (maxt)

Simple to reset - disconnect the battery then follow this procedure to reset the ECU:
1. Turn the car to ON but do not start it (all the dash lights will come on) wait 2 mins.
2. Start the car but do NOT touch the gas - let it idle for 2 mins.
Now just drive as you normally would. You will notice that the car may stumble a couple of times a little bit as the ECU resets and relearns all the engine mappings etc. If you drive the poop out of it for the next few days, the ECU will set the engine fuel and timing curves to the most agressive settings and you may get a touch more performance out of it.
If you ever swap out the stock chip and put in an aftermarket one, this is the same procedure to use. If you still have a check engine light, then you probably forgot to connect something or there really IS something wrong, just FYI.

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maxt

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (Red Baron Golf)

hey. thanks for your answer man. I tried it, but i dont think i successfully reset teh ECU (there didnt seem to be any rough idling at all, or sputtering as you described). The light is still on.argh!
I will see if i can make my laptop into a VAG and find out. I am determined not to go to the dealer!!
Thanks
Max

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ScrapinSi

· #4 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (maxt)

another way to reset the codes is to start the car, then take a jumper to the ECU connection next to the ashtray on pins 4 & 15, hold it there for 4 seconds, then remove it... watch the codes flash, and then after the codes flash, the CEL will stay on for 2.5 seconds... After it goes off, turn the car off... that should clear the code...

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maxt

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (ScrapinSi)

Hey! I will try this, but a few questions. I the ECU connection the same connection as the VAG-tool?
"then take a jumper to the ECU connection next to the ashtray on pins 4 & 15, hold it there for 4 seconds, then remove it..."
Im not sure what you mean by "connection by the ashtray" the only ashtray is on my dash below my radio and there is no connector around there. I have to make a connection between pins 4 & 15, correct? I have no problem doing electronic stuff. just go ahead and tell me.
Thanks!!
Maxiem tremblay

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ScrapinSi

· #6 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (maxt)

What year car is this? if it is 95 or older, simply remove the ashtray, and then the piece that is to the right of the ashtray underneath the cigarette lighter, slides to the left revealing a 16 pin connector

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maxt

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 28, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (ScrapinSi)

ok gotcha. didnt know about that!! there it is. its beautiful.
So next step: short pin 4 & 15 together while the car is running?
only pins 4,5,7,15,16 have actual connectors inside the connector (IE Live pins.)
the other ones are useless just plastic not leading anywhere!

[Modified by maxt, 2:07 PM 11-28-2001]

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maxt

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: Engine light after spark plug install...more to read (maxt)

Hey update:
The light turned itself off. I am assuming the computer detected there was no problem anymore and turned itself off. I am ordering the OBDtool from obdtool.com and i have a scrap 486 dx4 100 mhz /16 mb ram laptop im going to use as a Scan tool.
Anyways thanks for all the help!
max

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