Got a couple questions on 96 SHO about check engine light?

[5.0stang]

Okay, my girlfriend wrecked her 96 SHO in the front pretty good. It has been "fixed". Her parents are going to sell the car. They are concerned with turning the check engine lights off and the air bag light off. The family friend that did the work said he has fixed the problems.

The family friend says if the light bulb is pulled out of the dash for the check engine light, the car's computer will shut down. I don't believe this.

What are some options to get the lights off?

We had a local dealership read some codes and it appears they put a bunch of BS type add-on's. Like vaccum lines, EGR and IAC need cleaning, when the car didn't have the lights on before. The wreck doesn't cause the valves to get dirty.

I'll probably go by autozone to get an unbias reading.

What are the options on getting lights "turned off". Just fixing the supposed problem?

The light bulb removal will not mess with the computer or readings right. The car runs and drives just fine.

Thanks for any ideas, and sorry for the shortness, I'm quite busy

Thanks,

David

 

[Mr Anonymous]

The SES light indicates that there are items that need attention -- for some reason anomalous readings from one or more sensors are indicating problems. Resetting the PCM or taking out the bulb doesn't solve the problem, and in some states you can't pass emissions with a non-functional SES light or when there are DTC's present (and in some states like MA, the seller can be forced to issue a refund of the purchase price if the car won't pass inspection).

So, just determine what the problems are and fix them properly. Often after a collision, a simple disconnected wire or hose, or a blown fuse can cause a variety of DTC's.

 

[5.0stang]

Yeah, I know it doesn't solve the problem, they just feel like the car is fixed and want the light to come off. Weird huh? lol.

Thanks for the reply!

I'll go by autozone and get a reading hopefully this weekend...

 

[95azSHO]

I bought a code reader at Autozone for about 35-40$ and use it for mine and others cars. The EGR has me thinking about the intake. I had the EGR code in my car and replaced it but also found out that if the intake is gumed up it would throw the EGR code. Thats what happened to me just haven't gotten around to cleaning yet.

 

[5.0stang]

Cool,

Now does removing the bulb from the dash mess anything up. I was told that it can effect the ECU and possibly turn it off? I do not believe that.

 

[projectSHO89]

Geez, either fix the car right or leave the thing alone.

What you're proposing will screw the next owner intentionally and if provable, will leave the seller open to legal claims of fraud. Bad karma, dude.

Steve

 

[5.0stang]

Lol, I think you missed the part where it is not my car:wave:

I agree.

So does it mess the computer up?

 

[SHOZ123]

no it won't

For reference


Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) alerts the driver that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected an OBD II emission-related component or system fault. When this occurs, an OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set.

The MIL is located on the instrument cluster and is labeled 'CHECK ENGINE' or 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON.'
Power is supplied to the MIL whenever the ignition switch is in the RUN or START position.
The MIL will remain on in the RUN/START mode as a bulb check until the Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP) signal is detected. The MIL will remain on during instrument cluster prove-out for approximately 4 seconds or if the PCM illuminates the MIL for an emission-related concern.
The light may also be on due to a short to ground of the MIL circuit, or operation in the Hardware Limited Operation Strategy (HLOS).
To turn off the MIL after a repair, a reset command from the Scan Tool must be sent, or three consecutive drive cycles must be completed without a fault.
For any MIL concern, go to Section 3A / Section 3B, Symptom Charts.
If the MIL does not turn off while the engine is cranking, it could indicate the PCM is not receiving PIP signals or the MIL circuit is shorted to ground.
If the MIL blinks at a steady rate, a misfire or an intermittent fault condition could possibly exist.

 

[projectSHO89]

Lol, I think you missed the part where it is not my car:wave:

I agree.

So does it mess the computer up?

I didn't miss that. It just seems that you're participating as an accesssory.

Steve

 

[5.0stang]

Steve - Just for the record, I'm not. I'm gathering information to tell them.

Thanks for the MIL info, much appreciated!