CEL after a drive in the snow.
 

while going up a hill, AT was in "snow" mode, tc off, I was spinning as I went up a gradual hill. About the time I crested the hill, cel, abs, and every other light on the dash came on. I limped it 3/4 of a mile home, and when I parked, it wouldn't shift into park, only drive and neutral. I put it in neutral, and shut it off. Restarted, and it would shift into park, drive, reverse, etc., and only the CEL remained on.

Any thoughts? I probably won't drive it until things thaw, and I can get it to the dealer, which, luckily, is less than a mile away.

not related to your issues, but you guys doin ok up there? I know east of me got hit pretty hard. In shelby we're sitting around 3-4 inches and its sleeting now.

Probably 3-4 on the ground. A very fine mist right now, not even sleet really. Looks worse on TV, which is focused on Charlotte.

yea i saw that. got let outta work early today, doubt i'll go tomorrow. in my 5 minute drive home, 2 big rigs stuck though, pretty funny

I would suggest you invest in an inexpensive code reader and read the code(s) if any.

Meanwhile, you may try disconnecting the negative side of your car's battery for a few minutes ..... then re-connect (daaaaa) and see if the CEL goes away.

Sometimes they just get confused .... and need slapped .... :)


humfrz

Auto parts stores (and some repair garages) sometimes will read codes for free, I'd at least check to see what code was thrown.

Yea if your still have a warranty take it in for a check. Just clearing doesn't help figure out WHY it turned on to being with.

BTW most cheap readers can't do the newer cars, make sure it can .. if you are going that route.

I figure it's just confused, loss of traction, stability, etc. for an extended time, blah blah blah...once we get thawed out, it will go to the dealer for a check, and get the window freezing tsb taken care of.

suggestions on a code reader? last one I bought was for an EEC 4, so it's been awhile, lol

As long it can read a CAN communication system.

My Cooper S would do that on occasion. Spinning tires, revving engine and within a minute or so the dash looks like a freakin Xmas tree! Let it sit over night and start the next day, no lights. I have not seen this issue with the FR-S and there were a few times up the driveway this winter where I thought I was in one of those Nordic rally races!
I tend to agree with others that the car gets confused and lights up every possible warning lamp. After a few times of that you will pay attention to the revs and back off before it's Christmas again!


:cheers:

I have not had this issue with two winters of having my auto frs. I did have it in my wifes colbalt when the tc was off trying to get through snow.

Aw that's cute, you guys have 3-4 inches of snow and its coming down "hard"


But back on topic, Id take it to the dealer if its close by just to find out what the code is.

I grew up in the north, by my standards this wasn't "hard"...the 1/2" of ice was hard though, lol.

About 9" total, and it's melting already, the overnite refreeze will suck in the morning.

The only issue I've seen with the BRZ in snow because of the tires spinning or cold are:

Brakes Freezing
Fuel Rail System
Windows not rolling up

This one works for me. It's inexpensive and simple to use.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3030-Diagnostic-Reader-Vehicles/dp/B000EVYGQY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392339215&sr=8-2&keywords=innova+obd+ii+code+reader"]Amazon.com: INNOVA 3030 Diagnostic Scan Tool/Code Reader with ABS for OBD2 Vehicles: Automotive[/ame]


humfrz

Get the ELM327 Bluetooth adapter for $9 on ebay, download the TorquePro app on your iPhone/Android for $5.00.

You now have an infinite app that can read CEL codes and clear them, you can also video record your track time, mph readings, rpm, o2 sensor, A/F ratio readings, oil temp, oil pressure, temperature, catalyst, etc etc etc etc!!!

Best part is, it works with ANY car that is 90s or newer.

Dealer pulled 3 codes today, I didn't ask which ones, but they all related to TC and ABS. First thing he ask, "were you driving in the snow?". We agreed it was just the computer freaking out, due to the slipping, and sliding, even though TC was turned "off". I'm curious if the pedal dance would have kept it from freaking?

Also mentioned the freezing window TSB, and they have parts on order for me. I was the first to come in about that one at this dealer, so they weren't aware of it. Thanks ft86club for the heads up!

I had a cel after doing some drifting in our parking lot last year. ABS and power steering lights went on. Lost power steering. Turned car off and back on and CEL only light on. Power steering was fine. Took it to dealer and he said the wheel speed sensor was triggered or something. Nothing serious just had to clear the code and no problems since then.