Crazy dashboard lights won't go out
 

There didn't seem to be an appropriate place to post this question in the sub forums, so I will place it here.

This morning I was leaving for work. About 1 minute after I started the car it threw a CEL code. About 2 minutes later, the traction control light came on and stayed on. I tried the on/off switch several times for this feature; no dice, it stayed on. When I set the cruise control, it didn't come on, but the light did. I turned off cruise but the light stayed on also.

I tried restarting the car, but the same lights came on and stayed on. None of the other dashboard warning lights are on. None of these systems would appear to be connected to each other.

Before I take this to the dealer for warranty work, is there some simple issue that I can fix myself?

Thanks.

If you have a cam issue (among other things) they will both come on as your traction control may not work properly due to an issue the engine is having. :iono: I would take it to the dealer if the codes don't go away on their own by the end of the day

Cruise won't work if you have a CEL. But, I do believe the Slip light coming on is a bad thing.

That is the famous "limp mode" that you have probably heard of. It usually appears for the more important CEL issues. The only way to deal with it is to read the code and correct the issue. If you do not have the equipment to read the code then the dealer is the only answer. Don't drove it too long before getting it dealt with though.

I had this same problem when I wrecked my car. That was a year ago so my memory is kinda foggy, pretty sure it was my ABS sensor that ended up fixing it. Make sure it's not damaged and not loose

Yeah it could also just be a wheel speed sensor

Shit, maybe that was it, ABS was the only sensor I could think of on the wheel but I think you're right.

Depending on the CEL code of course it could be any sensor in the car. Limp mode is not restricted to brake or control sensors.

Check all sensors on the car.

You have any idea how many that is or where they all are??????
And how do you "check" them?
Just reading the code will tell exactly what the problem is without messing around guessing.

Obviously I'm joking. I thought about googling exactly how many sensors there are just too spite you but I'm too lazy.

OP, since you have the exact problem I did including the traction lights, I would lean toward a wheel or brake sensor since those seen lie they would have the most impact on traction control. I expect the CEL and cruise are a byproduct of the limp mode. A scan should point you in the right direction though

The traction control light comes on regardless of the CEL. It is part of the limp mode indicator. Could be a cam sensor or even a MAP issue.

So traction control doesn't work if your cam is out if position? That just sounds irresponsible

Actually you can't turn it off and the ECU restricts revs among other things when in limp mode. The car pretty much shuts down to the basics so that you can not push it too hard and make things worse. That is why it is called "limp mode".
I actually wish that some of my old cars had such a thing as it would have saved me thousands of dollars if the car had just said "I don't feel good and don't want to do that right now".

Can't turn what off?

The traction control. The dash lights sort of mean the opposite to normal when in limp mode. The buttons will not work and the controls are locked on.

Anyone try pedal dance during limp mode? Just curious. I've never done the pedal dance myself

I don't remember reading about anybody that did. You would be nuts to though since if the problem was engine related you could be playing with fire.

Thank you! I can clear the code this evening and see how it goes.

That is exactly what's happening, Tcoat.

Be interesting to see what it is.

CEL code: P0171, A/F mixture too lean. I already know the cause; E-85, which I've been using for a couple of weeks. I richened up the mixture using Unichip standard maps as much as I could, but apparently not enough. As soon as I cleared the code, everything went back to normal.

However, it seems clear to me that (especially in the cooler months) I can't run E-85 all the time. So back to pump gas for now, give this some further thought and study and perhaps in the spring I'll try again.

BTW, the triple point of pure ethanol is 150K (-272.15 C or -457.87 F). That is freakin' cold. Its flash point is 16.6 C or about 62 degrees F, which is why you can't have any ignition source around it even at room temperature.

Thanks for the advice, all. It did the trick.

E85 is good stuff. I'm running flex fuel on ecutek. I didn't the extra for flex fuel just in case of this exact scenario

That would have been good to know from the get go........:popcorn:

Glad it's fixed .....
:w00t:


humfrz

Glad it was an easy one.


That all explains why E85 is almost unheard of up here. A fuel that does not work well in the cold (I physically chuckled at the thought of what Austin "cooler temperatures" may be) would not be a good idea here. I bet there are not 4 stations that have it within 200 miles of me.

Do you not have 10% ethanol in fuel in canada either?

We have 10% yes. In fact it is required for regular gas now. It is just the E85 that is very rare.

Actually there are still several brands that have no ethanol in their 91 octane up here. Shell, Ultramar, and Esso to be specific.

The answer is: 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

I gathered from other posts here that ethanol doesn't evaporate well (for its use in an engine) below about 50. That is why the 15% gasoline is added; so that it will start on a cold day. Yesterday, Baby coughed and gagged on startup and then the code appeared. Wasn't getting enough fuel to start. :thumbdown:

We use 100% ethanol (special lab grade) at work for precipitating blood hemoglobin out of a solution that we use to test for newborn metabolic diseases. When you lay out about 30 of these 96 well plates to sit for 30 minutes, the fumes from the ethanol can be a bit overwhelming if you sit too close. It goes without saying that we don't have any ignition sources anywhere near the work space. :D

Yes! And they are all pretty easy to come by and there is usually one close by someplace.