Flashing Check Engine light

[Roert42]

@Dirtman is 100% correct.

the codes given by the computer are only there to be used as a tool for troubleshooting. They become useful for finding problems that may not be immediately noticeable to the uninitiated.

 

[franklin2]

Well, there is actually a not so sinister reason auto manufacturers don't simply allow the dash to display trouble codes without the use of a tool. Simply put the information provided would be more detrimental than beneficial for 99% of car owners. The less than mechanically inclined amongst us could misinterpret those codes and the information they provide and try to fix it themselves which would likely end very badly. Sorta like how they don't let CVS sell "DIY heart surgery kits"...

I disagree. Of course you don't need to have a banner across the screen when something happens. You can still have the "take the car to you local dealer" (translated den of thieves) but you could have a way to dig in and find out what is going on. People with the know how to figure out how to get in and read the codes, can then make their own decesions and waste their money if they want to, or low and behold they may actually fix it. I don't like the auto manufacturers locking everyone out, that is what they really would like to do. Google RTR (right to repair). There is a little stink going on about this, not just us owners, but the small repair shops are starting to complain about it.

 

[Bronc3]

I'm not saying there is no code that can indicate a possible low fuel pressure issue. Codes are not clear cut pinpoint problem solvers, they can and do often mean any vast number of underlying problems could be causing them. Lean codes on both banks for example can mean low fuel pressure via a failing pump, clogged filter, or bad FPR but they can also be ALOT of other issues causing lean codes. For fuel pressure, there is no physical fuel pressure sensor or any way that the computer can or does monitor fuel pressure so there is no way for the computer to present a "low fuel pressure code". The computer simply knows the designed pressure of 65psi and assumes this is correct when making adjustments to the fuel trims. When those trims cannot produce a proper mixture aka not enough fuel as seen by the oxygen sensors, it sets off a lean code and leaves it to you to figure out why.

I guess my terminology is wrong or taken out of context. I'm actually no stranger to resolving driveabilty/powertrain management issues. I cut my teeth on 3C and EEC III, ECM controlled carbs, etc. Learned long ago the code descriptions are not part change indicators, just a lead in to a flow chart usually. The nice thing about Forscan is that it will give you a pretty long list of specific things to look for, generally in order of priority/likelihood. That's more what I was referring to as opposed to specific codes. The end result was I used a scan tool to discover issues, used a process of elimination to find the cause of the issues, then repaired and replaced the correct parts to eliminate the issues and all were successful. End result? Vehicle repaired correctly the first time.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I have an entire drawer full of old C3 and other misc carburetor crap... I say we all go back and give them another try. It will be so much FUN!!

As things get more complex... you probably will see certain things that only a dealer can do. Or at least someone who have been trained and/or certified.

 

[fastpakr]

I have an entire drawer full of old C3 and other misc carburetor crap... I say we all go back and give them another try. It will be so much FUN!!

As things get more complex... you probably will see certain things that only a dealer can do. Or at least someone who have been trained and/or certified.

Please, please don't make me relive any feedback carb nightmares!

 

[Bronc3]

I have an entire drawer full of old C3 and other misc carburetor crap... I say we all go back and give them another try. It will be so much FUN!!

As things get more complex... you probably will see certain things that only a dealer can do. Or at least someone who have been trained and/or certified.

Ford varible venturi EEC III were the best - kidding, of course! Actually, loved GM 3C Rochesters. Check the gap with a dollar bill.......

 

[Bronc3]

Please, please don't make me relive any feedback carb nightmares!

Ford varible venturi. My fav.