Engine check light on... what is the problem? 360 Spider

It could be the catalytic converter overheating. I've had that happen once and I let the engine cool and I never experienced it again. It could be the same thing but I'd err on the side of caution and get the F boys to look at it just incase.

 

There are dozens of reasons for a check engine light to come on.
Most are emission related and will not harm anything.
Most obvious fix is to check if the gas cap is tight. If not the gas tank will not hold vaccum and the purge valve cannot perform its self test.
The car performs a self test every time you turn on the ignition, and performs several more as you drive, depending on the conditions, i.e load,thottle position, gear selection, engine temp etc. Depending on the code set in the OBD2 c/u if the system does not recognise the fault again after 5 compleated trips, the light will go out, but the code will remain stored for future reference. But other codes, such as Missfire codes (P02001-P02008)
the light will stay on regardless if the fault is not present. But dont panic, missfire codes can be triggered by simply running low on gas or using poor quality gas. Dive it a few times, pay special attention to engine temp, fluid levels, oil pressure, and performance, if these are all ok, you just have a bad sensor somewhere. (can't be more specific without the code).
These are all Federal emmision codes and can be pulled by anyone with an OBD2 tester.
Good Luck
Damian
Fusion Motor Sports

 

While probably not a problem, you really should have someone take a look at the error message, which is stored, to make certain it is not serious. I had my check engine light come on, and found out it was nothing. But, now I have the "Slow Down" light coming on - while I think means the cats are heating up, but I understand this may be because the sensor is too close to the cats or exhaust. The light goes off as I drive, probably the air cooling the sensor.

 

you might also try to reset the car by turning the battery kill switch off for a few mininutes. turn it back on and see if the CEL is still on.

 

I have the same problem on mine at the moment. Have read all the threads on this, I am no expert but I would suggest the best thing you can do is just take the car in and get it checked out - that way your mind is at peace. That's exactly what I did this morning, dropped it in to the dealer to look at, still waiting to hear back.

 

You say you have an after market exhaust.
Do you still have the factory cats or have they been changed to test pipes?
Test pipes will give a CEL.

Russell

 

I just went through this, it was the $25.00 brake switch setting off the check engine light. Code was P1569

Good Luck!

 

Just heard from my dealer - problem was the gas cap not tight enough / sealing. Told me they have fixed it but if happens in the future may need a new cap. Does anyone know should I be putting the cap on REALLY tight to avoid this, or any other way to try to restore the seal?

 

Hey Skyking you don't happed to have a 310 by chance?