cominfromafar

1999 tl-p
108,510 miles
0 mods

My CEL light started blinking like it's nuts today (8/12/2008) when it would usually just be off . It comes on solid when i switch to (II) for a few seconds as normal, but then it starts to blink for a quarter of a minute or so then turns off. And then sometimes it starts to blink after i start the engine, remains blinking for a few seconds before going off again. Searched the forums, tried the gas cap with no luck. Got no codes returned when i used an Actron OBDII scanner in the II position and while idling.

I am actually 500 miles overdue for an oil change (i usually change it every 3,000 miles). I also have a clunking noise when going over any bumps/holes, but i have to check my suspension and power steering rack assembly for play (as i was hammering at it like a moron when changing tie rods). I was also in an accident on 6/22/2008 . It was a front left bumper collision at less than 7mph (that was my vehicle's speed anyway, the other car was probably doing 15-20mph). Checked the frame and stuff for damage and everything checked out okay. The bumper reinforcement bar seemed to be damaged the most (following the torn bumper cover of course). But there were no fault lights/codes after that accident.

Check the clips on youtube linked below (i hope they parse correctly):


Vid 1 of 2

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PgWpltBp0GE"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PgWpltBp0GE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>


Vid 2 of 2

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yj163KjygWE"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Yj163KjygWE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>



Any ideas on what's going on?

cominfromafar

After thinking about it i figure that the light shows up again right after starting because the switch falls back to position II (after cranking). And also, the CEL light does not come on while driving, at least not so far.

cominfromafar

hmmm, but then again it didn't come back on after starting in my first vid...must be an intermittent but still important prob

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

are you sure its the CEL and not the maintence minder light? It blinks like it.

cominfromafar

Son of a B...i think you're right, it is the "Maint. Req'd" light. I thought that was the ("universal dummy") CEL light like in other vehicles. I guess that this car has separate lights then as implied by your statement.

So what maintenance would be required at this point? Does this model year have reminders to change your oil and stuff (similar to the 3G's and stuff)? I don't recall reading that in the owner's manual.

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

Nope. 3Gs have a computer system. Ours just start to blink 10 seconds after the key is put into start mode at 5k miles and it stays on/becomes solid at 7.5k miles. All it is the mileage related. It is truly the idiot light. you must look in your owner's manual to see at what miles your at to do what kind of maintence.

it also explains when the light comes on, what it does and even how to reset the light.