The missing "Check Engine" light

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:54 pm

OK - here's the silly question for the evening ....

I'm not convinced my O2 sensor is working. However if it has failed, apparently I should be getting a "code 15" on the "check engine" light. Sources - Haynes manual & the Garrett Performance Handbook. Both indicate that this is the case for pre 1995 cars (which mine is) - the 1995-onwards OBDII system means a fancy diagnostic thingie is required.

Now that's all well & good - but my instrument panel doesn't seem to have a "Check Engine" light.

Also, when I check my (translated) owners manual there is mention of every sort of light except a "check engine" light. When the ignition is turned on I get charge, brake & (exhaust) heat lights coming up but nothing else.

So am I missing the blindingly obvious, misreading the information or is something else going on ? Is there another method for engine diagnostics (specifically O2 sensors)?

FTIW I took a look at David Moughtin's 1991/2 car today & it too is missing the elusive "check engine" light.......

Regards,

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 10:22 pm

NZ new and Japanese imports don't have the check engine light. I think it is
a requirement for all cars in the USA now, and has been for some years. I
assume your manual is based on USA model cars.

Grant.

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Ben.Nakagawa · Post by **Ben.Nakagawa** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:28 am

Is this link help?
http://www.mx5club.org.nz/maintenance/e ... agnostics/

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:00 pm

OK - so now I feel really silly !

Thanks, Grant & Ben - much appreciated. I just hate it when the information is right under my nose (happens quite frequently according to Glenys - but that's another story !)

As a matter of interest I dropped in at North Harbour Mazda today & asked what was involved in checking the diagnotics. I was quoted about an hour's worth of time or $90.

Think I'll go & buy me a LED, resistor & paperclip !

Regards,

Post by **zorruno** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 9:53 pm

GEEMCB said on 07/03/2006 09:00 PM:

Think I'll go & buy me a LED,
resistor & paperclip !

This may help:
http://www.mx5club.org.nz/maintenance/e ... agnostics/
--
(z)

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Ben.Nakagawa · Post by **Ben.Nakagawa** » Mon Jul 03, 2006 10:20 pm

GEEMCB wrote: Thanks, Grant & Ben - much appreciated. I just hate it when the information is right under my nose (happens quite frequently according to Glenys - but that's another story !)

No worries, it happens to me as well.
Good luck to find what the code says.