My very 1st one.
 

After 19 months I got my first check engine light-car is running normally so not sure what it could be-going to the "workshop" tomorrow.http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1383274494.jpg

If you have a smart phone or tablet, you can get free software and a very inexpensive OBD-II bluetooth adapter that will let you read and reset CEL codes. If nothing else, you can know what's up before you get to the garage.

Check eBay for "OBD bluetooth" and look in the app store for OBD (I use Torque Pro).

Here is a handy reference site for those with OBDII Code Readers:

OBD-II Check Engine Light Trouble Codes

Actron Reader will pay for itself in no time:

Actron CP9575 Auto Scanner Trilingual OBDII and CAN Scan Tool : Amazon.com : Automotive

Hopefully your scenario is a simple fix.........:cheers:

I use a bluetooth reader and DashCommand from an Android devise. Works on Apple, but wifi only. Great tool. You want it. You can read that code, snap a screen shot, run a diagnostic, and clear that code in 2 minutes.

my guess would be you are f'd and bring your credit card:(

CELS are ambiguous. Can be as simple as just a loose gas cap. Luckily it's not flashing so it is not something "crazy".

OP, you can even go to a auto chain store and ask to use their code reader. Had to do that when I did a spark plug change and one of the new plugs were defective out of the box.

At least put some tape over it until you can reset it. Don't want anyone to see that.

Lol! You're a real boy now Pinocchio; welcome to the CEL club! Let us know what you find out...

If I brought my 986 to the "workshop" every time the CEL went on I'd be broke. Get the code, do the research, and go from there.

Light went out by itself? Hasn't come back on after 2 days-still going to my mechanic to get stored codes and also check for any over rev history and cam deviation just to get the info.

It is possible that the gas cap was loose. This will set off the code & engine light.

Just got it scanned. Can't remember the number of the code but it's for bank 1 catalytic converter deficiency. Quoted 1900.00 for the part plus labor. Car idles and drives smoothly. Need smog check this month. Light is out and code cleared. Any alternatives to factory part??

If all you need is cats check Ebay for a used one. Try and score one with low miles that is Kahleefohrnia kosher. Or maybe you can upgrade the whole exhaust if you're breaking open the piggy bank.

How many miles?

93,000 miles, I'll shop around for an aftermarket direct replacement. Any brands that are good/bad? What do performance headers with hi flow cats run?

that sounds more like the upstream O2 sensor . i did this and never ended up replacing the CAT, but i did order new 200 cell sport cat headers (stainless steel) but have not gotten around to replacing them. I replaced the O2 sensor- paid $150 for the sensor, (@$650 for the CATs) but have not put the CAt on , just have not had time and the originals are doing fine, 6k miles and no more codes being thrown. i am sure it was a sensor issue not a CAT issue.

big money. that's why I waited until my cats called it quits. I figured I'd pay for the steep cost of new cats and vroom vroom parts all in one. But I would go the used cat route if that can hold you over. Replacing headers will mostly likely lead to replacing other stuff!!
Or you could try replacing the 02 in question as a first course of action. Allegedly those are 'lifetime' parts so technically you shouldn't need to do more than just the one. Also, if your cats really were going, you'd be feeling in the right foot before long, it's hard to miss.

The car idles smoothly and acceleration and throttle response are great. I'll replace the 02 sensors and go from there