CEL fixed interval? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Sain0rs · 10-17-2007, 07:44 AM

For an 03 S, Does the CEL illuminate on any sort of fixed interval? I just had my first CEL at just over 60k miles and I was just wondering if it came on because of the scheduled 60K service or if it was just a coincidence. If it's not a fixed interval, is there an easy way to determine what the CEL is related to without taking it to a dealer or someone with a durametric etc?

Lucky · 10-17-2007, 07:52 AM

CEL != maintenance reminder. It only comes on if there is a problem detected by the computer.

Go to Advance Auto and ask them to read the code(s) or go buy a code reader (they range in price from $40 to $400, with a range of features). Then post the code(s) here and someone will be able to help you decode and diagnose.

Tool Pants · 10-17-2007, 08:11 AM

There is no service reminder light on a 986, so it is a coincidence.

Could be something as simple as the gas cap not being on tight enough, or 100 other things. Unless it relly bothers you you might just keep on driving. If the fault is not detected again then after a while the light will go out by itself.

Sain0rs · 10-17-2007, 08:19 AM

Thanks for the responses.

I had only been driving for 5 miles or so when the CEL came on and I stopped and turned off/on the car and saw that the digital oil reading was a bit low. It's been sitting for a few days now so I'm going to recheck the oil level and do an oil change anyway since it was due. I did just purchase a Durametric that should show up tomorrow so maybe that can shed some light.

Thanks again, guys