CEL on then off - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

mgjim55 · 07-25-2005, 08:29 AM

after a long trip in 100+temps my check engine light popped on, stayed on for next three or four days then went off. I didn't think the car was capable of healing itself. anyone have any ideas before I pay my dealer to tell me thats all is fine? yes it still lights up on starting for a few seconds so bulb is fine.
1998 boxster,
thanks
mgjim

deliriousga · 07-25-2005, 09:08 AM

Could have been a loose gas cap. That will keep the light on for about 100 miles after it is tightened up.

If not, if the light comes back on, go to a local AutoZone or equivalent and have them pull the code off the computer. It's quick and free. Or you can buy a code reader for pretty cheap if you want it for future use.

Good luck!

Jeph · 07-25-2005, 04:03 PM

My car has done the same thing. I was told it's a sensor (not terribly expensive to replace [under $300]). I believe it was an 02 or heat sensor in my situation.

deliriousga · 07-26-2005, 06:21 AM

Most often it is an O2 sensor that causes the CEL to come on, but make sure you get the code before you start replacing things. It can get expensive and frustrating quick.

If you get the code and it's an O2 sensor, a DIY is pretty easy and about $100 if you get the part at http://www.****************************************************.com/porscheatcost.php.