Flashing CEL but no codes

[clickman]

Thanks JFP. Would the Durametric potentially provide information furthering diagnosis of the flashing CEL? If so, what sort of info?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by clickman

Thanks JFP. Would the Durametric potentially provide information furthering diagnosis of the flashing CEL? If so, what sort of info?

The Durametric is like all quality diagnostic tools, if function's more like a compass than a GPS in that it will point you in the correct direction, but will not give you turn by turn directions to you destination.

The Durametric will show you all current and pending DTC codes for a Porsche, to which you have to apply diagnostic logic to determine what the problem actually is. For example, a common code is related to the O2 sensors, so most would immediately replace the sensors, which are expensive. But in reality, the exact code definitions would reveal that the car is running too rich or too lean, which implies that the car may have a vacuum leak (lean) or a leaking injector (rich). So replacing the O2 sensor would do nothing.

So along with the retrieved system data, you will need both the code definition's, and a developed sense for what they are telling you. There are no free lunches in this world.

[jdraupp]

I realize you dont know what's causing the check engine light, but you didn't leave any symptoms to let anyone else know. That was my point.

This could mean a multitude of things. Generally flashing cel means shut it down and relates to a mis fire. Could be failing Variocam actuators, could be a lean condition or rich condition (cant remember which one causes sputtering and the light to flash) could be carbon buildup, but its hard to say without other codes or symptoms. Id let it ride and if it comes back get it into a shop. Hate to see your engine turn into a paperweight while youre trying to gather information.