02' Boxster Blinking CEL
 

The light has been on BUT,not blinking until this morning's start up,.runs a little rough...has been running just fine until this morning,start up, no strange noises but its been very damp and rainy here the last couple of days..light started to blink and I just shut it down..Any thing I should check before it goes into the shop ?? Thanks Frank

First thing I would do is to scan and pick up any codes.

Blinking light usually means the fault keeps reoccurring. You said it runs rough, so I'm guessing a miss in one or more of your cylinders. The fact that it's been damp and rainy is another indication that you may be losing spark somewhere, or an electrical connection on one of the coils, or maybe cracked coils.

As Pomerlo said, get it scanned. If you don't have one, a lot of auto parts stores will give you a loaner, or even scan it for you.

My 01S did this recently, also in cold rainy conditions. I believe it was about <37 degrees F out when I saw the blinking CEL. Luckily I was only a mile or two away from home, engine was not even warm, so I brought it back to the house. Left it until I had time to check the codes, which was P0300, random multiple misfire detected. The blinking CEL only lasted about a minute or so, and then went away before i got home. I cleared the codes and have been driving it for about a month in warmer weather, above 40 degrees F. No blinking CEL and running just fine.

steelepuls,..That's encouraging can a everyday scanner work on Boxster's,..Thanks Frank

To scan for codes, yes. I'm suspecting the code scan will result in one or more cylinder misfire and I suspect cracked coils will be the cause.

flmont, I use a Carista OBD2 reader, its just a basic code reader. It just pulls the codes and I search this forum for the details of the DTC. It does not provide details that a more expensive reader specific to Porsche can do. But as long as you have the DTC codes, you can investigate those details by searching on this site.

Damp & rainy then confirmed misfire codes... replace your coil packs as piper6909 suggests.
One or more have cracks and allow moisture to get inside.

But first read the codes. Most any code reader can usually get the basic codes for the engine and pollution stuff. It is the security, transmission and auxiliary stuff that you need something Porsche specialized.

I will indeed get a scanner ,..very curious as to what it is..but I can believe those coils are part of it ,if not the problem for sure. Thanks Guys,.! Frank

IIRC

Steady on CEL = bad
Blinking CEL = Really Bad

RTFM
Flashing means severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. A flashing CEL means shutdown the engine, and call flatbed. A flashing CEL means shutdown the engine, and call flatbed

This happened to me last month. It's most likely needing new coils. I'd also replace the spark plugs while you're at it unless they've been changed recently.

I'd try not to drive it much in this condition as I've heard it can F up the cats.

Luckily the car was home and when we went to go out,..I fired it up and it did not run well at all..it was running fine when parked but a few days of rain and cold messed up something..So its not been driven awaiting code reader before I can carry on. Thanks !!

ok,..here are the codes from a Carista reader

PO442 small leak
P01130 ( lack of H02S switch Adaptive fuel fuel at limit )
P1128
P0300,P0304, P0305,P0306 ( cylinder misfire's )
P1238 Fuel pump secondary circuit fault

DAMN,.Any info would be great,..Because I sure dont know YET ! Thank's Frank

The first three codes are evap related I believe. I've had most of those and they never cauees it to blink the cel. I would probably start by looking into the fuel pump code. Check wiring, fuel pressure at the rail, etc. A failing fuel pump can definitely cause the misfire codes. The evap codes 'could' be related. But I think the fuel pump is the place to start.

Hopefully some experts with more Boxster experience will chime in.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

P0442 vacuum leak on the fuel evap system. Check your gas cap. The gaskets are prone to fail.

P1238 check your fuel injector wiring. That code signals a fault on cylinder #2.

P1128 and 1130 means you are running lean.

Check fuel delivery, make sure you have pressure to the fuel rail. Look for damaged wiring related to fuel pump and injection.

It could be a fuel pump, failed injector, or clogged fuel line/filter. That's where I would start looking.

Thank's gentlemen,..that's really helpfull, code terminology is a bit over my head,Ive never had to deal with a modern engine,!

I looked at the coils didnt see any cracks,but they were pretty greasy,the other odd thing is when I throttle it or rev'd it up it sounds like it sucks air like a carbureted engine
and it definitely runs rich you could smell it easily when its cold out,.??

Flmont, in addition to changing your fuel cap, check for vacuum leaks and I would change the oil cap (mine had a bad gasket causing vacuum leaks). One other item I would check is the oil filler tube, make sure it is intact.

TY Steelepuls,..I will I know my gas cap is good I bought a new one about 4 months ago,..I also did a new ( gasket only ) oil cap..maybe threads are week,.I check the dip stick I know it is loose moves a bit when I check the oil...Thanks Again !!