Hey guys my CEL light flashed today and then came off after I started the car with no problems. Right before starting the car I pressed the gas pedal once and the light flashed. I freaked out and let off the gas pedal and then pressed the brake pedal and then CEL light went off. Then started the car with no problems. Never had a CEL light turn on while driving. I tried a search for this and couldn't find any answers. Could this be a misfire? Also recently I had my ECU reflashed for the hell of it and could that be the cause of it?

On the mazda6 (which uses a similar CAN bus PCM) if the Cel light flashes after you turn your key to the "ON" position, but before ignition, it signifys a NEW Pending CODE.

A pending code won't throw a cel, but could eventually lead to one.

Some pending codes will never throw a cel, and are generally non critical problems. (Like leaving the VAD disconnected).

Certain CEL's require a certain # of consistent drive cycles before they trip, and the code will sit dormant in the pending section, until the required set of parameters are met.

If X problem occurs, pending code is thrown, if X problem occurs Y # of times, then pending code becomes a Check Engine Light.

If X problem occurs, pending code is thrown, if X problem doesn't occur anymore, pending code is removed.

The only way to know if you have a pending code or not is with a Can bus capable scanner.

The AutoXray 4000 is a pretty inexpensive means of getting Cel/freeze frame/pending code data, as well as 35+ other sensor information from the PCM in realtime, with the capability of capturing data before and after a cel for diagnostic purposes.

I thought it might be useful to share my experience with the AutoXray EZ-Read1000 -- A basic code reader supposidly armed with CAN support. I've had a MIL (check engine) event twice since last August. Not wanting to be in the dark the next time, I researched and purchased the Autoxray for $150. I followed the basic instructions (I've used another brand code reader in the past so I have experience) for connecting and using the diagnostic tool. Bottom line: It could not establish a connection with the 8, AND it caused the MIL lamp to come on and STAY on...prompting a trip to the dealer scheduled for this week. The vendor says, "It should work...".

mgalata1,

I had a problem with the AutoXray 4000 when I first got it. I had to update it TWICE via their website.

There are two updates which must be downloaded (via the EZ-PC cdrom) into the scanner for Can bus functionality.

Otherwise it will have a consistent connection error everytime you attempt it.

Here's some data snags from a Mazda6s (CAN bus).

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~greghess/fulldata.gif

http://www.wam.umd.edu/~greghess/freezeframe.gif

If your scanner is still having problems, give me a pm, maybe I can walk you through the update process and make sure everything's setup correctly!

Er...This is crossbow...yet it has me logged in as grandpa dino...something is really screwy with the forum.