TitaniumRX8MD

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?

crossbow

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.

mgalata1

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...".

grandpa dino

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).





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!

grandpa dino

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