I've done a half dozen searches both here and on google, so if this is already up somewhere apologies but I haven't been able to find it.

I'm getting a blinking code from my CEL with the key on but engine not running and I can't find anything in the shop manual to interpret it (owners manual has vanished somewhere in my place).

The blink pattern is 7 slow then 1 fast after about 10-15 seconds solid. No lights come on while running, and the car mostly runs fine. I just replaced the battery a couple days ago, and have been in "relearn" mode so there have been some stalls at idle/stopping but those have mostly cleared up. I have done the dsc/steering reset (although not immediately after putting in the batt), and have done the 20-brake sensor reset.

I'm running a 2004 6MT with 69k miles that I bought new in 12/2003 and have the most current flash and all TSBs adressed.

Trying to avoid paying another $100 to find out it's just some false or unimportant code after nearly getting taken for a total of $350 for a neutral switch fail code which was caused by driving in LAX traffic for a week without knowing what makes that code come up.

thanks in advance to anyone who can help with this.

 

Never fear, Jedi is here!
if you turn the key but do not start the car, the CEL will begin blinking. It spooked me the first time I saw it but it's perfectly normal.

 

Need a code reader, some auto parts stores will read it for free. You also might try to find another 8 owner with a reader. You cannot tell anything based on the flashes.

EDIT: I am going to assume since you had the car a long time you were not referring to the normal startup sequence Jedi54 mentioned.

 

thanks for the responses. the relearn is finally complete and the car's idling as well as (maybe a little better than) ever.

whatever the cel blink was, I haven't been able to get it to happen again since the relearn completed (and I re-did the steering sensor reset just to be safe).