Topic: Ecu still lit even after service (Read 543 times)

Hawke · « **on:** November 27, 2011, 15:45:34 PM »

Well guys i had my cally serviced but my ecu still lights up damn . although he said my cars is in very good condition he said my sump plug thread was badly worn (never had any leaks at all from what i could see parked up) said as they couldnt recut it a new sump was needed possibly costing 400 to 500 quid.

He reckond that the ecu light was due to slight leak from camcover gasket leaking into plug holes ?
also the clutch pedal very high.

A friend said just watch for leaks from sump if none seen leave well alone any tips please guys ?
Cheers in advance.

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 27, 2011, 15:53:27 PM »

Oil leak into plugs wouldnnt put the EML on. Have you done the paperclip test? Also, new sump! What a load of tosh

unless it is pouring out don't worry.

Mr V · « **Reply #2 on:** November 27, 2011, 15:53:59 PM »

First get a new mechanic after telling you ecu light due to slight oil leak !!!

Second do the paperclip test to find out why the light is on

http://www.topbuzz.co.uk/info/fault_codes/fault_codes.htm

Martin. · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2011, 15:54:22 PM »

do the paper clip test

http://www.clubcalibra.com/calibra-chat/em-light-now-lit/msg580411/#msg580411

RayRoper · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2011, 16:16:13 PM »

Stay away from that Mechanic. What a load of sh*t.

Butcher · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2011, 16:46:27 PM »

As I already said on your previous thread the service will not cure your EML light, imo you have a sensor issue and the only way to identify the fault will be the paper clip test as mentioned above and in your other thread.

RayRoper · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2011, 17:08:27 PM »

Quote from: Butcher on November 27, 2011, 16:46:27 PM

As I already said on your previous thread the service will not cure your EML light, imo you have a sensor issue and the only way to identify the fault will be the paper clip test as mentioned above and in your other thread.

+1

Martin. · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2011, 17:26:50 PM »

if my cally wasn't 10mi away in a lock up I'd do you a quick vid to show you just how simple it is to do the test. I'd say every body on here has done it at some point (if your being funny about bridging the terminals)
infact I've done it countless times.

Butcher · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2011, 17:59:26 PM »

I have a paper clip permanently clipped round a pipe in the engine bay so i can check anytime anywhere, iv also got the fault codes stored in my phone so i can diagnose faults instantly. Simples.

ALZ1307 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 27, 2011, 18:23:53 PM »

10 years plus of ownership, I've done that paperclip test as many times as I change my socks, LOL!

RayRoper · « **Reply #10 on:** November 27, 2011, 21:56:41 PM »

Quote from: Butcher on November 27, 2011, 17:59:26 PM

I have a paper clip permanently clipped round a pipe in the engine bay so i can check anytime anywhere, iv also got the fault codes stored in my phone so i can diagnose faults instantly. Simples.

Same lol!

Gav · « **Reply #11 on:** November 27, 2011, 22:29:08 PM »

Had my Cally 2 years. No EML light. No paperclip test.

Dan had done more tests on it than me

Seriously though, I agree with the above. Do the test, lose the mechanic.

Hawke · « **Reply #12 on:** November 28, 2011, 06:49:42 AM »

Thanks for the info guys as soon as i get a chance i will check it out

Butcher · « **Reply #13 on:** November 28, 2011, 08:38:04 AM »

It's your best bet mate, It it really is easy to do. It's just a case of shorting out two pins on a plug under the bonnet and then sitting in the car while watching the EML flash. And to make it easier for you video the the light flashing and post it up on here if your confused by the flashes, plus making a video means you can watch it back if you loose count ect.

Tip: read the codes with the engine running or you will get a crank sensor fault as it needs to see the engine turning

Good luck.

RayRoper · « **Reply #14 on:** November 28, 2011, 10:30:57 AM »

Quote from: Butcher on November 28, 2011, 08:38:04 AM

It's your best bet mate, It it really is easy to do. It's just a case of shorting out two pins on a plug under the bonnet and then sitting in the car while watching the EML flash. And to make it easier for you video the the light flashing and post it up on here if your confused by the flashes, plus making a video means you can watch it back if you loose count ect.

Tip: read the codes with the engine running or you will get a crank sensor fault as it needs to see the engine turning

Good luck.

Alot of Calibras dont show EML flashes when the engine is running. Just do it when its off and ignore the corresponding code.

Butcher · « **Reply #15 on:** November 28, 2011, 12:59:15 PM »

Quote from: RayRoper on November 28, 2011, 10:30:57 AM

Alot of Calibras dont show EML flashes when the engine is running. Just do it when its off and ignore the corresponding code.

That's new to me

TURBOHEAD · « **Reply #16 on:** November 29, 2011, 15:38:33 PM »

Hi guys,

What's the fault code for a leaking camcover

What a dimwit of a mechanic, I would not trust him to top up my oil in case he pops some in the header tank, then tells me the heads gone.

When ever you are not sure of a diagnosis as some have said get another opinion from another garage.

Re: Fault codes most of us know that the EML only indicates an Electrical fault and cannot possibly diagnose a mechanical fault.
It only monitors sensor signals ie:- voltage differences. Halfods sell a gizmo cheap that you just plug into the EML socket located by the pass/side bulkhead. Switch it on and read the flash sequence from the EML light on dash. Or as members have said a paper clip is all you need.
The first is 2 flashes indicates start of test, then you will get 3+1 ...(31) which is to be ignored, because it just means the engine is not running, ie activating the crank shaft sensor then any code after that other than 2 or 31
will mean a sensor fault. or possibly a wiring harness problem.

Don't always assume it's the sensor because a wiring short etc
will give the ECU a too high or too low voltage that would flag up a sensor fault code.

The ECU is programed to expect a set voltage, so when a sensor or it's wiring is faulty the ECU receives the wrong voltage or none at all. The EML will keep flashing all faulty sensor codes and then arrive back to 2 flashes. The flash cycle will continue this cycle until you turn the ignition off.

You then need to disconnect the battery for a while this will clear the fault codes. Also batt: needs disconnection before replacing a new sensor or doing any electrical work. Be very careful when using a multimeter the sensors use very low operating voltages. Through some unknown reason the EML can sometimes flash and then go off, this only indicates a sensor fault if the EML stays lit continuous
When this happens the ECU automatically sets off a compensating voltage pattern which is called the limp mode which will get you home or to a garage until new sensor or wiring repair is carried out.

Sorry if it's long winded but hope it helps

All or most vauxhall car clubs will have as much info as you need ie: fault codes, how to read them etc .

RayRoper · « **Reply #17 on:** November 29, 2011, 16:24:04 PM »

Quote from: Butcher on November 28, 2011, 12:59:15 PM

That's new to me

I've had 7 Calibras now, 2 8v's, 1 Ecotec, 2 Redtops and 2 V6's. 110% sure none of them flashed when the car was running. Only ever worked when wasn't running, especially if the ECU light is on constant.

DanSE4 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 29, 2011, 16:53:33 PM »

Quote from: RayRoper on November 29, 2011, 16:24:04 PM

I've had 7 Calibras now, 2 8v's, 1 Ecotec, 2 Redtops and 2 V6's. 110% sure none of them flashed when the car was running. Only ever worked when wasn't running, especially if the ECU light is on constant.

Didn't work on the Veccy GSi with the engine running, nor my Eco Veccy. Did with the Calibra V6 though (although the flashing was so screwed up it made absolutely no sense)

Butcher · « **Reply #19 on:** November 29, 2011, 17:03:51 PM »

Mine flashes fine with engine running but then again its the only cally iv had so i can't compare really.

Author Topic: Ecu still lit even after service (Read 543 times)