Another "Check Engine Light" question...

[67911121km]

I have looked and I know I should get the problem diagnosed properly. However, short of cash, I pay someone I can't afford the part, so I thought I'd ask for advice first...

Travelled 300+ miles from Cornwall to Kent at the weekend in my Bugeye GX. No problems at all travelling down there until I was parking the car at the other end and the CEL came on (steady, not flashing). Drove back to Cornwall on Monday, no problems - no noises, no loss of power or anything, no affect on fuel economy, etc.

I did a bit of research on here and other forums/sites (came across this page; http://www.samarins.com/diagnose/common-check-engine-light-problems.html) and the first probable diagnosis is the Lambda Sensor. Based on the info I've read - no loss of power, no stalling, idles well, etc, etc - is it worth paying out £40 for a new Denso Lambda Sensor first, without getting it diagnosed? I can always sell on the sensor if it doesn't solve the problem.

Alternatively, anyone in West Cornwall with the right kit to diagnose for me... coffee and biscuits a-plenty on offer :o)

Thanks

[stants]

What year is your car ? As up to my2000 they have self diganostic plugs under the dash.

Failing that get a cheap OBD reader from the bay fpr a fiver and download an app to read codes for free ! I wouldn't start buying parts until you know the fault for sure

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Scoobyghost]

Bugeye gx stants 😁😁😁

You could spend the 40 on a part and it not be right so that would be more cash wasted than paying for a diagnostic and the correct part.

[67911121km]

This one okay? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Fault-Code-Reader-Engine-Scanner-Diagnostic-Reset-Tool-OBD-2-EOBD-CAN-BUS-/400614312910?hash=item5d46794bce:g:6WIAAOSwpDdU9r7t No laptop or smart phone so need a simple unit that can do it all

[Sandals]

Yup, that will do the trick! Once you get the error code, just google it then you will find out what your issue is

[67911121km]

2 hours ago, Sandals said:

Yup, that will do the trick! Once you get the error code, just google it then you will find out what your issue is

Thanks Sandals, will order it now

[67911121km]

So, I ordered that code reader off the Bay and got it today. Works as it should and got this code; P0420.

Read a lot about it on here and other forums and I've come to the conclusion that the code alone won't be enough to work out what needs replacing. I had a new cat put on the car less than a year ago, there's no rattles or horrible smells coming off it, should I look at getting sensors checked - some arguments about whether or not sensors would show their own code.

Cheapest way of checking sensors?

[Piggysniffer]

Is p0420 something to do with the rear cat efficiency or summat, if so I had that one about once every 3 weeks, I think an exhaust leak before the rear sensor can cause it 

[67911121km]

54 minutes ago, Piggysniffer said:

Is p0420 something to do with the rear cat efficiency or summat, if so I had that one about once every 3 weeks, I think an exhaust leak before the rear sensor can cause it 

I've no idea - so I cleared the code and will worry about it if/when it comes back.

However, I did check the exhaust for leaks and all appears to be good.

[Piggysniffer]

Ok mate, I had a little read up and tbh it looks like it's one of the less problematic codes, as in, in general if it actually is cat efficiency as perceived by the sensor or even the rear sensor, it shouldn't actually impact on the running of your car 

 

edit:- although I'm basing all this on what I've read about turbo wrx mostly, but spose yours is the same really

[67911121km]

3 hours ago, Piggysniffer said:

Ok mate, I had a little read up and tbh it looks like it's one of the less problematic codes, as in, in general if it actually is cat efficiency as perceived by the sensor or even the rear sensor, it shouldn't actually impact on the running of your car 

 

edit:- although I'm basing all this on what I've read about turbo wrx mostly, but spose yours is the same really

Thanks for the info Piggysniffer.

Definitely no impact on the running on the car, drove it home the 350miles with no problem whatsoever. Good fuel eco, etc. Driving down in the first place was a much hotter day, more traffic (slower speeds), etc, hoping perhaps it was just a "glitch". I don't normally do that sort of mileage on a normal week/month.