At the moment I have a funny intermittent problem, (these are the worst kind!), but it hasn't stopped the car at all.

So, sometimes when I crank and start the engine, the CEL won't go out, but after a few more starts eventually does go out, until the next time it happens. I took the car back to the shop and the fault code indicated a missmatch on the ECU check on transmission status, (in Park or Neutral). Of course, when I took the car in, the CEL light had gone out ! Anyway, the mechanic did a lot of checking and it was concluded that I needed a replacement transmission lever assembly to be on the safe side, as he couln't guarantee the car would always start.

So I bit the bullet and a used one was put in. Success was claimed, so I went to collect the car, and started it, then forgot I had to tell the boss of the shop something, so stopped the engine, did the business, then restarted but the CEL stayed on ! The shop were bit flummoxed on this one, so in the end, they got out an OBD logger box which plugs into the diagnostic socket, and told me to let them know when the CEL comes on again, and to bring in the car, so they can read off the log to see what might be happening. Since when, the CEL has stayed out ever since last Friday !!!

Maybe the logger is a lucky one and solves the faults on its own.

Apparently the CEL comes on because before cranking the engine, the ECU first checks that the TCM has passed a signal indicating Park or Neutral, plus a feed from the gearshift assembly is also indicating the same. A mismatch flags the CEL but the engine is still "allowed" to start. However, cruise control is inhibited. which I don't use much.

 

Yep, that's a tough one Fraser....

 

Well since this OBD logger was put in, the CEL has stayed out so it seems the problem has gone away. FiIngers crossed, but I am leaving it in for another week.


Car is running OK, expect I still have the problem of the Xenon h/lights flicking on-off shortly after they are switched on. This is a real puzzle, as no fault codes are thrown up.