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Boxster S 986 (2004) Engine Check Light (Member No. 139200) R18

CarlTaylor54

CarlTaylor54

New member
Dear Sirs, Last week my Engine Check Light came on again. It did the same around 18 months ago and I was told by my local garage (Independent) that it was likely that the fuel quality was not good enough (and I have to admit that at that time I had used Morrisons fuel, sorry for that.) Since then I obtained an Esso card and have only used this. In 2019, both left & right side Cats were replaced. Last time i filled up I used E10 fuel and I have been told that this could be the problem but the Gov.UK website states that all Boxster models with petrol engines since 1997 are qualified for E10. Has anyone got any ideas?
 
Carl,

One of the main reasons for a CEL is an emissions problem, either cats or lambda sensors. Were the lambda sensors replaced along with the cats? If not that may be your problem and the only sensible thing to do is run some Porsche-specific diagnostics to identify the source.

If you’re not using super unleaded fuel it would be worth trying that. I’m not sure that E10 fuel should cause any problems but super unleaded fuel is E5 or less I believe.

Jeff

 
Jeff, Cliff, thanks very much for your quick replies. I don’t think the Lambda sensors were changed along with the Cats. inwill Get the Porsche specific diagnostics done. Yesterday too the car out for a run to make space for the E5 fuel, i managed to add around half a tank but as yet the light is still on. But as Cliff says, it will likely need a couple of full tanks to make a difference. thank again for your help.

 
interestingly I had a similar issue with my 2004 986 2.7 Everytime I switched on I had an on screen message ‘check engine,drive to workshop’ This went on for months, I paid for a few diagnostic sessions which were never conclusive and tended to favour 02 sensors. Much good advice was provided on this very forum. Eventually another diag suggested the MAF sensor. I duly ordered one from Design911 and asked my local independent tech to fit it and bingo! The error went and the engine was smooth as can be! To say I was delighted after all those months would be an understatement! 😄

 
I should probably add that I too used Morrisons fuel for a year or so, until I learned the error of my ways! And the only evidence of anything wrong with the engine was an occasional flat spot around 3-4000 revs. No smoke, and very good mpg. The MAF sensor removed from my 986 was found to be a cheap unbranded import that a previous owner had probably unknowingly had fitted!

 
Carl,

That’s a useful call from Richard. If you’re OK with some simple DIY you could always try cleaning the MAF with an appropriate solvent (care required!) or if not then why not purchase a bottle of fuel additive which should clean the fuel system in a non-obtrusive way? My brother used a bottle of additive whenever he got a CEL on his ancient Ford Escort and it seemed to work a treat.

Jeff

 
You can always carefully try lightly cleaning the MAF wire with an electrical cleaner

Or borrow one from another similar car if possible before spending out.

Good luck

 
Just about the fuel...

I have a 70K miles 987.2 and I've owned it for about 5 years.

Used 99 oct Shell for the first years, then, following responses on this excellent Boxster forum, switched to E10/95 oct but always from Shell or Esso.

Been using this combo for about 2.5 years now, and all is well, goes well, runs fab and 32/34 mpg while with the wife.

Did this so while using the car in Europe I could get e10 easy and it just works.

Can't remember the last time I used 99 octane in it.

But, the 987.2 may well have a different engine management system with respect to adopting different octane fuels.

 
Get the codes read. even a cheap 15 quid reader from Amazon will read generic powertrain codes and clear the CEL., will take a lot of guesswork out

my previous daily driver used to throw a cel every 18 months or so. Always the same one, always when the temperature dropped. checked, cleared , forgotten until next time.

if “could” be the different fuel but personally I doubt it, unless your car is very marginal on emissions or something else and this has tipped it over the edge.

there are lots of cars out there that are run on the cheapest fuel that people can get that don’t throw engine lights.

 
Thanks to everyone who provided comments here. I took the advice and a diagnostics check found I needed new "Pre-Cat oxygen sensors. This appears to have solve the problem with the Engine Check Light.

However, when the diagnostics were done, they noted the car war "low" on the front end. This was found to be the suspension. Yesterday the front suspension, coil springs, mount & bearing kit, bump stop & bellow kit and shock absorbers were replaced! The car drives much better now...:)

Anyway, just to say again thanks to all for the advice, really appreciated.

 
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