Check engine-drive to workshop message

[richardm]

Hi Everyone
At the risk of sounding like a concerned parent,[] my new pride and joy 2004 Boxster 986 2 , suddenly came up with a message
from the OB computer 'check engine-drive to workshop'. This was just after we'd set off on the return trip from the supermarket today.
The engine was still at temperature: 80'c and I always watch the automatic oil check each time I get in, no problem there.
No warning lights have come on. The engine was behaving normally and sounded fine.
I read somewhere that this message can sometimes come on for no apparent reason and then go away again.
After the short journey home I manually checked the oil and water, and checked inside the oil filler cap for anything suspicious, all ok.
Any ideas would be gratefully received, as of course at this difficult time you can't just drive to the workshop anyway!

 

[chrishak]

My money is on 'ageing oxygen sensor' i.e. one of the Lambda sensors is getting on a bit. Buy yourself a cheap OBD reader (Machine Mart supplied mine) and read the code / fault and clear it if nothing serious (like a Lambda sensor...)

 

[richardm]

My money is on 'ageing oxygen sensor' i.e. one of the Lambda sensors is getting on a bit. Buy yourself a cheap OBD reader (Machine Mart supplied mine) and read the code / fault and clear it if nothing serious (like a Lambda sensor...)

Thanks Chris, sounds logical ??

 

[Motorhead]

Richard,

I'd agree with Chris's diagnosis, especially since I presume you've not been using the car very much, and then only for short runs. Maybe one of the Lambda sensors is a bit dirty, and hopefully giving the car a good blast at some time will cure the problem. If it persists you'll be better running some diagnostics to get to the source since something like a a faulty MAF sensor can also give a CEL.

Provided you've got a solid rather than flashing CEL you'll be OK to drive the car until you fix the problem, but I wouldn't use it too much (highly unlikely in the current circumstances!).

One other thing to mention is that you can get a CEL if the fuel filler cap isn't sealing properly, something I discovered on my ancient Mk5 Golf GTi which I'd recently refueled. I loosened and re-tightened the cap and the CEL disappeared. Result.!

Jeff

 

[richardm]

Hi Jeff,
thanks for the response, again sounds good.Hopefully the car just needs the sort of drive it was designed for, when the current situation lifts. I suppose that all Stuttgart‘s finest being mostly stationery in garages and drives right now, is a bit like all the prime racehorses being in stables when all they want to do is get out on the track and stretch their legs full tilt! ??

 

[richardm]

Morning Chris,
had a look at Machine Mart, may I ask was it this model you purchased?
Clarke CEOBDS EOBD/OBD II Engine Fault Code Reader
thanks ??

 

[BrianJ]

On my 986 facelift the lambda sensors used to unscrew themselves. Might be worth checking they are all nice and tight for starters. Simple to check.

 

[chrishak]

The one I bought was product code 010911135, cost just under £60 - probably cheaper than getting an OPC to plug their diagnostic reader in!
Be aware that it'll only read engine faults (full diagnostics readers are far more expensive) but unlike some, you input the vehicle manufacturer and it'll tell you the code and the actual fault, so no need for look-up tables. You can also reset the fault, should you so wish.
All in all, it's a really handy bit of kit

 

[cobnut]

This happened to me on my 2005 987.1 a while back (before lockdown, when we could still drive, sob). Switched off, restarted and it didn't reappear and hasn't since (though no driving since late March). Like the OP, no obvious signs/sounds of a problem. Where does the code reader plug in? Is it easy to get to?

Jon

 

[chrishak]

This happened to me on my 2005 987.1 a while back (before lockdown, when we could still drive, sob). Switched off, restarted and it didn't reappear and hasn't since (though no driving since late March). Like the OP, no obvious signs/sounds of a problem. Where does the code reader plug in? Is it easy to get to?

Jon

On my 986 the socket is under the dash in the footwell on the passenger side - simplicity itself to access and plug in.