Engine Check light

[colinb1]

Hi - It's been a while since I drove my 996 (1999 MY)... around 2 months. I've had it connected to a trickle charger while it's been laid up in my garage.
Yesterday, I decided to take her out.
Started fine but after a hundred yards or so, I felt a slight (what I felt to be) a misfire.
I persevered for another half mile and then the Engine Check light came on. I turned around and came home, by which time the car was running smoothly.
I parked up and went out in my other car deciding to check the 996 when I got back.
Started fine. Engine check light still on. Steady. Took it for a drive of around 5 miles to see if a run would clear the light.
The car ran absolutely fine - no 'misfire' - nothing. The Engine light remained on.
Started the car this morning in the garage and it's still running smoothly... light however is still on.
Any suggestions? Please?

 

[seanrbaker]

It sounds like its cleared itself but the engine light won't go back off until you clear the error.

I got a cheap and cheerful ODBII scan tool from Ebay that lets you check what the error is and reset it, its been very useful.
Cheers Sean

 

[colinb1]

Thanks Sean - it sounds as though that scan tool might be a useful thing to have. Can you give me any details of what sort of thing I should look for (model number / manufacturer) please?

 

[seanrbaker]

I went for one of these which worked perfectly well.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ELM327-V1-5-ODB2-ODBII-Bluetooth-Vehicel-Car-Diagnostic-Interfact-Scanner-Tool-/111303064610?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item19ea2dfc22

Cheers Sean

 

[colinb1]

Thanks Sean - Duly ordered. I'll let you know what end result is.

 

[TonyS]

If that doesn't fix it then it sounds as if it could be one of the lambda sensors. Let us know what the diagnostic tool says is the fault!

Tony

 

[richardjjs1]

1972 914 (for slightly less than one hour!)

Come on give us the low down sounds interesting

less than one hour what happened

Bought a Audi Coupe once got it back home found it was ringed

Luckily got my money back

 

[colinb1]

Ha! Maybe I should respond to that one privately Richard? The 'gentleman' vendor may still be a member of this hallowed club. []

 

[JuliusF]

Sean/Colin

I looked at that link you posted - couldn't see Porsche on the list - don't know much about the ODBII standard but I'd give one of those a go for the money if its likely to be compatible.

One other question do you read it through your phone/tablet bluetooth or laptop?

Cheers.

J