I know it could be anything, but for the first time in seven years my check engine light came on. Car is running fine. Any ideas?

 

Sorry, but you expect people to diagnose something that could literally be thousands of possibilities with zero info?

I would get the free code service at any auto parts store.

 

LOL sorry, just wondering if there's a "typical" thing that causes it to go off. On my other cars they all exhibit certain tendencies that narrows it down. But since I've never really had a mechanical issue with this car in the time I've owned it I wanted to see if anyone knows of "trends" with the Xfire.

I guess I'll hit up Pep Boys.

Thanks


Renntech carbon fiber intake. Borla exhaust. Eibach lowering springs. I think thats it.

 

The 'trend' would be CPS or the pump on the pollution crap oxygen sensors.

 

Whats a "CPS"?

I'm assuming the oxygen sensors are on the catalytic converter?

 

get a code .. then you'll know ... or at least where to start looking.

 

There are a HANDFUL of things that it could be. We've seen CPS failures, clogged EGR valve, bad O2 sensors, bad air pump (180 mentioned that) and several other failures turn the light on.

The CPS is the Crankshaft Position sensor, a REAL common item to fail, sometimes it lights the light, sometimes it just fails and your car quits.
I've never had a failure, but I carry a spare CPS at all times, due to the problems others have had. They are hard to find and expensive locally, but you can order them online for as little as $50.

 

Ah great. Any tutorials on how to install it?

 

Just wait to see what your code is first.

But yes, many posts here on changing it. No big deal.

Search "CPS"

 

Then refer to this link / list to see what the code means:

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

 

I've been dealing with these kinds of engine codes for the past 4 years, and what I've found is that you should always try the simplest things first. I've had the CPS replaced in 2008, oxygen sensors - 4 of them changed in 2009, and 2 more in 2011. I got screwed in both instances. I ended up paying the car dealer $2100 in all for repairs. After all that repair work, I still had the same problem. The engine would just cut-off in the middle of the road, no start issue or just sputter.

Typical Engine codes thrown:
p0410 - related to Catalytic Converter
p0562 - related to battery but it may be activated
p0335 - related to Crank Position Sensor CPS (sometimes this will indicate Engine misfires. It's possible to activate this to code when driving )

So the lesson learned is you should never underestimate the more obvious. Do a basic Tune-up, these cars love 'em.

Remove Air Box screws and remove Air Filters. You'll need a Torx-25 bit and driver-handle. Slap the dirt out of them and put them back in if your in a jam. Don't forget to replace them with new ones ASAP.

Very Basic Tune-Up
2 Cheap Air Filters (4 in a box): $18 - O'rielly's Auto Parts

Optional:
1 Bottle of Chevron Techron: $7 - At most Gas Stations
1 Full Tank of Gas: $48 - Depends on gas prices

Total: $73

Now, take your car on the highway and drive the HELL out of it for at least 150 miles!

 

^^^Awesome stuff man. Car is still running like new so I'm hoping its something simple.