How to turn off CEL?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 15, 2008 | 10:16 AM

obaidan

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 227

Likes: 0

How to turn off CEL?

I just had a Check Engine Light (CEL) with Kooks headers/pipe installation. If I return back the stock headers/pipe, how can I get rid of the light without taking it to the dealer?

Would highly appreciate your help ....

Jul 15, 2008 | 10:41 AM

06C6FVR

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 1,150

Likes: 2

From: League City tx

you can buy a scan tool at any good parts shop. They are a little on the expensive side, but the good thing is the one i bought works on all OBD2 cars, and most OBD1 cars, so you can use it on many other cars if need be. The one i bought is by autoxray.

This is the one I bought. I bought it at Oreilly
http://www.autoxray.com/product_detail.php?pid=126

On another note, the CEL is probably the rear O2 sensors. Any tuner can disable those and you will never have the light again. Most headers will do this. It is normal, as the O2 sensors are moved further back, so they dont read the correct amount of air. I wouldnt get rid of the headers just yet. Just my 2 cents.

Jul 15, 2008 | 10:55 AM

Bobz08C6

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 945

Likes: 1

Regardless of whether you remove the headers or not it is handy to have an OBDII scan tool as well. Here is my input from a previous post. I have the Pro Scan tool that hooks to my notebook computer via the USB port.

You can spend anywhere from $99 to $3,500 for a GM Tech II. I use this Pro Scan Universal scan tool for all my cars including the '08 Vette. It was $160.00 and includes software and free for life software upgrades. Whatever you buy make sure it is CANBUS compatable which is the new protocal for 2008.

http://www.myscantool.com/

Others on the CF have mentioned the following.
http://www.autoenginuity.com/products-scantoolpc.html

Here's a few more:

http://www.diydiagnostics.com/

http://www.autotap.com/productcat.asp?topLevelid=36

Jul 15, 2008 | 11:13 AM

danl72

Race Director

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 17,373

Likes: 6

From: Chatsworth California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobz08C6

Jul 15, 2008 | 12:10 PM

HawaiiC6

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 4,269

Likes: 4

From: Mililani HI

From your postings you did the header install and did not get a tune. Therefore I would recommend getting a Diablo Predator which can run a diagnostic check and clear all error codes. The Predator also has a Diablo tune for long tube headers which will disable the rear O2 sensors so no more CELs.

Jul 15, 2008 | 02:29 PM

Bobz08C6

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 945

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawaiiC6

Hawaii is right but you may have issues with your powertrain warranty if you modify the tune. There's lots of posts about this and whether returning the tune to the stock file will prevent GM for seeing that it was previously changed. I see you have an '08. Also the notebook scan tools give you more info and very good graphics and isn't as expensive.

If you're happy with your mods and not as concerned with the warranty, a tune is the way to go and the Predator seems to popular here on the CF.

Jul 15, 2008 | 03:36 PM

obaidan

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 227

Likes: 0

My idea was to install whatever is possible without a tune. I know one might argue just putting these modifications will void a warranty anyway so why not go all the way and put a new tune. To have peace of mind, I am trying to minimize potential risk as a wrong tune can do more damage than intalling an exhaust system or a CAI. Additionally, I didn't want to worry about the headache of tune/retune upon service visits and the annoyance of ### #### service managers who want a chance to prove to GM he is been doing his job! I heard about few people who installed headers without a tune and didn't have a CEL and wanted to take the chance but I was wrong.

I think I'll just remove the headers and keep the Vararam, x-pipe and the Borla mufflers. I should've bought a Z06 and didn't worry about an open roof option.

Thanks guys for the great info. I will see if disconnecting the battery will get rid of the CEL upon returning the stock headers, otherwise I have to take it to the dealer