[ale] OT: check light diagnostic tool

Thu Jun 13 05:25:56 EDT 2013

Seriously? I had no idea Mazda and ford were bedded at any point in the
past... Well, if that's the case, have fun. Everyone I know with 90s era
Rangers and derivatives have some serious issues. Lighting problems,
computer problems... Don't get me started on the dome light and speed
sensor combo on a single circuit...
On Jun 12, 2013 11:17 PM, "Scott Castaline" <skotchman at gmail.com> wrote:

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> You may want to check what Ford Ranger owners are experiencing as the
> B series Mazadas are actually Ford Rangers. I had 3 of them in the mid
> 90's and there were intermittent computer related problems with them.
>
>
> On 06/12/2013 01:53 PM, Geoffrey Myers wrote:
> > Good stuff there. 109k miles. Not a lot for a 1999, but good many
> > miles.
> >
> > One thing I have noticed just over the past few days is engine
> > noise in the radio. Not seen that before.
> >
> > -- From my iPhone Geoffrey Myers
> >
> > On Jun 12, 2013, at 1:42 PM, Greg Clifton <gccfof5 at gmail.com
> > <mailto:gccfof5 at gmail.com>> wrote:
> >
> >> I have not seen a "check gauge" light, but for a vehicle of that
> >> age, I would suspect a failing sensor. However, it would be a
> >> good idea to clean your battery terminals if you haven't done
> >> that in a while. All manner of spurious computer codes can be
> >> generated when the power level (generally due to marginal ground
> >> connections since US cars are pretty much all NEGATIVE ground
> >> systems).
> >>
> >> If that is of no help, sensors that might be suspect would be
> >> Coolant Temp, MAF or AMP and Intake Air Temp sensor depending on
> >> what type of air metering system your vehicle has. It could also
> >> be an oil pressure sensor, on some cars a failure of this sensor
> >> will kill the spark and cause driveability  issues.  One more
> >> that just occurred to me is the possibility of a faulty fuel
> >> pressure sensor (often part of the fuel pump assembly in the
> >> tank, which could also be failing with this age vehicle,
> >> depending on the mileage). I wouldn't suspect the knock sensors,
> >> however a look at the plugs and the spark wires (assuming you
> >> don't have coil on plug) might be in order.
> >>
> >> Has you MPG changed since the light has started coming on? In my
> >> experience the most common causes of check engine lights being
> >> illuminated are loose gas cap, other vacuum leak, clogged EGR
> >> pipe/valve and O2 sensor [heater] failure (roughly but not
> >> absolutely in that order). But none of these are "gauged" sensors
> >> so I don't see how they could be involved in your case.
> >>
> >>
> >> On Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 12:55 PM, Ron Frazier (ALE)
> >> <atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com
> >> <mailto:atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com>> wrote:
> >>
> >> From other comments, it sounds like the check gauge light (never
> >> heard of that) is different from check engine, so this may not
> >> be relevant to you.  For what it's worth, I had an intermittent
> >> check engine light on a 2002 toyota camry that I ultimately
> >> traded.  It went on and off for years with sometimes months
> >> between cycles. We managed to read a scan code on it while it was
> >> on once and the mechanic said the catalytic converter was on the
> >> verge of failure. It would do slightly better or worse depending
> >> on drive time, ambient conditions, and fuel characteristics (I
> >> assume).  I managed to get the light to go off a couple of times
> >> with a fuel additive.  O2 sensors and mass air flow sensors can
> >> also cause problems like this.  You probably already know it, but
> >> you cannot pass an emissions test if such a light is on.  If I
> >> remember correctly, and what people may not know, is that an
> >> emission test result is valid for up to 1 year.  So, you can get
> >> the emissions tested when the li! ght is off, and then go use
> >> that months later to buy your tag.
> >>
> >> Sincerely,
> >>
> >> Ron
> >>
> >>
> >> Geoffrey Myers <lists at serioustechnology.com
> >> <mailto:lists at serioustechnology.com>> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Yes, it is for a 1999 Mazda pickup. Really would like
> >>> immediate results, so don't want to wait for over night
> >>> shipping. Took it by autozone a while back, but did not show
> >>> anything. Also, it
> >> doesn't stay
> >>> on. Has been blinking on and off for a couple of months. Just
> >> recently
> >>> it has been coming on more regularly, hence the inquiry. I'll
> >> check my
> >>> local auto parts stores.
> >>>
> >>> -- From my iPhone Geoffrey Myers
> >>>
> >>> On Jun 12, 2013, at 11:49 AM, neal <neal at mnopltd.com
> >> <mailto:neal at mnopltd.com>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> If you need immediate results, as noted Autozone will do for
> >>>> free.
> >>>>
> >>>> Note that stock ODBC readers will NOT find all manufacturer
> >> data, at
> >>> least for Toyota and Mercedes there is a wealth of data ODBC
> >>> cannot access - only dealer computers can.     In many cases
> >>> the DTC code is only an approximation of what is really going
> >>> on.  You can experiment with crowd-sourcing your DTC code
> >>> against what others have done
> >> to fix,
> >>> but, unless it's cheap to try, you might be better off getting
> >>> the dealer to read the real codes.
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Sent from Samsung tablet
> >>>>
> >>>> Phil Turmel <philip at turmel.org <mailto:philip at turmel.org>>
> >>>> wrote: On 06/12/2013 09:48 AM, Geoffrey Myers wrote:
> >>>>> Looking for recommendations. Can one be purchased locally?
> >>>>
> >>>> I've been extremely happy with a simple "ELM-327" bluetooth
> >>>> dongle
> >>> and
> >>>> "Torque Pro" on my android phone.
> >>>>
> >>>> Phil
> >>>>
> >>>> _______________________________________________ Ale mailing
> >>>> list Ale at ale.org <mailto:Ale at ale.org>
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> >>>
> >>>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> >>
> >>>
> >
> >>> _______________________________________________ Ale mailing
> >>> list Ale at ale.org <mailto:Ale at ale.org>
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> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Sent from my Android Acer A500 tablet with bluetooth keyboard
> >> and K-9 Mail. Please excuse my potential brevity if I'm typing on
> >> the touch screen.
> >>
> >> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might
> >> want to call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from
> >> alternate energy mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new
> >> email messages very quickly.)
> >>
> >> Ron Frazier 770-205-9422 <tel:770-205-9422> (O)   Leave a
> >> message. linuxdude AT techstarship.com <http://techstarship.com>
> >> Litecoin: LZzAJu9rZEWzALxDhAHnWLRvybVAVgwTh3 Bitcoin:
> >> 15s3aLVsxm8EuQvT8gUDw3RWqvuY9hPGUU
> >>
> >>
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