Air Guide (skid plate) effecting Check Engine Light

IceScrewball · Post by **IceScrewball** » 26 Aug 2010, 10:27

Hi! First post.

I have a 2001 S80 with no major modifications from factory standard. A few weeks ago, the check engine light came on and I noticed a little loss of power when accelerating from a stop. I took it to a local mechanic, he replaced my spark plugs, and the light went off and the acceleration problem went away.

Then, a few days later the check engine light came on again. I returned to the mechanic, but he could find nothing wrong. I needed to travel, so I put 1000 miles on the car with no problems...except that the check engine light wouldn't go away.

After successfully returning from my trip, I was driving on the highway when the air guard fell off from under the car. It was stuck to something on the undercarriage, so I pulled it off and stuck it in my truck for the rest of the ride home. Interestingly...after I got back in the car the check engine light went off! It has been about a week and the light has remained off, and I notice no problems with acceleration.

So, my question is...can the air guard effect the check engine light? And, since the problem seems to be fixed, should I replace the air guard or just leave it off? Thanks for any help!

IceScrewball · Post by **IceScrewball** » 26 Aug 2010, 11:08

Forgot to mention that the part number for the air guide that fell off is: 8620124

Post by **jblackburn** » 26 Aug 2010, 11:13

It has nothing to do with it. That code was for something else that is now "ok", and therefore the car turned off the light after it no longer noticed the condition through several drive cycles that it was angry about in the first place.

It may yet come back - if it does, have the code read and come back with your numbers, and someone here can help you further.

As for the air guide, it both helps to protect some of the components in the "belly" of the car from things on the road and curbs. I also noticed it helps with gas mileage and engine cooling - you may be able to hang it back up with the use of zip-ties or just some rope through the mounting holes.

fs · Post by fs » 26 Aug 2010, 12:23

Skid plate also directs air to your oil cooler.