Check Engine Light turns off after about a minute

larc63 · Post by **larc63** » 11 Jul 2012, 15:21

About a month ago the CEL started coming on on my 2001 V70 T5, but turns off after about a minute, this happens regardless of cold start or warm. Since it goes off, the guy at autozone couldn't read any codes. The car is up for state inspection so it's important to get this fixed in the next 3 or so weeks.

Do any of you care to take a guess as to what's the problem?

I might not mind investing in a reader myself, but how could I tell if it would read codes that aren't saved or set or whatever the proper term is?

willie83 · Post by **willie83** » 11 Jul 2012, 15:42

Did the guy at Autozone actually try to read the code? Sometimes there can be a code even if the light goes off.

A code reader is worth every penny.

Post by **igel513** » 11 Jul 2012, 17:58

The light illuminating on yhour dashboard is not a CEL or DTC. It is the service reminder (time to change oil). It will light up upon starting your car and turns off in about a minute. That's the reason why the AZ guy could not find any codes. Do a search on this site on how to reset your service reminder.

larc63 · Post by **larc63** » 13 Jul 2012, 13:23

Is the DTC the message that appears in yellow-orange on the lower right side of the dash?, I've seen the service reminder and reset it in the past, so I'm more inclined to it being a CEL.

The autozone guy did try to read the codes, there were none "set", but I'm not sure if there maybe? are other registers that his reader may not have access to, or that the guy doesn't know how to look for them.

I'll do the service reminder reset later today and report back. Thanks.

Post by **JRL** » 13 Jul 2012, 18:04

It says CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE, one or the other.

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 13 Jul 2012, 22:01

usually if the triangle illuminates (orange-yellow (warnings, lights out etc), or red(stop car, fix problem, doors open, fluids low etc)) there is a message to be read on the text display.

larc63 · Post by **larc63** » 20 Jul 2012, 13:12

As igel513 said, this was in fact the service light, I wasn't paying attention upon starting the car that the check engine light is different. The light I was getting says "service" and the check engine light says (duh) check engine. I've gone through the key+trip meter dance to reset this indicator and now my car is happy and ready for state inspection. (The oil isn't due for a change for 700 more miles according to the schedule/log I have for the car)

Thanks guys!