Check engine light

Tiny
JRS74656
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 4.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 218,000 MILES
When I start my vehicle after it has been sitting at least a few hours, the check engine light comes on. If, after driving for a few minutes, I turn the engine off and on again, the check engine light does not come on. This happened several months ago and eventually stopped. The garage I take it to is not able to determine the cause. Apparently, the error code is not being saved in the computer. The heater control valve was replaced three weeks ago. Engine and transmission are original equipment and in good condition.
Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 11:03 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If the garage cannot pick it up by scanning then it is intermittent then do not worry about it until it becomes a solid light. It may be the loose gas cap thing so make sure it clicks three times after a fill up.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
JRS74656
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks, that takes some of the worry off my mind. As I said, it does turn off after a restart when the engine is warm.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2017 AT 12:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 51,627 POSTS
Hello,

You might want to test for a vacuum leak which can cause intermittent stalling and a check engine light.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run this test and get back to us we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 AT 11:04 AM
Tiny
JRS74656
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi. On Monday the garage was actually able to retrieve some codes which indicated two possibilities. First, intermittent loss of voltage from the alternator. Second, transmission sensor failure. The asked if I had experienced any issues with speedometer readings or changes in A/C blower performance, among other things. The only recent thing I have noticed is a change in my low washer light. It is usually on steady all the time once my fluid drops to about 3/4 full. However, it has been intermittently on and off lately. The check engine light did not come on at all Tuesday. The one other electrical issue I have is with my right turn blinker on the instrument panel. Most of the time it does not blink. On cold mornings, or when the weather turns suddenly cooler and damp, it will work for a short while.
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Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try using dielectric grease on bulb contacts. The intermittent voltage drop my have something to do with it as well.
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Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 AT 6:08 AM

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