CEL question

[pelon_one]

I was running 89 octane gas in my car for the first 2 fill ups since I bought it. I went to 87 on the last fill up and it threw a CEL. It is not a steady light. It flashes at random patterns. Once the car gets warmed up, the CEL goes away. The car feels as strong as it did on 89 and I do not hear any pinging. I do not have access to a code scanner but I will be buying one this weekend. My question is, could the change in octane cause the CEL? I will pull codes this weekend and clear the codes along with going back to 89 octane and see what happens.

BTW the car is a 92 LX with Capri flared fenders and about 75000 miles on the clock. Motor is stock, K&N replacement filter, and Flowmaster muffler.

 

[Insane3D]

Your best bet is just to wait until you get the scanner instead of trying to guess. If the engine still runs fine, and you aren't getting detonation, I wouldn't worry about it for now.

As for a scanner, IMO, there is no better "bang for the buck" in code scanners for our cars than this Equus digital unit from Midway Auto Supply. It's only $33, and will pay for itself the first few times you use it. The memory feature is super handy, and no more counting flashes.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829

 

[pelon_one]

Checker has them on sale for around $30.00. I also like that you can get the extension cord for it. I've read the manual for that scanner. It has many features that I did not expect to find on a $30.00 scanner.

 

[Insane3D]

Checker has them on sale for around $30.00. I also like that you can get the extension cord for it. I've read the manual for that scanner. It has many features that I did not expect to find on a $30.00 scanner.

Ahhh...sounds like a sweet deal. I like the extension cord too, but I wish it wasn't almost as much as the reader itself...