Need help for "Check Engine Light"

[billinsf]

Hi Guys,

I drive a 2003 MSP whose Check Engine Light has come on 3 times in the last couple of months and then goes out after about 7 or 8 days. Today I took my car to a local garage and they found that the error codes indicated two problems: 1) intake air was cold; 2)intake maniford seemed to have some kind of blockage. The mechanic told me to take the car to a Mazda dealer. I should say that each of the 3 times the light came on I had just crossed the foggy Golden Gate Bridge and was accelerating up a long, moderately steep grade. I wonder if the colder foggy air is causing the light to come on. I should also say that I have a couple of mods: Injen CAI and a ********** Intercooler.

Would do you guys think? Should I wait another few days and see if the light turns off or should I take it to the dealer or what?

Any advice will be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks,
billinsf(uhm)

 

[dirtysouth_msp]

Hi Guys,

I drive a 2003 MSP whose Check Engine Light has come on 3 times in the last couple of months and then goes out after about 7 or 8 days. Today I took my car to a local garage and they found that the error codes indicated two problems: 1) intake air was cold; 2)intake maniford seemed to have some kind of blockage. The mechanic told me to take the car to a Mazda dealer. I should say that each of the 3 times the light came on I had just crossed the foggy Golden Gate Bridge and was accelerating up a long, moderately steep grade. I wonder if the colder foggy air is causing the light to come on. I should also say that I have a couple of mods: Injen CAI and a ********** Intercooler.

Would do you guys think? Should I wait another few days and see if the light turns off or should I take it to the dealer or what?

Any advice will be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks,
billinsf(uhm)

No, do not wait. Go get the codes read or have a full diagnostics run on the vehicle. If you guys have Autozone out there, they will at least give you the codes and maybe we can help. Get the codes read first, we can't help you at all without more info.

 

[BlueKnight03]

Mine also does the same with the check engine light but it comes on and off more frequent that that. The engine seems to be performing perfectly. Should I take it to the dealer or what?

 

[fr0st]

my wife's 99 prot had a cel a long time..

it was that recirculation valve under the fuel tank.. well beside it on the drivers side back fender-bumper.. ironically, it's the same part on my msp

it could be that..

but yeah get the codes out or do like i did and buy yourself a OBD2 code reader of ebay.. and do it yourself.

 

[BlueKnight03]

I just had it checked and it said it says that the oxygen sensor might be defective, any idea how much it is to fix?

 

[fr0st]

the OEM is expensive..

which one is it? the one on the exasut manifold or the one next to the cats?

you can buy aftermarket for that... costs alot less..

 

[BlueKnight03]

It says the computer is receiving a low voltage indicating the system has a high content of oxygen?

 

[dirtysouth_msp]

Did you get the code number? It should tell you if it is bank1 sensor1 (in manifold) or bank1 sensor2 (after or between cats). If all you have is the code number, I can tell you which sensor. There is no guarantee that a new sensor will fix the problem though.

 

[BlueKnight03]

It is in oxygen sensor 1 in bank 1.

 

[BlueKnight03]

It's still safe to drive right? I mean nothing seems wrong with the engine itself, but I plan on getting it fixed asap.

 

[Witchdoktor]

P0171 bank 1 sensor 1

maf (mass air flow) dirty or went bad, first O2 sensor bad, vacuum leak are the main culprits. driving it isn't the end of the world, just losing mpg. don't play the guessing game and throw parts at the car. if you're not sure how to diagnose it let the dealer or a good shop fix things.