Engine Light Problem Options

[Ruthie]

Hi,

I have a newly aquired imported GT. The engine light comes on at 75mph. I could toodle about all day under that speed with no problem, but as soon as I go over the light comes on, but there are no obvious driving or engine probs as such.
I've read through some of the forum topics, and this seems to be a bit of a problem for ST's. I had thought it something to do with a former limiter that I was told it had in Japan, which has now been disconnected. However general consensus of opinion seems to be that GT's don't have limiters. Is that the case?? Or do we know of Japanese imports that do? Its the only thing I can think of. I'm gonna have a look at fitting a switch inline as suggested in some posted messages to see if that solves the problem, but I'd welcome any other suggestions.

Ruth

[Supersprynt]

GT's in the US dont have limiters, in Japan its law that all cars are limited. Now im not 100% sure of that, but the laws are so strict over there, that i tink its true. I right now i have a similar issue, my engine light comes on after i rev above a certain level, and goes off after i come down. But i have a USDM GT with a JDM engine, so its not the same. Mine can be pollution controls asking whats up?

The speed limiter on the 3sgte ECU is 112mph (180km) so kicking in at 75 isnt right. Now how did you import it? Companies import cars but hook up necessary EGR equipment to them so that they are street legal. This is done on some Skylines. I kno i havent solved your problem, but some thoughts are better than nuthin.

BTW: Welcome

This post has been edited by Supersprynt: Aug 20, 2003 - 7:41 AM

[Ruthie]

Hi Sprynt,

Thanks for that!
I've been doing a bit of reading up on Japan, speed limits etc, and yes you're right, my light coming on a 75mph just doesn't ring true, and the fact that it won't go off again when I bring the speed down is a pain.
last night I decided to drive like a hooligan on the way home from work (10pm, roads clear) and the light didn't come on till nearer 100mph, so now confusion has set in!! Like I said before, there is no obvious defects, the engine sounds sweet, driving well.... apart from the fact that I have a slight notion that my 2.0ltr Citroen Xantia might be faster!!!! ( A major surprise in itself! )
I think I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and have a diagnostic test done.

The car was imported through a reliable import company... or so I'm told, but going on some of the wee touch up jobs I asked them to do, they've probably just cut the limiter wire.... no doubt time will tell.

Anyway, I thank you for your response!! If you have a brainwave, be sure to share it with me!!

BTW: Nice car!! :-)

[neophile]

Hi

Just a thought, I had a similar problem with my Corolla GT - the car seemed to be running sweet, but when pushed hard or at higher speeds the 'check engine' light would light up for a while, then go off, for no apparent reason.

For me the solution was to get new Leads - May guess is that once the engine was under a little pressure (accelerating/high speed) one or all of the leads wasn't delivering a good enough charge to the spark plugs, and the engine management computer thingy picked up on this.

The problem could also be caused by a spark plug on its way out - this was the first thing I checked in the Corolla, but they were fine.

Hope this helps


Oh, and welcome to the forums

This post has been edited by neophile: Aug 21, 2003 - 6:46 AM

[Supersprynt]

There really isnt a "limiter wire." The ECU itself will cut ur fuel when you get to fast. There are ways around this, I.E. cutting your speed wire which will tell your ECU that your going 0mph. But then you dont kno how fast your going and your car wont run optimally.

[Ruthie]

Hi Neophile, thanks for info and the welcome!

Hi again Supersprynt,

Thanks again! So, there's no wire to cut then? hmm... so what was all the stuff I was reading about cutting wires and fitting an inline switch??!! I'm a VW/Audi expert myself, so, other than them I just don't have a clue!!... Does it show?? !!
Think I'll just get a diagnostic done to be on the safe side, know a few mates still in the trade. ( We were Bosch specialists ) Better that than me tampering in unknown territory don't you think!

Thanks again
R

[Supersprynt]

Thats the speed sensor they're talking about. Like if ur racing you can flip to off and u wont have a limiter, and then normally when u dont drive 112mph+ u can have it on.

[97sccelica]

the speed sensor wire has been cut.

it will not affect your car. it only becomes a problem for auto tranny's. a 5spd is controlled by the driver so the ecu doesnt really need to know the speed.

the reason the CEL is on is because when the ecu sees that you are in 4th/5th, but cant tell your speed, it throws a CEL.

dont worry about it. you could try to reconnect the wire down by the ecu and that will solve the CEL problem.

[Supersprynt]

Wouldnt you be able to tell if the sensor is cut cuz your speedo isnt working?

[Ruthie]

speedo's working fine..... but doesn't that work from a direct cable?
The ecu/speed sensor sounds good....

To be honest, I'm not that worried about it, its more an annoyance and niggle in the back of my mind.... as you have with any defect on a newly aquired car.

Loving my car to bits by the way....
BF not allowed to drive it....
and he's hating being the passenger seat totty!!!

[97sccelica]