ORM question/clarification

tcmn · **Joined:** Mon Jun 18, 2007 9:05 pm **Posts:** 26

So if I do the ORM by simple pulling the plug, and then clear the CEL with say a scanner from auto-zone, will the CEL kick off again on next startup? I assume there's no other harm, it's just an annoyance (and prevents you from getting a CEL for any other issues)?

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:13 pm

The CEL will continue to come on with the ORM unless it is cleared after start up. The biggest problem is that if you have some other trouble arise you would not know it because the CEL is already lit. MAny have purchased the Scan Gauge II to plug into the port to clear the ORM CEL and also provide other interesting data that it reads while driving. It costs btween $150 and $160.

dgeist · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:15 pm

tcmn wrote:

So if I do the ORM by simple pulling the plug, and then clear the CEL with say a scanner from auto-zone, will the CEL kick off again on next startup? I assume there's no other harm, it's just an annoyance (and prevents you from getting a CEL for any other issues)?

Basically, but I think it's the SECOND startup that will throw the CEL. You'll still be able to scan for other codes on the ODB2 interface, just not know if new things are present since the CEL is already on.

Dan

allenj · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:02 am

So just to clarify this, there is no way to force the CEL to remain off with the simple 'unplugged sensor' ORM mod?
I have one of the cheap $60 scanners that works fine to clear it, but it promptly comes back on again when I restart once or twice.
If I have to clear the CEL on every trip, it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

dgeist · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 9:23 am

allenj wrote:

So just to clarify this, there is no way to force the CEL to remain off with the simple 'unplugged sensor' ORM mod?
I have one of the cheap $60 scanners that works fine to clear it, but it promptly comes back on again when I restart once or twice.
If I have to clear the CEL on every trip, it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Allen, you'd be amazed what you can train yourself to ignore after a while. I plugged mine back in and actually caught myself noticing that that light WASN'T on and feeling I should do something about it :shock:

techTim · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:27 am

if you are the DIY type, look for the ORM mod circuit thread, or PM turboTim for a schematic and blueprint for a black box that tells the CPU everything is A-ok while the junk is really inop.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Turbo4tim/C ... 1156720898

this is his site for the little gem, it works for him, don't think anybody else has made anymore yet. I'm going to try getting the parts when I get a free moment. :roll:

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:37 am

If you have a code reader then leave the CEL on and periodically check it to see if there are any other codes listed. Also use it to clean the code if you plug the MAF back in before taking in for dealer service.

techTim · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:41 am

think of it as the performance light.
(credit for that goes to someone else)

allenj · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 12:00 pm

If it were just me I could probably ignore it and just check the codes periodically, but my wife is more paranoid :roll:

I can't really blame her, though, since two weeks after we bought our CRD the CEL came on and turned out to show (1) an invalid key had been used, (2) the starter was shorting out, AND (3) the glow plug control module had gone out. We had just bought it used from the same dealership so they paid to fix everything, but it didn't give us a good feeling in terms of reliability.

I do a fair amount of things myself, but I shy away from electronics more complex that 'solder wire A to tab B'. I think I'll wait for somebody to offer the circuit mod as a tidy package before I go that route :wink:

Thanks!

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2007 5:58 pm

Meh, check engine lights dont bother me.

What did bother me was on a 93 taruas I had the clockspring failed, when that happened it would throw an airbag light.....I could deal with just a light being on on the dash. But this thing would blink 3 times really fast, be off for a second, then flash 3 times fast.

Most annoying thing driving across the state at night.

ORM question/clarification

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