Engine management light flickers

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andyjf89
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Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows what the issue could be. The EML comes on when I start the car, has done since I have bought it. Initially it just flickered and went off after a while and the engine has/does run fine.

I have since noticed the light comes on and stays on until I drive the car hard and it flickers/goes off, only to come back on once I had turned the ignition off and back on again.

Any ideas?


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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by jimi »

If the Check Engine Light is coming on then follow this procedure to check for stored fault codes, https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/know-your-2.htm ... bartid=162
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by alsands_mr2 »

Could be ecu, it sounds like the problem I had. The EML would mostly stay on when I started the engine, it would stay on for at least 1/4 mile then flicker out. I had the problem for 4 years, it never harmed the running, but it started staying on longer.
Turns out it was a leaking capacitor, replaced, now all good.
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

Thank you both for the replies 👌🏼

I will try the diagnostic again, I tried it before but it didn’t show up on the dash, might have been doing it wrong to be fair.

I was thinking it could be ECU too. Did you replace the whole unit or just the leaking capacitor?

Thanks again chaps
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by alsands_mr2 »

Both, I got a replacement off ebay, then had the original repaired.
If you open up the ecu, you should be able to see if you have a capacitor leaking. There should be a sticker with the part number of the ecu on the front.
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by alsands_mr2 »

Let us know how you get on
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

Hi chaps

So I managed to get some time to take a look at the ECU.

I found two capacitors that seemed to have leaked onto the board as stated above.

I have done my research in the area and found a chap who is willing to solder in a couple of new capacitors for me at a reasonable price.

If all goes well I’ll update when I can! 😀
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by jimi »

I'd change all then ones that can be changed, they are all the same age, if a couple are leaking there's every chance the others will as well.
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

Perfect I’ll message the chap just now and see what he can do. I’ll update once I get the EXU back and plugged in

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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

So here for the update.

I have got my ECU back and plugged in, good news is the EML is no longer coming on.

Downside is the engine won’t fire. It’s turning over, has plenty battery juice and sounds healthy, but the thing won’t fire at all.

Is it worth replacing the ECU straight off the bat or should I think about the EFI fuse and relay first?
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by jimi »

Does the CEL come on with the ignition ? if not check your 15A EFI fuse and check that the EFI Main Relay is energising with the ignition switch in the on position.
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Re: Engine management light flickers

Post by andyjf89 »

jimi wrote: 24/04/20 1:01 Does the CEL come on with the ignition ? if not check your 15A EFI fuse and check that the EFI Main Relay is energising with the ignition switch in the on position.
The CEL does not come on at all now that I have the ECU connected up again. How would I check for the EFI relay?

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