CEL blinking

spinhead · 04-08-2011, 08:37 AM

I had Berk HFCs and exhaust installed three weeks ago. Yesterday while driving on the highway, my CEL came on and slowly blinked for about 10 seconds, then went off. About 30 seconds later, it came on again blinked for 10 seconds, then shut off for good. No limp mode or any weird noises that I could tell. I did a quick check of the forums and if the CEL was due to O2 sensors, it would stay on steady instead of blinking. Blinking means cylinder misfire, which has me scared. Any suggestions on a course of action?

christian370z · 04-08-2011, 10:30 AM

You have to hook a scanner up to the OBD 2 port to see if there are any stored codes, but I doubt the blinking CEL has anything to do with the Berks as a cat inefficiency CEL would be steady.

Spencer@Z1 · 04-08-2011, 11:00 AM

I doubt it's a problem with the cats too, but generally a blinking CEL indicates a "catalyst damaging misfire". Doesn't sound like you are actually encountering it, but I would agree with christian370Z, you should get a scanner on it and check it out.

One beautiful thing about the 370Z and the CAN system is the freeze frame data on a stored code is much better than old OBDII standards, so if there is a code stored the information in the freeze frame should be quite helpful.

cfweber · 04-08-2011, 11:15 AM

your Z is practically brand new, right?

can't you have Nissan check it out?

spinhead · 04-08-2011, 11:36 AM

Taking it to the dealer right now. CEL is now on solid, car idles at 1k RPM.

XwChriswX · 04-08-2011, 01:02 PM

Problem with going to the dealer is if its something wrong with the o2 sensor, they could say that you putting in the HFC damaged it and potentially not cover it under the warranty...

ChipsWithDips · 04-08-2011, 01:15 PM

Most parts stores (Autozone, etc.) also will check your diagnostic codes for free. It's just a matter of plugging into the OBD II port.

spinhead · 04-08-2011, 04:55 PM

Turns out the issue was my shoddy install of my stillen g3 intakes. I overtightened one of the claps, and airflow ratio was different. Shows how much of a mechanic I am =/

XwChriswX · 04-08-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinhead

Turns out the issue was my shoddy install of my stillen g3 intakes. I overtightened one of the claps, and airflow ratio was different. Shows how much of a mechanic I am =/

It's a simple mistake anyone would make. No harm no foul.

But the code is cleared now right? Smooth sailing time!

04-08-2011, 08:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
spinhead Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: N. Bethesda, MD Posts: 162 Drives: 09 370z BS 6MT Rep Power: 3387	CEL blinking I had Berk HFCs and exhaust installed three weeks ago. Yesterday while driving on the highway, my CEL came on and slowly blinked for about 10 seconds, then went off. About 30 seconds later, it came on again blinked for 10 seconds, then shut off for good. No limp mode or any weird noises that I could tell. I did a quick check of the forums and if the CEL was due to O2 sensors, it would stay on steady instead of blinking. Blinking means cylinder misfire, which has me scared. Any suggestions on a course of action? __________________ Consequences will never be the same.

04-08-2011, 10:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 431	You have to hook a scanner up to the OBD 2 port to see if there are any stored codes, but I doubt the blinking CEL has anything to do with the Berks as a cat inefficiency CEL would be steady. __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

04-08-2011, 11:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
cfweber Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Independence Posts: 388 Drives: 10 370Z BS 6 SP Rep Power: 14	warranty your Z is practically brand new, right? can't you have Nissan check it out?

04-08-2011, 11:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
spinhead Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: N. Bethesda, MD Posts: 162 Drives: 09 370z BS 6MT Rep Power: 3387	Taking it to the dealer right now. CEL is now on solid, car idles at 1k RPM. __________________ Consequences will never be the same.

04-08-2011, 01:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
XwChriswX WFLYIDNNE Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: In The Fastlane Posts: 50,648 Drives: 02 GDB WRX Rep Power: 451	Problem with going to the dealer is if its something wrong with the o2 sensor, they could say that you putting in the HFC damaged it and potentially not cover it under the warranty... __________________ Bonnie - Stage 2, Audio build coming this fall! R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

04-08-2011, 11:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Spencer@Z1 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Hiram, GA Posts: 83 Drives: 2011 370Z track rat Rep Power: 14	I doubt it's a problem with the cats too, but generally a blinking CEL indicates a "catalyst damaging misfire". Doesn't sound like you are actually encountering it, but I would agree with christian370Z, you should get a scanner on it and check it out. One beautiful thing about the 370Z and the CAN system is the freeze frame data on a stored code is much better than old OBDII standards, so if there is a code stored the information in the freeze frame should be quite helpful.

04-08-2011, 01:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
ChipsWithDips Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 279 Drives: '11 Gunmetal 370Z MT Rep Power: 14	Most parts stores (Autozone, etc.) also will check your diagnostic codes for free. It's just a matter of plugging into the OBD II port.

04-08-2011, 04:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
spinhead Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: N. Bethesda, MD Posts: 162 Drives: 09 370z BS 6MT Rep Power: 3387	Turns out the issue was my shoddy install of my stillen g3 intakes. I overtightened one of the claps, and airflow ratio was different. Shows how much of a mechanic I am =/ __________________ Consequences will never be the same.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Just installed my Berk HFC's, SES Light blinking. Indicating misfire??	rsximus	Intake/Exhaust	9	04-07-2010 09:01 PM
Cool blinking emergency/caution lights	cpehaot	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	0	10-01-2009 07:05 PM