Check Engine Light Came On

Started car short while ago (2000 C4, tip) and check engine light came on. Car seems to run fine and nothing unusual. Oil level is fine, gas cap ok, didn't refuel with engine running or key engaged (yeah...I did that once...when I was really, really tired and cold...duhhh). It's about 40 degrees out and, as I said, everything seems to be running a ok. Anyway, wondering if anyone has any suggestions before I haul the beast to the local shop. I know...could be a million things...appreciate any thoughts/ideas.

Suggestion: Go out and buy a scanner ($250 or less) and see what the error code is. You will need this scanner for years to come in al your cars.

Yep, budget units can be had for sub $100..

or go to advance auto parts/autozone for a free 'read' if you don't want to buy one right now

Thanks for the suggestion...I'll give Autozone a call (assume I can find one locally in Detroit area) and check it out and post back what I find. Thanks all for your feedback.

You don't have to call, just show up and someone will come outside with the device to read the error. You might as well get him to clear the code while you're there.

CEL's are almost always emissions systems problems, the dealer should still warranty it up to 80k miles.

Ok...went by Autozone and they helped me out with the OBD tester. I have a funny feeling this is the air/fuel sensor unit (hotwire?)...I vaguely recall these being an occassional problem for the 996 and that some "fixed" the problem by cleaning it and others had to have the whole unit replaced for $$. I tried a search on rennlist but it keeps timing out. Any suggestions?

Look under MAF.

Man o man...these things are the bane of my existence. I had a MAF sensor problem on my 87 Carrera a few years back. Shop in Seattle said they had to remove it and replace with the old air box because of throttle sticking issues and they couldn't repair the hot wire model (danger, danger). Cost me $600. Then, when I got the car back (daily driver) the issue was still there. I put stop payment on my credit card. Had several conf. calls with the shop and the MAF (hotwire version) maker (I think it was AutoThority) and at the end of it all, it turned out...surprise, surprise, that I personally reinstalled the MAF, returned the airbox and got my money back. The real issue was the chip in the car...got a new/used chip for $200...a month of headaches due to incorrect diagnosis of the MAF. Now, with this car, I've had the CEL come on for the second time. First time, the shop cleaned the MAF and that took care of it (about 2 years ago). Hopefully...this is the same issue again... All I can see is...I have learned to hate the words...Mass Air Flow Sensor. Will keep you all posted. Thanks for your help in advance of resolution. Every time I take my car to the dealer (won't name the name) it's a min. of $500...even if they just vaccum the floormats.

What is the code?

See above, p1128

The 1128 is not necessarily your MAF. The 1128 is not necessarily your MAF. What it means is that the O2 sensor on bank 1 reached it's voltage limit while trying to add fuel to bank 1 at heavy load. This means that bank 1 is running lean. It very well could be the MAF, but normally your would get a 1130 code with it. Other possible causes include having an intake leak or a clogged fuel injector, and several other possabilities. It is also possible that your O2 sensor is wearing out. I would clean the MAF with starter fluid and reinstall. Check your intake system and vacuum lines for cracks, etc. Put in a bottle of injector cleaner in your gas tank. Check for exhaust leak on bank 1. Like I said, buy yourself a good scanner so you can see what the sensors are doing anytime you want.

Naah, you're not blind...I made the mistake of posting the code in the header...amazing how the eyes will play tricks on us. I will often search in the body text and forget to read the headline. The shop cleaned the MAF for me last time and that seemed to handle it (I called them and asked them to, in lieu of a new MAF...I was correct)...the car had been in for another service. I'll report back with my findings...thanks again

I just called Len's Crafters. Keep us posted.

As many already suggested, try cleaning the sensor before taking it to the dealer...

Yes, I plan to clean it tonight. I will also do the injector cleaner. I'm not sure how to check for a vaccum leak...I don't see any cracks in any boots/intakes...but then, with the engine compartment as stuffed as it is, how do you see that ****e anyway? After I clean the MAF, do I need to reset the Check Engine Light? If so, how do I reset that?

Go back to autozone. Most of the readers can also clear the codes...

Disconnect the negative battery cable for 2 minutes. Reconnect and codes are gone. Reenter radio code. It will take a few drive cycles for the idle to settle down while the computer adjusts.

JC Whitney has OBD II scanner for $99.00 with a case

What a perfectly timed thread. Had my check engine light come on two days ago.. and bought the Actron cp9145 ( $280 ) from Autozone.. It was this or a dirt cheap one and I like that this one "knows" all the cars - so I just told it 1999 911 and it interprets the codes into somewhat meaninful phrases. By coincidence... 1128 and 1130. I cleared the codes [ The other great thing that these tools can do ] to reset the check engine light, and will see if they reoccur - and if they do I'll be back to ask you where the sensor is that I have to clean ;-) I'm assuming that these codes indicate issues that affect performance / efficiency rather than impending self destruction? Thanks Keith

If what you got is just a code reader, can you take it back?. Or does it display all the sensor reading real time? Simply knowing what error code cause the CEL is not enough. You can get the complete package at http://www.autoenginuity.com/products.html for less money too. I am not endorsing their product, as there are several others out there that do the job too.

I had p1128 and it was a cracked oil bellows separator tube.

It does real time.. to quote the box it does both "Live sensor data" and "displays freeze frame data". It can then hookup to a laptop and dump that into the supplied software for analysis. I just realized that I am yet to emission this car ( just got it ) so if it's something that creates an emission failure I'm in luck.. seller ( dealer ) is resonsible for getting it through emissions. Keith

thanks for the tip...was at Autozone but they wouldn't clear the code. I'll pull the cable (thankfully...I know where my radio code is...) Also, to remove the MAF, I need a special tool? Why can't we just have one tool that does it all? Where do I find this "special" tool????

Great! It will be a big help down the road...for all OBD2 cars, not just your Porsche. When you have some time, hook it up and look at all the sensor readings it monitors at various engine speeds and idle. Write them down and put them in your glove box. The list will come in handy when you have problems and need to know what NORMAL is.

Appears the Techron did the job...I was at Autozone buying the Torx security tool to get the MAF sensor off...when I started the car I noticed...the CEL was off...mmmm...perhaps a clogged injector or fuel filter, etc. was the problem? Not looking a gifthorse in the mouth...hope it stays off... Thanks all for the wide ranging suggestions...it appears the Techron did the job...for now...

Dude, that product looks pretty awesome? Did you just buy it from their site, or did you find a retailer that sells it for even less?