MIL - Malfunction Indicator Light after headers installation

[nakz]

Hi GUys,

I'm getting the "MIL - Malfunction Indicator Light" after i had my headers installed.. Is this normal after you replace the OEM headers?

Thanks

[chargeR]

Do you mean the check engine light? If you installed a header with no cat then it is normal to get a check engine light.

[nakz]

i have the full exhaust system, headers and cat back.. will resetting ECU help get rid of the "MIL - Malfunction Indicator Light" ??
thanks

[45SET]

what headers did you get? Is there a cat attached to the headers?

The ECU has two wires that plug into the headers, one before and one after the cat. Due to the differant design of the headers and the placement of the cat, the plug after the cat is not long enough, so has to be lengthened... which needs the right type of wire.

If you had the headers fitted and the engine light was on stright after fitting them, take it back to whoever fitted the headers and tell them to fix it free of charge... it'll most probably be the reason I stated above.

Also, you should reset your ECU (deconnect battery for 10 min) after you do exhuast and intake mods, but let it sit for 5 min... then drive it

EDIT: I just found out what headers your got... buddy club racing spec... there is no cat, so you'll basically have to live with it... also... you do know its illigal to not run a cat.

http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=n70814214212793273743nk3.jpg

[6000rpm]

secondary o2 sensor will be giving the cel if you have no cat.

a defouler setup on the secondary might stop the cel.

[nakz]

yes i have buddy club racing spec... i didnt know that it illegal.. why would it be illegal?



what headers did you get? Is there a cat attached to the headers?

The ECU has two wires that plug into the headers, one before and one after the cat. Due to the differant design of the headers and the placement of the cat, the plug after the cat is not long enough, so has to be lengthened... which needs the right type of wire.

If you had the headers fitted and the engine light was on stright after fitting them, take it back to whoever fitted the headers and tell them to fix it free of charge... it'll most probably be the reason I stated above.

Also, you should reset your ECU (deconnect battery for 10 min) after you do exhuast and intake mods, but let it sit for 5 min... then drive it

EDIT: I just found out what headers your got... buddy club racing spec... there is no cat, so you'll basically have to live with it... also... you do know its illigal to not run a cat.

http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=n70814214212793273743nk3.jpg






how do i defouler it? thanks


secondary o2 sensor will be giving the cel if you have no cat.

a defouler setup on the secondary might stop the cel.

[45SET]

yes i have buddy club racing spec... i didnt know that it illegal.. why would it be illegal?

Do you know what the point of a "catalytic converter" is? Read your local traffic authority website to see what the penalties are... they normally aren't good.

Wiki to the rescue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter)

I'm amazed the place that fitted it didn't tell you.

[nakz]

nope.. now i do.. >< its bad for the environment.. but great for my car.. what is ur recommendation ?? remove it?? can i still put a "catalytic converter" in??


Do you know what the point of a "catalytic converter" is? Read your local traffic authority website to see what the penalties are... they normally aren't good.

Wiki to the rescue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter)

I'm amazed the place that fitted it didn't tell you.

[45SET]

some people on this site are going to say to just keep it because the cops are never going to check... others are going to say to get a cat ASAP... i am one of the latter.

You COULD hack up your headers and get a cat put it... but if you can afford it i would get a differant set of headers and offload the ones you have... but as i said... others are going to say to just keep them... so its really up to you at the end of the day.

But let this be a lesson to you, investigate your mods before you buy them, and make sure they legal and are going to do what you want.

[nakz]

i think i found a fix for this problem.. check this out

DIY : http://my.is/forums/f88/o2-sim-adapter-cel-fix-coupler-25-a-354011/


OR

O2 Simulator Adapter CEL Fix (Mechanical)

Product Description:

Item is used when a Header, Downpipe, Testpipe or other performance part is added that removes the catalytic converter.
This is a "Mechanical Insert" item so no wire cutting or splicing.
What is happening is the O2 sensor is not able to take a proper reading from the added exhaust flow.
Thus it trips the ECU and puts it in "Limp Mode" & you are not benefiting from the added horsepower from your test pipe, high flow cat, downpipe, or high performance exhaust!
Our simulator simply is screwed on to your existing O2 sensor and the assembly is replaced into the O2 bung.
Clear the code (Reset Battery) and your set!
Easier to install and more reliable than an electrical device!

http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-74684326539276_2023_9431834

[45SET]

Yeah it'll remove the CEL, but your still not running a cat... which is highly illigal. These headers should only really be used for "race use"... like the name suggests.

Either way, this is only a "band aid" fix as its only tricking the ECU into thinking all is good.

If your still running the stock ECU I would probably put the OEM headers back on, because the computer is going to start flipping out (if it already hasn't) and start running rich or lean... which isn't good for the motor in the long run.

Could one of you other guys (ChargeR etc) please correct me if i'm worng.

[IEVAQ8]

a cat is there for a reason..............weather u make ur car a performance car or not, u still need some sort of emissions control...............which i dont believe cats do that well once u have a high flow, but i have to agree with 45SET on this one

[nakz]

i'm not going take it out cuz it costs me heaps for the headers and installation.. it going to costs me more to have it remove... i think the bypass is good for now..