I was detailing the engine today and unpluged/replugged the adapter that attaches to the piece shown in the photo. I then drove 5 miles and my emissions light (that looks like an engine block) came on. I found out that it had come unplugged, so I plugged it back in securely. Unfortunately the light hasn't gone off.

1) What is this thing that came unplugged? (excuse my ignorance)

2) Did I potentially damage the car?




Thanks!

 

let it cycle through a couple times. the light should reset itself.

when i replaced my intake, i forgot to plug in my MAF sensor, my light stayed on for the rest of the evening, the next day it shut itself off.

 

I just eyeballed that part you circled on my GD and I want to say that it is the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation Valve but not 100% sure so I am doing a little search on Bernardi Parts to figure out what it is for sure.

 

Is that good news or bad news?

 

unplug it. its not a big deal. i have run mine unplugged before. it will not damage the motor at all.

j's racing runs their street fit with a block off plate where that goes.

 

Thought so, it is the EGR valve (# 16). I'd recommend ensuring that the plug is properly connected and try driving around for a bit to see if the code resets itself. If not go to a place like Autozone or O'Reily's, have them pull up the code (EGR codes are listed as the following: P0382, P0400 through P04008, P1101, P1403, P1404, P1405, P1406, P1407, P1409), and clear the code.

If you want a list of the P codes, I can either find them on the forum and post up the link to the thread in here or send them to you via PM.

 

thank you thank you thank you for the help...so no damage done?

 

Assuming it's the EGR valve, you minorly damaged the environment by releasing some nitrogen oxides into the environment. In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal.

As for the CEL, when the computer notices something really wrong, like a sensor not responding, the CEL comes on and stays on for a long while, because the computer wants whatever it is checked out, even if its an intermittent problem. The computer doesn't know you've fixed the problem until you tell it or it doesn't see the problem for a long while. Autozone should be able to clear the CEL, or you can leave the battery unplugged for a few minutes and that also resets it (have your radio code handy though).

 

i just unplugged mine for my drive home and my cel didnt turn on.

 

strange...3x's checked all other plugs and hoses...but I know this one was off when the light came on.

 

Just disconnect your battery and reconnect it.....should clear any codes you have that popped up....if it turns back on, well then just wait it out until figures out it's life, you have done absolutely no damage to your car

 

I beleive you are talking about the 'check engine' light. Once that lights because you unplugged the EGR vave the light will remain on til you clear the signal. Thats done with an OBD II inspection gage. When it's used you will get the code which identifies the 'defect' and then you can erase the signal using the inspection gage. The signal will then be off and the OBD circuit ignored for up to 200 miles before coming back on line. If the defect has gone away, the light will not come back on.
Those with Fits in places where inspections required for license plate renewals need to know that if the light comes on and you clear the light, you cannot quickly pass inspection because the OBD system has not come back on line. It may take from 25 to 200 miles for it to come back on line.
When you get an O2 sensor or cat signal 'defect' always drive 10-15 miles at elevated rpm and load after clearing the signal; more often than not the signal light will not return as the elevated temperature tends to clear the sensor of carbon masking the exhaust. Then get your inspection quickly.
PS the OBD checking gage is available at most chain autoparts places for around $50. Very handy tool to have
good luck.

 

I clear the CEL by disconnecting the negative cable on the battery and reconnecting it... You will have to re enter the security code on the radio after doing this, or of course like has previously been said just wait and it will go out..

 

or just take it to your local autoparts store and have them clear the code if you're annoyed.

you can buy a ODB2 reader for cheap.. i have a acron one in my garage.

 

I just remembered that my ScanGauge can also clear codes... I would get one if for just the other info it gives reads outs of... I keep mine set on water and intake air temperature, ignition timing and voltage. There are many more things you can monitor with one.

 

The ultra-gauge is looking mighty tempting at half the price and nearly as many features.

 

That's the truth if you are a GE owner.. It wouldn't readout as much info on a GD because unlike the GE there isn't a mass air flow sensor. The ultra gauge has a great price.