Archived Help Malfunction Indicator light on

[barbwire]

I changed oil on the 04 today. While doing so I took the tube off from the air cleaner to the turbo. When I did that I also unhooked the wire plug at the air cleaner housing, to get it out of the way. When I was done , I started the eng. to check for leaks and had oil pressure imediatly. However I forgot to plug in the wire , and drove a couple blocks to home, and that is when I noticed the MIL on, on the upper left side of the dash. I shut it off, plugged the wire in , started it back up and the light stayed on.

The owners manual says that prolonged driving with the light on could cause damage to the engine control system. Also affecting fuel economy and driveability.

I am 80 mi. away from any dealers or shops with any ability to work on these rigs.

I need some suggestions.

PS I am assuming that the wire unplugged caused the situation. :{

 

[Matt400]

No big deal, just continue to drive and it should clear on its own after several drive cycles. If not post back.

 

[barbwire]

Thanks Matt. You do not think it will do damage , like the book says?

 

[barbwire]

I guess it is still under warrenty, but I would sure hate to lose my good mileage. Not to mention the time spent and lost.

 

[Matt400]

I know on gas vehicles the manufactures design into the software a secondary safety measure on these lamps.

If the computer sees a fault that is severe enough to cause other damage it will flash the lamp on and off continuously as a warning to get it taken care of now. Diesels are most likely the same way.



A steady lamp that is on can be an indication of a fault -or- that a fault was detected at one time so its not as critical. I would bet your lamp will go out after several drive cycles as the computer sees the correct data from the sensor that was left unplugged.



Another option would be to disconnect both negative battery cables for a few seconds as that will clear the lamp, if it resets then a hard fault was found.

 

[barbwire]

Matt, you were right. I had to do a bunch of short trips today to hook up trailer & this that & another thing, and after about the third startup, light out. Feel better now!