CEL on...
 

So, the dreaded check engine light has decided to appear on the dash panel. I've done some searches on the subject and have to say there is a PLETHORA of info! One thing I couldn't seem to find was what the procedure is for checking the on-board diagnostic thing next to the battery. What is the position for the ignition key? Should the car be running or not?

This the first time it has appeared since I have owned it. Two or three days before, I needed to move the car from the garage so after starting it I noticed unusually strong exhaust odor. One day before, we stopped by the grocery store and when we opened the doors to leave the car there was a very strong raw fuel odor outside. It was so cold and windy I didn't take any time to investigate since it was only a few blocks from home. When we got home there was no fuel odor. The next morning we left home to go to church and when we returned to the car to leave church parking lot is when the light appeared.

Thanks for your help...:)

Verify the gas cap is tightened fully.

check the sticky that I posted at the top of this forum. as for the fuel smell, yes, check the gas cap. if that is secure, you may wanna check and make sure the fuel regulator isn't leaking...(not sure if this is a legit problem, but I know it was leaking on my model. its connected to the fuel distributor.)

lsmalley, how does a leaking fuel regulator set off the CEL?

I don't think it does set off the cel but the sticky I mentioned may have answers for it, I was referring to the strong fuel smell because I had the same problem with the fuel smell it was the fuel regulator leaking from the o-rings.

ON a 1995 car...read codes from the LED & pushbutton on the diagnostic connector

Check.

Thanks. Do I have the engine running or ignition in a certain position?

When was the last time your oxygen sensor was changed?

Key on, doesn't matter if the engine is running or not.

Press the button for 3 seconds & count the blinks.
Press for 8 seconds to erase after counting.

When you get 1 blink all of the codes are erased.

GAS cap will not cause any code on a 1995 car!

Unfortunately I can't say since I have only owned the car since August 2009. One thing for sure though, it's not been changed in my ownership! :)

Thank you, mbdoc!

I am getting 4 flashes, sooooo.... :confused:

Where next?