Car Computer Failure - Page 3

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 08:54 AM

Hi All,

I recently purchased a Mazda Tribute, and am actually going to pick it up this weekend. I got a call from the dealer this morning, who told me that the check engine light had popped on. They checked with the OBII scanner, and according to him, no error codes popped up, so they thought that it was an error with the computer. Thus, they swapped it out, but the new computer is showing the same problem, only it isn't displaying any error codes. Do you all have any idea what the problems may/may not be?

Thanks again for the help.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 05:28 PM

And for the record, I already did a Carfax report and everything came back fine.

**Donger** · 01-18-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Ok, here's the deal:

The dealer (who in this case is a private individual/high volume seller) said he took it in for a service check per our agreement and the "Check Engine" light popped up.

They used the diagnostic tool and no computer errors were generated. He told me that made them think that the computer was at fault so they ordered a new computer, and are going to flash the new computer ( I assume this is similar to flashing BIOS). Obviously, I'm not going to pay for it before I have a functioning car that's not popping up with a "Check Engine" light.

Any ideas what other things may cause such an error, if it isn't the computer?

If the CEL is coming on, the ECU is spitting out at least one error code, whether they can read it or not.

Honestly Hamas, either someone's messing with you or the person using the tool is an idiot.

There are hundreds of error codes, IIRC. Could be anything.

If I were you, I'd see if you can get your own OBD tool so that you can check codes and either fix them or clear them yourself. I have one for my GTI and it's great. Just a serial cable to connect to the OBD port and software to run on my laptop.

C-Mac · 01-18-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Ok, here's the deal:

The dealer (who in this case is a private individual/high volume seller) said he took it in for a service check per our agreement and the "Check Engine" light popped up.

They used the diagnostic tool and no computer errors were generated. He told me that made them think that the computer was at fault so they ordered a new computer, and are going to flash the new computer ( I assume this is similar to flashing BIOS). Obviously, I'm not going to pay for it before I have a functioning car that's not popping up with a "Check Engine" light.

Any ideas what other things may cause such an error, if it isn't the computer?

This is likely unrelated but it is still interesting. Have you ever left your keys in the ignition upon fueling up? On some Mazdas you have to remove the keys from the ignition and to make sure you turn the fuel cap until it clicks several times, if you dont the check engine light will come on. Its supposed to be in the owner's manual if it has this feature.
Even something as simple as bad fuel can cause the light to come on but it also should be listed it in a code. There appears to be something the code readers are missing.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donger

If the CEL is coming on, the ECU is spitting out at least one error code, whether they can read it or not.

Honestly Hamas, either someone's messing with you or the person using the tool is an idiot.

There are hundreds of error codes, IIRC. Could be anything.

If I were you, I'd see if you can get your own OBD tool so that you can check codes and either fix them or clear them yourself. I have one for my GTI and it's great. Just a serial cable to connect to the OBD port and software to run on my laptop.

Gotcha.

I appreciate all the advice. From everyone. It's time for a pos rep bomb.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 07:36 PM

And FTR, upon talking to the dealer earlier this evening, I was told that the CEL was coming on b/c the computer was wigging out once the vehicle had warmed up and wasn't responding at that point, or was flaking out in some other fashion.

He said he was going to put a whole new computer in it because none of the Mazda dealerships would flash a used computer, they would only do it for new ones.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

Not true. In the case of Mazda Tributes and Ford Escapes, the reliability is good. Check out Consumer Reports if you don't believe me. Also, check out customer reviews on car buying/selling sites like Cars.com.

That's why I got this one. Good gas mileage, only 80K (it's a 2002). It's an ES, so it has a lot of nice other features that I won't use (but my wife likes), the blue book was 11,200 and I only paid 6700 (or will pay...assuming).

jjjayb · 01-18-2008, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex3

FYP

You must not be paying much attention to what is going on in Toyota land lately. It ain't pretty. There quality has dropped dramatically.

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-18-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex3

Of course there's a fault. It's a Ford.

Not quite, they are made by Japanese.

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-18-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

You must be confusing Mazda with Mitsubishi. Ford and Mazda have worked together for years, as have Chrysler and Mitsubishi, Toyota and GM.

Isuzu

**KcMizzou** · 01-18-2008, 08:14 PM

One of the mechanics I used to work with used to say the check engine light was the "come to the dealership and spend some money" light.

Sure, it can indicate that there's a serious problem, but simple things will set it off too. A bad 02 sensor... hell, even not having your gas cap tight.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 01-18-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KcMizzou

One of the mechanics I used to work with used to say the check engine light was the "come to the dealership and spend some money" light.

Sure, it can indicate that there's a serious problem, but simple things will set it off too. A bad 02 sensor... hell, even not having your gas cap tight.

From doing some reading, I'm beginning to think the same thing. The only thing that sucks is that it's delaying me picking up the vehicle.

**Bugeater** · 01-18-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

Isuzu

Chiefmanwillcatch · 01-18-2008, 08:51 PM

New eletronic cars piss me off. Computers are suppose to know the problem instead its just wild goose chase. You can't find the problems anymore like you could with OLD carburetted cars.

**BigMeatballDave** · 01-18-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBo

Cool. I had a Luv. Ran great. No heat, though...

**Bugeater** · 01-18-2008, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefDave

Cool. I had a Luv. Ran great. No heat, though...

Were you aware that it was built by Isuzu?

01-18-2008, 08:54 AM
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7169572	Car Computer Failure Hi All, I recently purchased a Mazda Tribute, and am actually going to pick it up this weekend. I got a call from the dealer this morning, who told me that the check engine light had popped on. They checked with the OBII scanner, and according to him, no error codes popped up, so they thought that it was an error with the computer. Thus, they swapped it out, but the new computer is showing the same problem, only it isn't displaying any error codes. Do you all have any idea what the problems may/may not be? Thanks again for the help.
Posts: 75,081

01-18-2008, 05:28 PM	#31
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7169572	And for the record, I already did a Carfax report and everything came back fine. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,081

01-18-2008, 07:36 PM	#35
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7169572	And FTR, upon talking to the dealer earlier this evening, I was told that the CEL was coming on b/c the computer was wigging out once the vehicle had warmed up and wasn't responding at that point, or was flaking out in some other fashion. He said he was going to put a whole new computer in it because none of the Mazda dealerships would flash a used computer, they would only do it for new ones. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 75,081

01-18-2008, 08:14 PM	#40
KcMizzou Supporter Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Parkville MO Casino cash: $10005170	One of the mechanics I used to work with used to say the check engine light was the "come to the dealership and spend some money" light. Sure, it can indicate that there's a serious problem, but simple things will set it off too. A bad 02 sensor... hell, even not having your gas cap tight.
Posts: 54,695

01-18-2008, 08:51 PM	#43
Chiefmanwillcatch Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: KC Casino cash: $10004900	New eletronic cars piss me off. Computers are suppose to know the problem instead its just wild goose chase. You can't find the problems anymore like you could with OLD carburetted cars.
Posts: 1,145