Phanton CELs

[lebicicletta]

For several months now I have had a random CEL that comes and goes - light usually on for a couple of weeks, then off the same. 2002 NBTS Codes indicate everything from misfire to cat converter below optimal temp, to vapor recovery leak.

Any thoughts? Note: I did have the gas tank replaced (twice, under warranty) and the dealer that did the work had "issues."

Any clue as to why the light would go off on its own??

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

[FlwrPwer]

My CEL does this all the time...usually in the winter time. My dealer told me its environmental. I think thats They have yet to find a problem with the car.

I stopped bringing him in and instead, named my CEL Chimmy-Changa. He comes and goes as he pleases to check in on me every now and then

[dunno513]

I used to have a Ford p/u that I chased a CEL for 60k miles. I can't remember when it was on/off, but it was seasonal. It came on for the first time just after changing my air filter at 37k.

Around 100k miles I replaced my air filter (probably the 4th) with the OEM Ford air filter and I never saw the light again.

After chasing the CEL while under warranty, and being told that a solid CEL on the ford p/u's was emission based I never had a care to investigate while the vehicle was running well. Sorry enviornmental folks, but my wallet was more important than "wondering" if that light actually meant anything.

Point of this post being, I strongly suspect that my use of cheap generic air filters caused my CEL's all those miles.

[lebicicletta]

thanks!

[Lnzbug]

Did you check the gas cap? Is it on correctly? Is it a new one? Do you need a new one? Just a thought.