:bang: Yesterday driving to work my check engine light came on. the car did not change in how it was driving at all. So Afterwork it is still on and I drive home, frustrated :angry: This morning it is raining and I leave for work. I am not in the car more than 2 minutes and the light goes of :banana:

do you think that I should be worried or is it just a sign something is gonna quit on me?

I am by far not an expert with those things. But I have been told if it clears itself and does not come back on, it should be ok.

If you are really worried, go to AutoZone. They check out the car with their scanners for free . At least around here. I almost bought a scanner, but the guy said they can use theirs for free. Since they are across the street from my work, it was a no-brainer for me.

Keep an eye on it. I have a 96 Explorer and the check engine light did go on and off a few times but now it's on. I had it checked and the code is a very familiar one for a sensor that has a history of problems. My advice, if it comes on again take it in to have the code checked. I'm all about peace of mind.

I will keep and eye on it. I figure it has something to do with some sensor cause the car has 86k miles on it. It is time things start to need replaced :(

thanks for the tips though. If i get a chance I will go get the code read.

Autozone usually wont check the codes unless the light is on. So if it comes on, make it a point to head over, they will pull the codes for free and usually tell you what they mean.

Had the same problem with my Ranger. censor gone.

CEL going on and off is a sign of "sensor out of range" trouble code. Bad tanks of gas have been know to cause this.

Whoops, just noticed you've got a Cobra. When's the last time your cleaned your IMRC's?

whats a IMRC?

I have never cleaned them :dunno: I have only had the car for a little over a year. I doubt that the previous owner ever cleaned them either. It is on my "to do" list. I just need a place to do the work.

Intake Manifold Runner Control, it is a system that opens up the secondary intake valves on 96-98 cobra motors (93-98 MK VIII 4.6L DOHC motors as well). Basically it has a butterfly plate that has 4 flaps that open up at 3250rpm. Thus allowing more air in to make more power and turn more rpm's. The reason they have them, is below 3200, having 8 of the intake valves shut will allow the car to make more trq down low.

As far as cleaning them, they will build up carbon deposits over time. The IMRC controller (small box with 2 cables coming out of it, located under the intake.) opens and closes the plates on each side of the intake. Its been known to go out rather commonly on most 96-98 cobras. I had to replace mine with 63k on the odo. Would hurt to pull the intake off and just clean it all up.

Nathan knows ways to check the IMRC control to make sure of proper operation without pulling the intake off.

I have never cleaned them :dunno: I have only had the car for a little over a year. I doubt that the previous owner ever cleaned them either. It is on my "to do" list. I just need a place to do the work. [/b][/quote]
If you have a non-stock gearset (4.10's) or can't keep your foot out of the throttle (like me) your car may be registering a "IMRC stuck" code which is caused by a failing controller or gummed up blades. This is a common error code and will do the "on then off" light like you are experiencing. Its not a serious problem, just an annoying one.

If you would like to troubleshoot this problem do this:

Walk around to the passenger side of the motor and reach your left hand down behind the engine where the intake meets the head. You should feel a small wire attached to a pulley. Grab the pulley and rotate it towards the center of the motor, it should turn freely without bind. Do the same on the drivers side of the motor. Now with the car in neutral and at idle, set the parking brake and go back the the passenger side of the car. Put your hand back near the pulley and barely touch it. Now with your right hand rev the car above 3500 rpm. You should feel the pulley move. The same for the drivers side also.

Two Sources for IMRC Cleaning
http://home.flash.net/~ivc1/cobra/imrc.html
http://min.midco.net/venomus/IMRC_cl...C_Cleaning.htm

Its a good time to change your coolant also.



WARNING: I am not responsible for any damage incurred to you and/or your property while performing actions explained in the above post. This is advice and opinion and should be treated as such. Proceed at your own risk!

Thanks for the information. I willl try that diagnosing this weekend if it does not rain.

Sorry, i had to add this picture. I wonder if there's check engine light in the cockpit is on.