I am getting this sucker randomly every 4 moths or so. However, disconnecting/reconnecting my battery cures it and I am good to go for another 4 months or so time frame until it gives me grief again! I am guessing maf or oxygen sensor or what? Anyone knows most likely cause? I know it is emisions related and I don't have misfiring cylinders. This intermittent faults really **** me off! .

 

Why guess? Get it scanned. Or, better yet, buy yourself a scantool. They can be had for under $50 these days.

 

i have one like that. comes and goes. my code is a p1101 which isn't very specific. i think it's a dirty TB, and only says "definition not found". annoying but minor.

 

Thanks. Do you know which one?

 

Must love that; definition not found.

Yep minor, I just reset battery and forget about it. I thought my coil packs were causing it. Replaced those and sucker returned yesterday. Eh... Minor annoyance!

 

Mine is an old Actron I bought about 10 years ago. Back then it was about $150.

If you have a smartphone I would recommend downloading the app Torque and buying a bluetooth OBD2 adapter. Total will be about $30 and the app also has a lot of cool features that aren't found on cheap scantools. You can get live readouts on most sensors as well as 0-60 and quarter mile times. It even does a halfway decent job of calculating horsepower.

 

I picked up a Bluetooth . Works great with the Torque application on my Android phone. Works on all my cars and stays neatly out of the way when logging. No complaints!
-V

Edit: sinKing!

 

royal pita, those cels. i have to 2nd sinkings suggestion to at least have an actron obd scan/reader. i think mine was 60 bucks. ( no VAT lol ) and i'm shocked you don't have at least a gizmo in the glove box that will turn off cels! i have the actron 9550. it's like a ******* jack toy.. but it works! in fact, i don't leave home without it

 

P1XXX codes are manufacturer specific and as such are not available in generic OBD2 code readers.

P1101 - Input variables, charge measurement -- below limit. Or input variables, charge measurement -- above limit.

Engine running.

Possible fault cause: Heavily soiled throttle; throttle damaged; MAF.

Inspect the throttle. If dirty clean.

Check voltage signal of MAF sensor. Ignition on. Measure voltage between special tool 9637 Pin III/23 and ground. Read 0.9v to 1.1v. Start engine. Measure 1.2v to 1.5v at idle.

 

The only reason it is intermittent is because you have ignored taking the proper action to have the cause of the CEL id'd and fixed.

Do what others have suggested. Get an OBD2 code reader (and data viewer/logger) and read and post the codes.

Or take the car in to the shop when the CEL comes on. The code will be read and a diagnosis made and the problem fixed.

Even if you know the codes chances are it will require someone to get his hands dirty.

 

hey! my throttle body resembles that remark.. thanks for that!
sorry terminator. i hope your diagnosis is that quick, and probably correct. truth be told? i'm just glad i only get a cel every cpl months and the car runs great, and well. yes, it is true. i too have an intermittent cel