1992 Dodge Colt Check Engine Light

1992 DODGE COLT
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MLAMPARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had to replace the ecu on my colt 100e, 1.5l efi. When I put the rebuilt computer in (it cost me over $500 for the computer - no labour - which seems a little outrageous to me) and started the engine, a couple of things occured:
1. the engine wouldn't idle, so I had to increase the idle speed a ton
2. engine was mis-firing, so had to play with distributor and advance the spark a tad (we'd had the distributor out, as we initially thought that was the issue)
3. the "Check Engine" light came on and does not go off

Any ideas on how to reset the light, or on what may be causing it to stay on?

Thanks a ton,
Marty.
Jan 25, 2007 at 10:24 AM
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BUBBA_KOSKI
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 129 POSTS
quick tip before you put the computer in did you calibrate it? you need to calibrate it for the vehicle first. if not u need to, as far as the light take your positive cable off of the battery and put it back on if it comrd on then the computer aint programmed.
Jan 26, 2007 at 8:58 AM
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MLAMPARD
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[quote:e4626650b3="bubba_koski"]quick tip before you put the computer in did you calibrate it? you need to calibrate it for the vehicle first. if not u need to, as far as the light take your positive cable off of the battery and put it back on if it comrd on then the computer aint programmed.[/quote:e4626650b3]

I spoke to the guy who did the rebuild and he said that these computers are pre-calibrated, because all the vehicles are the same. It looks like it might be a valid warning, so guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get it diagnosed - next trick will be finding the ecu plug-in for the scanner - does anyone know what it looks like?

Thx,
Marty
Jan 26, 2007 at 11:49 AM

Suggested Repair

Confirm the replacement ECU is calibrated and programmed for the vehicle. Disconnect the battery positive cable briefly to reset the check engine light; if the light returns, have the computer and stored codes diagnosed.

Conversation Summary

After installing a rebuilt ECU on a 1992 Dodge Colt 1.5L, the owner reported a high idle, misfire after distributor adjustment, and a check engine light that stayed on. The expert advised calibrating the computer to the vehicle and disconnecting the battery to reset the light, saying a returning light means the computer is not programmed. The owner said the rebuilder claimed the units are pre-calibrated and planned to have the warning diagnosed.

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