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CEL on during first start up (Dirty MAF/Vacuum Leaks)

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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 09:58 AM
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Exclamation CEL on during first start up (Dirty MAF/Vacuum Leaks)

Just started my car for the first time since November. Ran like crap at first. CEL, TC off and another light was on. Shut it down and realized MAF wasn't plugged in. Plugged it in and started it up and it ran much better but CEL is still on. Over the winter I polished the plenum, added a spacer, changed the plugs and changed seals on lower oil pan and filter plate. Plugs were changed one at a time. Is the light possibly on just because it hasn't had a chance to turn off, or should I disconnect the battery again?
I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow cause the owner got a new computer and he told me when I got the Z running he'd hook it up and look at everything and make adjustments if needed, but I'd like to make sure nothings messed up before I go there cause I will get charged for any repairs possibly needed. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 10:23 AM
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From: MexiCali dodging potholes
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Make sure everything it tight and no leaks...without knowing what code it's throwing it can be anything...

Any friends have a OBDII reader? Good investment, if you can grab one you'll be able to zero in on what the issue is or could be
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by xmartyx
Just started my car for the first time since November. Ran like crap at first. CEL, TC off and another light was on. Shut it down and realized MAF wasn't plugged in. Plugged it in and started it up and it ran much better but CEL is still on. Over the winter I polished the plenum, added a spacer, changed the plugs and changed seals on lower oil pan and filter plate. Plugs were changed one at a time. Is the light possibly on just because it hasn't had a chance to turn off, or should I disconnect the battery again?
I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow cause the owner got a new computer and he told me when I got the Z running he'd hook it up and look at everything and make adjustments if needed, but I'd like to make sure nothings messed up before I go there cause I will get charged for any repairs possibly needed. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.
Drive for 30 miles and see if it goes off
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 10:36 AM
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Everything should be tight. Took my time on everything cause I knew the car wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I'm thinking the CEL is on because during the first start up the MAF wasn't connected and now that it's connected, the light hasn't had a chance to turn off.
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 10:54 AM
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From: MexiCali dodging potholes
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Originally Posted by xmartyx
Everything should be tight. Took my time on everything cause I knew the car wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. I'm thinking the CEL is on because during the first start up the MAF wasn't connected and now that it's connected, the light hasn't had a chance to turn off.
then do the pedal dance and turn it off...
http://www.technosquareinc.com/350reset.htm
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 10:56 AM
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or run to autozone and have them reset it
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 11:46 AM
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Should I reset the light since I'm taking it to a shop tomorrow anyways, or would it be better to have it on for them?
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 11:49 AM
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I would leave it on so they can pull the code and see what it is.
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 08:06 PM
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Do the pedal dance instead of leaving your battery disconnected overnight, the reason being is that if you do the pedal dance you can record the lights with your smartphone and be able to work out the code yourself by counting the flashes (explained on pedal dance link). You might even clear some/all of the codes, thus saving you $$$'s. It will turn off the MAF light if you pedal dance and all is now well, so like i say you could save yourself plenty money. Good Luck.
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Old Mar 22, 2014 | 09:22 AM
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Had the car hooked up today and the light had to do with the MAF sensor. Reset the light and everything's fine. Forgot to put a clamp on a vacuum line too so there was a small leak. Should be good to go now. Felt great to drive the Z, even if it was only for 15 miles.
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