CEL and ESC

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Ed Pawlowski, Dec 6, 2009.

  1. Ed Pawlowski

    Ed Pawlowski Guest

    This morning I started the car with the remote and went out and put the key
    in a procedure I've done hundreds of times.

    This time, however, the Check Engine Light and the Elelectronic Stability
    Control light remained on.

    The car drove, but very slow, I think it is a safe mode of some sort.
    Maximum RPM was about 1200. I drove around the block, came home and parked
    on the street and shut the car off. I restarted the car and it is now
    back to normal except the CEL is still on. Drives fine and the ESC light is
    off.

    Here's what I think may have happened. Last night I drove home in a slushy
    wet and slippery snow. The ESC was never engaged, but the ABS did a couple
    of times. I parked the car and, of course, the temperature remained below
    freezing. Something may have frozen or otherwise affected the wheel sensors
    for the ABS and ESC. The short drive was enough to free it up.

    My question though, would that put the CEL on? I'm also assuming it has to
    be reset with an instrument by a repair shop or possibly the auto part
    store.

    Any other ideas?.
     
    Ed Pawlowski, Dec 6, 2009
    #1
  2. Ed Pawlowski

    Jim Guest

    Only time I had the CEL come on was with a loose gas cap. I removed
    power from the battery for a minute or two. Light went away.
     
    Jim, Dec 6, 2009
    #2
  3. Ed Pawlowski

    Ed Pawlowski Guest

    I may give that a try after checking the manual for what I may lose in
    memory, if anything.
     
    Ed Pawlowski, Dec 7, 2009
    #3
  4. Ed Pawlowski

    Ed Pawlowski Guest

    Follow up:

    Same problems this morning. Evidently there is more than just a slush
    factor going on so I'll take it in the shop this week.

    One thing I did notice, the brake pedal seemed low when I put my foot on it
    to put it into gear. After driving, it was back to normal and the ESC light
    went off.
     
    Ed Pawlowski, Dec 7, 2009
    #4
  5. Ed Pawlowski

    hyundaitech Guest

    If this is a 2006 or newer Sonata (which it is if my memory is
    correct), I'd guess a faulty throttle position sensor or accelerator
    position sensor.
     
    hyundaitech, Dec 14, 2009
    #5
  6. Ed Pawlowski

    Ed Pawlowski Guest

    If this is a 2006 or newer Sonata (which it is if my memory is
    correct), I'd guess a faulty throttle position sensor or accelerator
    position sensor.

    *******************************************************

    You guessed right. Dealer fixed it promptly. They also took care of the
    recall while there and even washed the car before returning it. Hyundai,
    and the dealer, seem to really want to make customers happy.
     
    Ed Pawlowski, Dec 15, 2009
    #6
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