How Long

[TURBOELKY]

I usually leave my car stored at a few weeks at a time betwen uses. When I store it, I pull the battery cables off so I dont kill the battery, since something drains it when i do. I have yet to get a check engine light since I did the conversion into the el camino. I know that the computer stores memory, but how long would it take for it to store enough drive memory before it would set off the check engine light? the car runs great, and suprises the hell out of most people I pull up on, despite the few inconsistencies, which I believe fall into the sensors not properly set. but i'm worried that the car may have a problem, but since I always pull off the battery, the computer looses the stored up memory, and probably dont build enough when I do drive the thing since it is never over 120 miles at a time, does anybody know how long you would have to drive the car before the light would come on if something was wrong???? thanks.

 

[salvageV6]

Each code is set by a pretty strict set of parameters.

I don't believe any of them are related to a long term driving experience or "stored data".

Thereforre as soon as those parameters are met such as low 02's for a short driving time period, wrong TPS voltage for a short time period, open connections etc. the code will set.

I wouldn't worry too much about your method of removing the cables as long as you do a bit of sensible surface street driving when you first drive it.

I would check to see what's drawing the current with the cables on it however, the search feature has plenty of posts as to possbile causes and how to check circuits by pulling fuses one at a time with an ammeter connected.

 

[jcj53115]

typicaly if there is a problem the SES light will come one within 2-3 drive cycles after the ECM recognizes the problem unless its a major problem then it will come on almost immediatly

 

[TURBOELKY]

Ok

THANKS FOR THAT INFO, i'm not sure if my tps is set right nor are the other sensors, i just put them on and estimated after I rebuilt the engine, but the thing runs strong and the light dont come on yet, i'm going to do that fuse pulling method next time I have some time to work on it, thanks for the info guys, I appreciate it..