As I watch the clock tick down on 2016, I decided to finally ask the following question.
About 10 years ago, I installed headers on my 1989 Shelby Dakota. It already had dual exhausts with dual cats. Since then, my check engine light will come on after 15 minutes, like clockwork. If I turn off thenn restart it, the light goes off. Fifteen minutes later,it comes back. The headers are short-tube Hooker headers for a Magnum small black. The EGR module is not hooked up. I have tried to connect the EGR, but it still comes on. Besides the headers, nothing was changed to the exhaust and the truck runs more than fine. What am I missing?
Is it the amber "Service Engine" light? If so, that's a maintenance light not a check engine light like the OBDII cars. I know the '87 & '88 had a box with a 9V battery under the dash that was the maintenance interval light control. When the 9V died the light comes on. IIRC the box was under the dash on the driver's side to the right of the steering column.
I can't remember if my Shelby Dak had it or not. I don't have the factory wiring harness in it now. It might still be attached to the original dash pad in the basement.
If that isn't the light you are getting, did you do the key on, off, on, off, on deal to get the error codes to blink?
Wait so my 90 Ram has the service engine soon light on because a 9V died? That thing has been driving me nuts for 2 years.
Wait so there's supposed to be a service engine light on my '89? (I can't remember if mine even has a bulb behind that light, I should know as many times as I've had the dash apart)
I'll dig my '89 service manual out and see if I can find it in there.
In reply to Rob_Mopar:
No it is not the service light m which I am aware of, but the usual check engine light.
DK why everyone thought I was mentioning the service light?
Probably because it'd be cool if the answer was as simple as that.
Nope, it is the check engine light. It goes out when the truck is turned off and comes back after 15 minutes of running, like clockwork. I have timed it.
O2 I'm guessing. It probably throws a lean too long code and goes to a set fuel table.
