Car transported from Chicago to AZ - Check Engine Light On (transplants, transporting)

[t792]

I've tried searching but can't find too much info on this situation. I recently had a car transported from Chicago to Arizona. It's an '05 BMW Z4 with 35k miles on it. It has never had a mechanical issue until this morning when it was delivered by the auto transporter. Upon starting the car, the Service Engine Soon light came on and has not gone off.

I had the fault codes checked and got a P0171 and a P0174 - it's running lean. Various auto repair shops have quoted anywhere between $600 - $1000 but some people have said it could be that the car just needs to get used to the change in air/altitude. Any other transplants ever have this problem?

Thanks!

[ji603]

just disconnect the battery, fill it with gas, make sure the cap's on tight, and drive it like normal. If the light comes back on then I'd get it looked at, but I bet you it doesn't.

[kdog]

Originally Posted by ji603

just disconnect the battery, fill it with gas, make sure the cap's on tight, and drive it like normal.

Don't forget to reconnect the battery though.

[AzDreamer]

I cleaned my MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor when I had this code and that fixed the problem. You can buy the cleaner at any auto parts store.

Most auto parts stores have code readers that allow you to check reset the trouble code without disconnecting the battery. I don't recommend disconnecting the battery because of other settings that get lost.

OBD-II Trouble Code: P0171 System Too Lean (Bank 1)

[azjack]

I did have an experience with a slightly older domestic car with the check engine light coming on after it sat idle for 15 days while I was away. It went away. I would not panic. Re-set and see if it returns.

[lyzzard]

Ours has been on for a year and we're running fine! lol

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by t792

Various auto repair shops have quoted anywhere between $600 - $1000

$600-1000 for WHAT?

What, exactly, did the automotive shop diagnose as the source of the problem?

What did they tell you they were going to clean/repair/replace on your vehicle?

Transporting the car from Chicago to PHX isn't the issue - the ECM will adjust for altitude without setting a code.

If you've got a mechanic willing to diagnose and bill based on OBD-II codes then he needs to be reported to the A-G's office. Pulling fault codes isn't "diagnosis".

[43north87west]

Try asking on the Automotive forum where this will get more exposure. There could be a link to the transportation. The elevation is different. The humidity is different, temp is different. It's possible on a 5 year old car, that the different temp and humidity opened up a vacuum leak or something, although not particularly likely. Absent performance problems, I'd wait until at least one full tank of fresh gas was driven through the car, if not two. If there are any perceptible issues, don't wait. You don't want to cause more problems, obviously.

OBDII scanners/reset tools aren't very expensive. It might be worth purchasing one, resetting the code and seeing if it comes back. Again, that would be absent any performance issues.

[pr0zac]

I lost my gas cap once and after a few days the check engine light came on. I'm not sure if this would result in a lean condition though. Your car won't pass inspection in AZ if the CEL is on. Even pulling the bulb out won't fool them because they check to see if it illuminates when you first turn the key.

[wit-nit]

It could be possibly you got some bad gas. We came across the country awhile back and one of our stops was at an off brand gas station in Olahoma City, and within 30 minutes of filling up the 'check engine light' came on. Probably had some water or sediment in it. After about 3 tanks of gas later the light went out.