Does anybody know if its possible for an outside interference to cause a "check engine" light to come on in my '89 Camry 3S-FE? There's one spot on the highway on my way to work, a gentle curve, and 9 times out of 10 my check engine light comes on at this curve, but NEVER has it ever come on in any other area as long as I've owned it. Usually I just clutch, shut it off, and restart it en route to turn the light off, because its bright and annoying (Its dark when I'm going to work). Just thought some of you might want to drop some opinnions or suggestions, its nothing too serious to me.

Go to Autozone and have the codes read. It will help to find out why it is coming on.

KimMG, he drives 89. I do not think he can use the scanner from Autozone.

Stallyn, I do not think any outside interference triggers your check engine lite.
I am not sure how to do it on 89, but you need to read codes stored in your car's computer. This procedure should be outlined in the car's manual. You might find it at top of the forum's stickies.


Sam

OP might find this useful.. http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1h/bl750h.htm

When you retrieve the code, I would check the wiring to the component that code represents. With the engine running, try pulling the wiring slightly in the direction it would go while you are rounding this curve. Have another person sit in the car and see if the check engine light comes on. If it does, you have found the source of your problem.

Mike

Stallyn the answer to your "check engine light" question is YES. But that may not be your problem.

The most common codes caused by outside interference are MISFIRE and KNOCK SENSOR

It sounds like your drive is fairly routine. It might just be that the amount of time it takes you to get to that curve is how long it takes your car to scan whatever your problem is. It doesn't scan everything all the time I don't think. Try adding 5 mins and a mile or two to the start of your drive a couple times. If it turns on at a different time, you might have a problem.

Of course checking codes is just as easy.