code finally showed up.

P0420



I'm a noob that just picked up a 03 MCS w 90k miles. Everything was fine until I hit the gas and it boosted quickly to 6k rpm. The SES light turned on which got me feeling bad since I literally just left the seller's house and was almost home.

 

How are you using the ScanGaugeII? It will only see the codes if the car's in the correct "state"... ignition switched on, but not running - and even then, sometimes it will read, and sometimes it won't. Try some different sequences of when you select scan:
1) put key in ignition, switch to "run" position (but not start), try to scan.
2) start car, try to scan
3) with car running, switch off, try to scan
4) switch back on (but don't start), try to scan

May have to experiment similarly to get it to clear codes properly on the MINI.

If that doesn't work, try a different code reader.... Sometimes my ScanGauge doesn't see everything for some reason... Local auto parts store should be able to read the code for free...

Gotta be a code somewhere if the SES is lit...

 

Perhaps you have a defective ScanGauge... as mine works flawlessly... and I've definitely had my fair share of SES lights over the years... from O2 sensors to MAP sensors to ignition related issues. I never once had a code not appear when I scanned with the SES light on and it's always worked on other vehicles that I've connected it to.

GotMINI

 

Scangauge pulled a code in my friend's s2000 just last month and another car a few months back so I don't think it's defective.

I tried in the run position but I'll try it while running.

I checked the gas cap too and it appeared ok.

I'll try it once more.

Strange stuff.

 

code finally showed up and i cleared it.

P0420

seems like some say it's the cat some the o2 sensor. What's the majority opinion on this?

 

At 90,000 miles, it might be time for a new o2 sensor anyway.

 

P0420 - Isn't that the "time to get high" code?