I forgot to mention in my earlier post, being a bit low on oil shouldn't cause the check engine light to go on.
Mike
thanks mike. i figured, i topped up and still came on.
well i went and downloaded and printed the manual. did the obd check for the efi system (shorting terminals TE1 & E1) and got a normal code. the manual however, stated that if there is a malfunction in the efi system, the check light would "stay" illuminated; not go on for a couple seconds and then go back off. that would signify something wrong. maybe wiring defects ...
my speedo doesnt work (hasn't since i bought the car) i'm now pondering if that could affect something in the whole ect system ... maybe the speed sensor. altho i can't recall seeing them connected in the wiring diagram. Reading on into the manual, i'm starting to suspect maybe one of the solenoids are bad. the manual states that if the car is left to coast, it should eventually downshift automatically, which it doesnt. so all that i'll have to get checked out. unfortunately, my safety start switch seems to be in need of cleaning, and the O/D sign in the gear selection screen does not illuminate, so i can't do a diagnostic check until i take care of that first. so when i do that, i'll report my findings incase others have the same probs...
-stanno