Random Check Engine Light

[paulmeisterpk]

So every once-in-a-while, my check engine light on my 94 wagon will kick on and then a second or two later, kicks off, sometimes it happens when I'm going around corners. It seems to be more prevalent when the engine is cold.

Two things seem to happen when it does it. I can feel a noticable "buck" or hesitation when the light first turns on, and the cooling fan also kicks in.

I read the codes, and I have a code 11, 13, and 21. I expected the coolant temp sensor code because of the fan kicking on, but the crank and cam angle sensor codes I didn't expect. Maybe the cam or crank angle sensors could be causing the initial hesitation when the CEL turns on.

Any ideas on if the codes are related? I gave the wiring harness a quick look-over to see if i had some wires grounded out, but couldn't find any. Has anyone had these same issues coincide with each other?
Thanks, Paulmeister

[BSOD2600]

Something similar happen to me years ago.. turns out the knock sensor bolt was very loose.

[Legacy777]

What symptoms are you experiencing besides just the CEL coming on?

If you have known issues with the coolant temp sensor, I'd start there.

[paulmeisterpk]

What symptoms are you experiencing besides just the CEL coming on?

If you have known issues with the coolant temp sensor, I'd start there.

The instant the CEL turns on sometimes, the car hesitates or bucks for just a moment. Other than that, no symptoms really.

[Legacy777]

Try clearing the codes, using the green & black connector method mentioned on my site.

I just can't see both the cam & crank sensor being bad. You may have a section of wiring that is pinched that may be causing the issue, but I'd start by clearing the codes and seeing what comes back

[paulmeisterpk]

So, I replaced the coolant temp sensor like you said and cleared the codes, and haven't had any check engine lights or issues for 2 months now. Thanks for the advice.

[Legacy777]

Glad to hear.