How to install the spark plug anti-foulers to remove the ses or cel light
#1
How to install the spark plug anti-foulers to remove the ses or cel light
this install was hard to find so i decided to write this up to make it easier to catch it on the search
this installation will remove your SES (service engine soon) light , or CEL (check engine light) that is caused when you install a test pipe (no cat) or high flow cat.
when this light comes on from your install of a new exhaust , be aware that this has no effect on the performance of your car. its just a stupid reminder that the o2 (oxygen) sensor is finding a problem caused when you removed or did something to the stock catalytic converter.
btw - i thought about going with an o2 simulator / eliminator , but the cost / install / problems associated with this fix. did not appeal to me.
this installation will remove your SES (service engine soon) light , or CEL (check engine light) that is caused when you install a test pipe (no cat) or high flow cat.
when this light comes on from your install of a new exhaust , be aware that this has no effect on the performance of your car. its just a stupid reminder that the o2 (oxygen) sensor is finding a problem caused when you removed or did something to the stock catalytic converter.
btw - i thought about going with an o2 simulator / eliminator , but the cost / install / problems associated with this fix. did not appeal to me.
Last edited by Jakeg97; Nov 17, 2006 at 01:23 PM.
#2
notes before starting
- you might have space for only 1 spark plug anti-fouler, sometimes using 1 will work / sometimes not
- having an electric drill helps out tremendously , those battery operated ones dont have that much power; they will still work but will be a pain
- this may still not solve your problem of the light; a small percent of people that try this 'quick fix' still cant get the light to go off
STEP 1
-purchase 2 spark plug anti foulers at your local auto parts store
-18 mm size
-made by HELP brand / part number 42002
-HELP has also another part number 42009 and are shorter in length than the 42002, i have read that they work
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=215795
STEP 2
-disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. this will reset your ecu
-take one of the anti foulers and drill out its center using a 1/2 bit ,
-this will increase its hole size and allow your stock o2 sensor to fit
STEP 3
-screw the drilled spark plug anti-fouler on top of the original
-be sure to use some kind of anti-seize on the treads. in case you need to remove your fix with ease
STEP 4
-unscrew your stock o2 sensor and place your cel / ses fix in
-use anti seize on the threads
-clean your cell (by wiping it off with a paper towel)
STEP 5
-reinstall your o2 sensor
-use anti seize on the threads
STEP 6
-reconnect your battery (your ecu is reset)
-you have just solved the problem of the 'damn light keeps coming on'
ps. it cost me 8 dollars for the pack of 2 spark plug anti-foulers
- you might have space for only 1 spark plug anti-fouler, sometimes using 1 will work / sometimes not
- having an electric drill helps out tremendously , those battery operated ones dont have that much power; they will still work but will be a pain
- this may still not solve your problem of the light; a small percent of people that try this 'quick fix' still cant get the light to go off
STEP 1
-purchase 2 spark plug anti foulers at your local auto parts store
-18 mm size
-made by HELP brand / part number 42002
-HELP has also another part number 42009 and are shorter in length than the 42002, i have read that they work
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=215795
STEP 2
-disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. this will reset your ecu
-take one of the anti foulers and drill out its center using a 1/2 bit ,
-this will increase its hole size and allow your stock o2 sensor to fit
STEP 3
-screw the drilled spark plug anti-fouler on top of the original
-be sure to use some kind of anti-seize on the treads. in case you need to remove your fix with ease
STEP 4
-unscrew your stock o2 sensor and place your cel / ses fix in
-use anti seize on the threads
-clean your cell (by wiping it off with a paper towel)
STEP 5
-reinstall your o2 sensor
-use anti seize on the threads
STEP 6
-reconnect your battery (your ecu is reset)
-you have just solved the problem of the 'damn light keeps coming on'
ps. it cost me 8 dollars for the pack of 2 spark plug anti-foulers
Last edited by Jakeg97; Jun 27, 2007 at 11:33 AM.
#4
Evolved Member
iTrader: (68)
So what does this process have to do with spark plugs? Also, you still may get the SES light because I have the Helix tp with mechanical fix (which is basically the same thing as you have done by putting the 02 sensor away from the direct exhaust gases) and the light is still on. You never know though, you may get lucky with no light!
#5
Hi,
I also used just the drilled anti-fouler. It's pretty tight with one on my car, and two may have been a problem. It's worked great so far.
The hardest part for me was driilling the damn thing out with my weak-sauce cordless drill, lol.
eve-slow question, did you reset the light and then it turned on again? I think it's hit or miss with some cars, and/or may require tweaking to get the O2 sensor to see an acceptable amount of exhaust...
Take care,
FB
I also used just the drilled anti-fouler. It's pretty tight with one on my car, and two may have been a problem. It's worked great so far.
The hardest part for me was driilling the damn thing out with my weak-sauce cordless drill, lol.
eve-slow question, did you reset the light and then it turned on again? I think it's hit or miss with some cars, and/or may require tweaking to get the O2 sensor to see an acceptable amount of exhaust...
Take care,
FB
#6
Originally Posted by eve-slow
So what does this process have to do with spark plugs? Also, you still may get the SES light because I have the Helix tp with mechanical fix (which is basically the same thing as you have done by putting the 02 sensor away from the direct exhaust gases) and the light is still on. You never know though, you may get lucky with no light!
i have had no problems with the light as well as many other people. however a small number of people do continue to get the light.
are you able to use this method with your Helix mechanical fix? like added to it?
#7
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I added a MR downpipe, Ultimate RAcing hi flow cat and a BR catback to my car and immediately began getting CELs. I did this fix-took about ten minutes to do it, and I have been CEL free for about 6 weeks now. Worked great! (I used both anti foulers, and they fit easily the way the BR catback sits on the car.
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#8
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excellent write up and nice pics. I will be doing this "mod" this week so nice timing also!
I purchased the Help p/n 42009 antifoulers. they are shorter than the 42002 counterparts. I'll let you guys know if they work or not.
I purchased the Help p/n 42009 antifoulers. they are shorter than the 42002 counterparts. I'll let you guys know if they work or not.
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Originally Posted by JTB
I initially tried with just one and immediately got the CEL again. I then added the second and... Success! No more CEL!
This is an easy, effective, cheap fix!
This is an easy, effective, cheap fix!