Check engine light while engine-off coasting

[peterk1217]

I have been on this site for some time now but this is my first post. I just got a new car finally with a 5spd and on the last tank I decided I would try some engine-off coasting. This went well except when I would cut the engine, via key and switch it back to on the check engine light would come on. It goes off after i clutch start so i assume it's just normal and is like the usual when you start the car. just wanted to make sure.

Thanks

[TestDrive]

Yes, check engine light on with key to on and engine off is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Just a safety reminder - be sure to only practice on more or less deserted roads until you're throughly comfortable and know that bump starting works each and every time. (eg. My car happily cruises on level roads at 28 mph in 5th gear, but the engine won't always bump start in 5th gear at speeds less than ~33 mph.)

[Ryland]

You might be turning the key back one click to far, if that is the case your steering might also be locking, this is bad, you should only turn the key back to the first click then forward a single click so your speedometer comes back on.
the check engine light might be coming on just because your computer is sensing that your engine is not running, if it goes off again then you have nothing to worry about, it is normal for your battery light and oil light to come on because your engine is not running so your alternator and oil pump are not turning.

[peterk1217]

Thanks, yea that's what I figured. Also, yes I do understand the way to cut the engine as well as how to clutch start and have been taking very large safety precautions while trying this.

[Daox]

Glad to see another Tercel owner here. Welcome to the site peterk1217. The Tercel is capable of some amazing mileage. Good luck with it!

[brucepick]

Good going! EOC has tremendous potential to raise your overall FE. It's especially helpful on a cold engine, as it runs a very rich mixture until it comes up to the required temperature.

You mentioned clutch starting - hopefully you've seen the recommendation somewhere, to clutch start in 5th gear, even if you'll be putting it into another gear once started. That spins the engine a bit slower, with less jolt to the entire drivetrain. It's enough to start the engine unless possibly you're going very slow, like under 20 mph.

[stevey_frac]

The reason why for the check engine light is because the car knows the engine is not turning. This is not normal in regular driving.