Q: When you go to start the automobile how long should the check engine light flash for? After starting it does not stay on. Instead it flashes approximately eight to ten times then goes off. Funny thing is I am not sure if I ever recall it doing this before or not -- never paid that much attention. Engine has about 79,000 miles on it. Manual transmissioni. DOHC 1.8 Also I have noticed the following, After my car has been sitting over night when I go to drive (for approximately the first five to ten miles)... When I shift gears I hear a mild chirping noise. What could this possibly mean? Thanks in advance! "As for the chirping it could be your syncros. Your gears might be grinding until the trans warms up. It seems premature at only 80,000 miles but if the car was beat on it is reasonable." The engine has 80,000. I dropped a new (used) one in after the old motor was hydro locked. However the body (probably clutch / etc) has 110,000 on it.
A: Of the cars I've owned the CEL's would stay on for 1-2 seconds after the engine starts. Go to autozone and have them scan it. If no codes show it is most likely normal. Or it should say in the owners manual. As for the chirping it could be your syncros. Your gears might be grinding until the trans warms up. It seems premature at only 80,000 miles but if the car was beat on it is reasonable.