Piston Slap: Morgan’s magical world of diagnostic trouble codes?

Robert writes: 

I own a 1998 Morgan Plus 8. I cannot get the check engine light to go off. The only modification I am aware of is the installation of air conditioning when the car first arrived in the U.S.

Sajeev answers: 

Finding the problem behind a check engine light is straightforward after 1996, as all vehicles sold in the U.S.A. use a standardized on-board diagnostic (OBD) plug inside the vehicle. That plug is usually located under the dashboard, just a few inches away from the steering column. The Internet says the Morgan’s OBD plug is below the glove box, alongside the engine computer.

Plugging in a run-of-the-mill code scanner (or getting a local parts store to do it) is the only way to find the issue, and that’s sadly where my advice stops. No further work happens until you make note of the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) generated by the computer. Odds are one of the many codes seen here is at the heart of your Morgan’s issue. Since the Plus 8’s engine is pretty darn close to a Land Rover of the same era, finding a mechanic well versed in vintage Land Rover repair might be your best bet.

There’s a good chance you can diagnose the issue yourself with a code scanner, Google, and an online parts purchase. But for those who want a professional to help, a fully sorted Morgan might still be possible in a matter of days. All you need are the magic codes generated from the computer and you are on your way!

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