How to install the spark plug anti-foulers to remove the ses or cel light

Jakeg97 · Dec 26, 2004, 11:22 AM

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.

Jakeg97 · Dec 26, 2004, 11:23 AM

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
$5 o2 cheater/non fouler how-to

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

Robbyh · Dec 27, 2004, 08:59 AM

I only used one of the anti foulers (since using two made the end of the 02 hit the bottom of the car.) No Cel with just one installed.

eve-slow · Dec 27, 2004, 09:07 AM

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!

berkel · Dec 27, 2004, 10:56 AM

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

Jakeg97 · Dec 27, 2004, 04:30 PM

Quote:

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!

thats the name of the item that gives you the fix.

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?

bigmac · Dec 27, 2004, 07:27 PM

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.

Evillusion · Dec 27, 2004, 07:36 PM

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.

JTB · Dec 27, 2004, 07:36 PM

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!

Jakeg97 · Dec 27, 2004, 11:13 PM

another link for the fix

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showpos...1&postcount=14

JTB · Dec 27, 2004, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burningmoney97

STEP 5
-reinstall your o2 sensor
-use anti seize on the threads

This step is actually very important! Don't forget the anti seize!

**Zeus** · Dec 27, 2004, 11:24 PM

Both anti-foulers worked for me... the one alone didn't.

evo81 · Dec 28, 2004, 12:21 AM

good write up

BuLocal · Dec 28, 2004, 12:30 AM

Quote:

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!

Same here. Clearance will depend on your exaust. Most setups clear with two antifoulers.

EVOwhat · Dec 28, 2004, 08:22 AM

awesome write-up!...this should be a sticky in the EVO how to's and installations...