I drove my jeep out to the city today (around a 35 minute ride one-way) and noticed on my way there that the Check Engine light was on. Decided some fluids were probably a little low, so when I got home, I popped her hood up as my dad pulled up the driveway. He asked me what was up and I told him the lights on. He told me to show him, and I started her up and it was off. Any ideas what could cause it? If you need any more info, I'll be glad to give it. Im going to run some Seafoam through her system (on empty now, gonna fill up tomorrow a.m.) and see if maybe its flow is restricted, but other than that, nothing seems wrong. Thanks in advance.

 

Get the codes. They wil be stored even if the CEL isnt on.

 

^this

And it can be done at any auto parts store for free (at least I think most will do it for free, or for a small fee)

 

This.

While you can retrieve the 2 digit codes with the key-on, key-off technique on SOME 1997 XJs (not all), it is way better to get the full PXXXX code by using a scan tool, a code reader, or by taking your XJ to a parts store like Autozone that will read your codes for free.

The strategy for this is always the same. Use the technology provided to you by your Jeep with your OBD codes. Interpreting codes is not always straight forward, but it is darn accurate at pointing you to the offending circuit.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Don't think any "low fluid level" will set a CEL.

 

On my wifes 98 wrangler a check gauges light pops when there is low fluids. Its a separate light from check engine.

I am very familiar with this as her oil pressure gauge is garbage and fluxuates more than the rpm gauge.