Check Engine Light question

[chelo]

My 1996 Disco I runs great. I did some maintenance on it (spark plugs, fuel filter, and oil change). It continued to run great for about 200 miles. Yesterday I go to started and it seems either flooded, not getting enough gas, or misfiring (low unstable idle). I give it some gas and then it normalizes. It hasn’t done that since then and it drives like always. However, my “check engine” light is on. I found a vacuum hose disconnected (the one that connects to the “black cylinder rubber looking thing” near the throttle cable (I think it might be for the cruise control?). I plugged it back in but the light still on, even after disconnecting the battery. Any ideas what this could have been (I know it is hard to troubleshoot without pulling the codes, but I wanted to run it by the forum before I drop the $100 to read the codes.
By the way, while I was checking the vacuum hoses for leaks, I found that the hose that goes into the car under the dashboard (driver side) from the T is connected to a funny looking switch (“Hella”), but mine was just dangling (not attached to anything). Is this supposed to be connected to anything?
Also, the other hose from the T that runs into the front left side, where does it connect? (I could not find the end once it goes into the fender).
Thanks a lot.

Chelo
1996 Disco I SE7 (USA)

 

[joey]

First off getting codes read is free at any Autozone....

Second the hose you are talking about is for the cruise/vacuum and this will cause rough idle as well as the cruise not to work.

At the 'T' it should go into the firewall and connect to the brake switch if I recall correctly. the one the goes into the fender should come out just behind the drivers headlight and connect to the vacuum pump.

hope this helps.

 

[chelo]

Light went away after connecting the switch back in the brake pedal . I have no idea how this switch came loose, could this have caused the "check engine" light to come on?

Anyhow, everyhting seems back to normal for now.

Thanks for the reply,

Chelo

 

[Moose]

It seems like that switch works its way loose over time,and then comes off. It definitely affects your cruise control, although I'm not sure why it would cause a CEL either...

Glad to hear it's fixed, either way...