I'm wondering what could it be without spending an arm and a leg taking it to a dealer for something that might be as simple as an oil change?
2006-11-02 09:48:59 · 12 answers · asked by Andy M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the ses light on that vintage of a vehicle has nothing to do with oil level, engine temp, etc.
it was used to alert you that a malfunction in the emission system is/ was occurring. you can retrieve the code(s) by shorting two connectors in the aldl port. the light will flash in a certain fashion
to indicate the stored code. unfortunately, before
1995, these codes can be misleading as to the
actual nature of the problem. so you can do the hunt n peck method and possibly replace the right part the 1st time, or you could spend a pile more money than if you had just taken it to a qualified tech for diagnosis. if the car still runs fine it is probably a sensor. but there are several that will set a code when they fail. sorry, not a lot of help.
2006-11-02 09:59:09 · answer #1 · answered by mott the hoople 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your car has a self diagnostic computer on it and you can check the trouble code yourself for free! under the drivers side dash you will see a computer plug with two rows of sockets on it. take a paper clip and bend it into a u shape, then insert the two sides of the clip into the two top right hand holes on the plug. do not start the car up when the paper clip is in the plug holes just turn on the ignition switch to the run position . then look at the check engine light you will see it blink. it will blink one time and then two times that's the number 12. after the third time a different blink pattern will show up count the number of blinks the first time and write the number down then it will flash a second number count that one too and write it down that number will be the trouble code. if you don't have a trouble code book for GM you can get back to me and I will look it up for you on mine and then you will know whats wrong and you wont have to pay a tech. that alone will save you about $80.00. Then you can use the saved money to get the car fixed.remember, do not try to start the car when the wire is in the plug if you do the computer will be damaged. good luck!
2006-11-03 01:38:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lots of money but no sense 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it in and have someone read the code for you. Many places will do this without charging anything or very little and at least you'll know what you're looking at. The service engine light can go on for so many reasons from it being time to change a sensor on to more serious things so it's best to have someone with a code reading machine let you know why it's going on. If you call around to different places I would be very surprised if you couldn't find someone who has one of these machines who will let you know why the light is coming on for free. Good luck.
2006-11-02 09:52:48 · answer #3 · answered by jljdc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
TAKE IT TO autozone. those things have computers that will tell ya what is wrong. its free. u put the little chip in(usually located under steering colum) and it gives u a series of flashes. those flashes = codes as to what is wrong with your car. most of the time its just o2 sensors (things that tell you how much oxygen the exhaust is expelling) and those are not that expensive. i been riding with my engine light for 3 years now. i say if it runs then *** it. if you dont have an autozone check out pep boys or soemthing along those lines. good luck
2006-11-02 09:52:29 · answer #4 · answered by aligrespeq 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check engine or service light? ONe is for oil change and stuff the other for codes either way disconnect bat for 30 secs and reconnect and see if it goes out
2006-11-02 10:18:08 · answer #5 · answered by vincent c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, HAVE you gotten an oil change recently? It could be something as simple as a spark plug... it could be a lot of things. I would call a local auto shop and ask them how much it would be to get a diagnostics test done. Sometimes they're only 25 bucks.
2006-11-02 09:50:57 · answer #6 · answered by KS5957 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would check the fuses before taking it to anyone. You can get a manufactures book on your car at the local library. I will also have some simple do it yourself procedures.
2006-11-02 09:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by rhianna_leigh 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well take a look and see. It needs to be serviced. so look at your car, it could be a head light needs changing to.
2006-11-02 09:50:52 · answer #8 · answered by Jas 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watch out for polar bears my friend!
2006-11-02 09:57:00 · answer #9 · answered by Barrett G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be your alternator.. do any other lights come on for no reason?
2006-11-02 09:50:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋