BajaNomad

Service Engine light experiences

joel - 6-27-2007 at 01:03 PM

The "Service Engine Soon" light has just come on in my 2001 Suburban. Last time it did I was headed to La Paz where I took it to the dealer. Now I'm in the middle of nowhere for a couple of months and it's come on again.

I'm just wondering what others experiences are of ignoring the "Service Engine" light is for months on end....

DENNIS - 6-27-2007 at 01:08 PM

Put a little piece of black tape over it.

capitolkat - 6-27-2007 at 01:16 PM

Do the normal things- check oil and water-- check your gas filler cap to make sure it's on tight and trasmission fluid, brake fluid, and if those are OK it's probably something like a vacuum leak which will keep you from passing a smog test but won't kill your engine. Absent the computer diagnostic for your vehicle it's really hard to know just what's going on when the little light comes on.

Good luck

woody with a view - 6-27-2007 at 01:20 PM

9 times outta 10 it's smog related. if it drives normally, drive it!!!

Dave - 6-27-2007 at 01:26 PM

I guess it would depend on what the definition of "soon" is. It's different in Mexico. :rolleyes:

cabobaja - 6-27-2007 at 01:45 PM

Mine has been on for the past 5 years. It reads, "check engine." I did, I opened the hood, engine was there. So...I did what Dennis advised, I put a piece of black tape over it.

bancoduo - 6-27-2007 at 01:50 PM

A bad tank of gas could do it. Lots of that in Mexico.

amir - 6-27-2007 at 01:58 PM

Mine went on in a Toyota Corolla when it was time for the 50,000 mile check-up. There was nothing wrong with the car.

Al G - 6-27-2007 at 01:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bancoduo
A bad tank of gas could do it. Lots of that in Mexico.


Most all cars I get into (not that many)...in Baja have check engine light on. So I think your onto something here...my miles per gallon dropped like a rock in Baja. Most places did not have premium. Don't think it makes a difference anyway, after it fouls your plugs.

Cypress - 6-27-2007 at 02:01 PM

I'm with Dennis.:spingrin: Have put 100,000 miles on a rig with the "break warning" indicator light on. The breaks have been working fine.:spingrin:

kodiak - 6-27-2007 at 02:10 PM

Most auto parts stores, in the US, will scan and clear your codes for free. Might be worth a check at a local auto store in Mexico. I have a scanner that checks and clears DTC codes on my duramax. Almost a have to have item with one of these trucks! LOL

vandenberg - 6-27-2007 at 04:03 PM

Had this happen twice,and both times is was a defective gascap. Analyzer showed something else,but mechanic in La Paz put on new cap, and "Voila " light out.:?::?:

Taco de Baja - 6-27-2007 at 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
9 times outta 10 it's smog related. if it drives normally, drive it!!!


True, But to be a good "citizen of the planet" you should fix it, if you know it's polluting.

For peace of mind I bought one on eBay for $50. I have read many codes my Taco threw, all O2 sensors, or catalytic converter issues. I have read codes for friends that ranged from an O2 sensor, throttle position sensor, dirty MAF sensor, loose gas cap, misfire in cylinder 1, speed sensor......It's more than paid for itself in trips to an auto-parts store.

I take it to Baja all the time, to help diagnose any issues a 10 year old truck may get while 50 miles off road if it throws a code...Two years ago it was an O2 sensor from bad gas; as soon as it got USA fuel the light went away. :)

Unless it is driving really badly, it’s probably safe to drive, but you really should get it scanned. PepBoyz, AutoZone, et al., will usually scan it for free. Then use the internet (www.obd-codes.com) to find a solution. or buy your own scanner on ebay.

[Edited on 6-27-2007 by Taco de Baja]

Bruce R Leech - 6-27-2007 at 06:32 PM

unhook the battery cable for 10 mins and have a beer and the computer will reset. then see if it will come back on or not. If you are any where near Mulege stop and I will run a diagnostic and check for codes.

ncampion - 6-27-2007 at 06:37 PM

The "check engine" light or "service engine soon" light is the biggest money maker the car makers ever came up with. All the paranoid safety freaks rush right in to their neraest dealer where they extract $89.95 for a "diagnostic check" to tell you that your gas cap is loose or some other bogus problem. Get a UBD II code reader and check it yourself and decide if you need to do something or not. The UBD codes nearly always relate to smog issues. If you really want to "save the earth" then you wouldn't be driving a big 4WD vehicle on dirt roads in the first place.

Still Checking

MrBillM - 6-27-2007 at 06:39 PM

The "Check Engine" light has been lit on my 89 Dodge for at about Ten years. Gas mileage (lousy) unchanged.

My 95 Ranger's has been lit for the last 80k miles or so. Gas mileage still within 3-4 of new. Since I've never changed the back two plugs on one side since new (160K ago), that might be a partial problem. Still OK by me, though.

No light yet on my newest Dodge, but when it comes on, I'll devote the appropriate attention to it.

joel - 6-27-2007 at 06:40 PM

Interesting, I'm inclined towards the tape fix, but intrigued by having my own scanner. Any recommendations on one that will work for idiots? Are these universal or vehicle specific? If the former, could make a nice present for the local mechanico.

Taco de Baja - 6-28-2007 at 07:47 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by joel
Interesting, I'm inclined towards the tape fix, but intrigued by having my own scanner. Any recommendations on one that will work for idiots? Are these universal or vehicle specific? If the former, could make a nice present for the local mechanico.


They are universal....for all post 1996 (and some 1995) vehicles. The earlier vehicles have the OBD I connection.

They will diagnose issues for all car makes, even vehicle specific codes.

Many codes however, link to several issues, but it’s better than a blind guy with a shotgun approach to trying to get the light off.

The less expensive ones (less than 100) will just give you a code(s) then you have to look up in a book (included with the unit) what the code means. The more expensive ones (125-200+) will give you the code and tell you what the code means.

You will still need the internet or a Service Manual for some issues on how to go about repairing the problem....I.e. what would you do to fix this code: P0401: Insufficient EGR Flow ?

Solution HERE :)

I have the EQUUS INNOVA 3100 model and have had no problems with it.

Get one

Lee - 6-28-2007 at 03:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Taco de Baja
I have the EQUUS INNOVA 3100 model and have had no problems with it.


I have the 3130 comes with different adapters fits my Ford, Honda and Toyota.

My service engine soon light comes on when I need an oil chance. This is different from a check engine light.

http://www.autobarn.net/obdcoreandsc.html

TMW - 6-28-2007 at 04:45 PM

Harbor Freight was selling an OBDll code reader for $39. Not sure about other makes but on a GM if the light is not flashing it does not need immediate service, like an emergency. If it appears to be running OK it can wait. As others have said it most likely is smog related. Two biggest problems are the gas cap and the oxygen sensor. If the problem results in a lean running mixer, it can damage the oxygen sensor. Also take a look around to see if any sensor wires are broken.

woody with a view - 6-28-2007 at 04:48 PM

harbor freight is notoriously CHEAP. how long have you had this unit?

seeing others say +/- $100 is cheap, then hear about HF $39, makes you wonder..........

TMW - 6-28-2007 at 05:00 PM

I purchased one at HF last year.

joel - 6-29-2007 at 09:11 PM

Just bought the Equus new on eBay for $88 plus shipping. Should be a great way to pick-up chicks, too.

Taco de Baja - 6-30-2007 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by joel
Just bought the Equus new on eBay for $88 plus shipping. Should be a great way to pick-up chicks, too.


A new pick up line!
"Hey Baby, I see you need your engine analyzed. I have just the tool to assist you with that...."

Better be prepared to duck. :lol:

Alan - 6-30-2007 at 01:53 PM

My check engine light came on just before Viscaino on my 2005 Duramax/Allison when headed to La Paz and the engine wouldn't tach over 2000 rpm. If you tried to go beyond that the engine just cut out. I had just put on new tires and increased the size a little (245/75/16's to 265/70/17's). I figured that change had to be throwing off the computer. Nursed it into Loreto at 1800 rpm (60 mph). Checked everything I could see in the morning but no help there. Decided to limp on in to La Paz and hopefully find a dealer. After driving a short while the light suddenly goes out and everything is fine again. Just outside of La Paz I accelerated and passed a truck then the light came back on and I was limited to 2000 rpm again. Limp on into La Paz but can't find a GM dealer, only Ford and VW. The next morning the light went off again and everything worked fine for 2 weeks (only short trips, and low speeds) even moving my boat from storage to marina and back.

Started for home yesterday morning, kept the speed at and below sixty and the light came again after accelerating to pass another truck! At 60 miles per hour from La Paz to home = 25 hours!

Can't wait to get it into a dealer to find out what the problem is. I assume they would have a program to reset the tire size so it doesn't cause conflicts with the computer? I didn't increase the tires that much and I see lots of kids running around with huge tires! I have to assume they can drive faster than 60.

kodiak - 6-30-2007 at 02:27 PM

Alan...P1093 code is my bet. Very common for the Duramax. Change your fuel filter and it will be good to go.

TMW - 7-1-2007 at 09:39 AM

Alan, I hate to tell you this but if you change the tire size on a GM diesel truck the warranty is void. I asked the local dealer about it not long ago and it's true. If you got your old wheels you might want to put them on before going to the dealer if it's in the warranty time frame. Or call another dealer to be sure.

vandenberg - 7-1-2007 at 11:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
harbor freight is notoriously CHEAP. how long have you had this unit?



I don't think you can find an item in that store that's not made in China. Maybe dogfood:?::?::P:P

kellychapman - 7-1-2007 at 12:58 PM

my service engine light has been on for 3 years...lol...seems an electrical problem....as long as you keep it serviced and check everything then maybe it is the same as mine....good luck....

ncampion - 7-1-2007 at 08:40 PM

Quote:
Alan...P1093 code is my bet. Very common for the Duramax. Change your fuel filter and it will be good to go.


Agree with the fuel filter theory. Cloged filter can't flow enough fuel to make the RPMs. Computer limites the RPM to what it can flow.

kodiak - 7-2-2007 at 02:45 PM

So whats the verdict Alan??? I got money riding on this!! :lol:

capn.sharky - 7-2-2007 at 03:46 PM

This happened to me many years ago in Loreto. Took the truck to a mechanic and he told me 'they all come on down here". Through the years it has happened to every car or truck I took down. I took my Nissan Frontier down and the light came on first day in Loreto. Oddly enough, when I left for the boarder the light went out. I think it has something to do with all the dust and dirt flying around in the air. I too have used the tape trick many times. Have a nice 4th of July.

CaboRon - 7-2-2007 at 06:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
unhook the battery cable for 10 mins and have a beer and the computer will reset. then see if it will come back on or not. If you are any where near Mulege stop and I will run a diagnostic and check for codes.
This is also true for some transmission problems .... just make sure it is the negative cable that is disconnected. CaboRon:cool:

Alan - 7-2-2007 at 06:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by kodiak
So whats the verdict Alan??? I got money riding on this!! :lol:


Sorry to have to keep you waiting, I've got 2 weeks of work backlogged and a company car to drive for now so I won't even get a chance to investigate the problem with my personal truck until next week sometime.

Sharksbaja - 7-2-2007 at 09:01 PM

Funny thang happened on the way to Baja. My engine light went on and stayed on. My truck runs better now than before.

Best hp improvement. Upgrade to synthetic oil. Turn on engine light. :lol: Use mid-grade gas(US)

nobaddays - 7-2-2007 at 09:21 PM

There is a reason they call them idiot lights !!!!!

Alan - 7-7-2007 at 09:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by kodiak
So whats the verdict Alan??? I got money riding on this!! :lol:


We have a winner! The dealer said it was the fuel filter.

Cypress - 7-7-2007 at 12:12 PM

When the idiot light comes on its already too late.:( If you can get gauges, get 'em.:bounce: