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joel
Nomad
Posts: 361
Registered: 2-2-2007
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Service Engine light experiences
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....
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Put a little piece of black tape over it.
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capitolkat
Senior Nomad
Posts: 510
Registered: 3-9-2006
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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
Life is too short to drink bad wine
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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9 times outta 10 it's smog related. if it drives normally, drive it!!!
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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I guess it would depend on what the definition of "soon" is. It's different in Mexico. 
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cabobaja
Nomad
Posts: 363
Registered: 9-19-2006
Location: South \"O\", Elias Calles, BCS
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Mood: Smiling
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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.
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bancoduo
Banned
Posts: 1003
Registered: 10-3-2005
Location: el carcel publico mazatlan sin.
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A bad tank of gas could do it. Lots of that in Mexico.
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amir
Senior Nomad
Posts: 559
Registered: 5-4-2007
Location: Todos Santos, BCS
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Mood: chiropractic
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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.
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
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Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| 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.
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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I'm with Dennis. Have put 100,000 miles on a rig with the "break warning"
indicator light on. The breaks have been working fine.
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kodiak
Nomad
Posts: 106
Registered: 5-13-2007
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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
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vandenberg
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5118
Registered: 6-21-2005
Location: Nopolo
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Mood: mellow
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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.
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Taco de Baja
Super Nomad
Posts: 1913
Registered: 4-14-2004
Location: Behind the Orange Curtain, CA
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Mood: Dreamin' of Baja
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| 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]
Truth generally lies in the coordination of antagonistic opinions
-Herbert Spencer
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
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Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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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.
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
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Mood: Retired and Loving it
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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.
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MrBillM
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 21656
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Out and About
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Mood: It's a Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day
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Still Checking
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.
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joel
Nomad
Posts: 361
Registered: 2-2-2007
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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.
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Taco de Baja
Super Nomad
Posts: 1913
Registered: 4-14-2004
Location: Behind the Orange Curtain, CA
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Mood: Dreamin' of Baja
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| 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.
Truth generally lies in the coordination of antagonistic opinions
-Herbert Spencer
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3597
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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Get one
| 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
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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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.
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