1996 Service engine soon light
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
1996 Service engine soon light
A couple of days ago while driving around, I notice that the "Service Engine Soon" light was on (not flashing). The car was and is running good - No difference in perforance - and running smooth. It's been on now for serveral outtings. The previous week I was low on fuel (on reserve) but nerver ran out. When I filled it up (Sunoco 94) I added fuel injector cleaner. Shortly after that is when I noticed the light on.
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
#4
Le Mans Master
For a 1996, get yourself an OBD11 code reader ....ebay $20.00.
They will read the code, erase the code and stored codes and comes with a book with all listed codes and a breif explanation of what the problem is, which would be your starting place for problem solving.
They will read the code, erase the code and stored codes and comes with a book with all listed codes and a breif explanation of what the problem is, which would be your starting place for problem solving.
#6
Le Mans Master
When my 96 LT1 did that - SES light but engine ran normally - turned out to be the EGR valve. AutoZone pulled the code for me.
When I pulled the EGR valve I saw the cause; carboned up and sticking. I could have just cleaned it with some spray and a toothbrush, but I figured "why not" and installed a new one.
You'll just need to pull the code to see what's up.
Jake
When I pulled the EGR valve I saw the cause; carboned up and sticking. I could have just cleaned it with some spray and a toothbrush, but I figured "why not" and installed a new one.
You'll just need to pull the code to see what's up.
Jake
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I pulled to valve and cleaned it but no luck. I don't have a code reader but it looks like it would come in handy. I guess it's off to the dealer I go.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
#8
On my way to work this morning I noticed a miss while running at 1500 rpms ish Nothing to get me excited. Car has 67000 on it. the check engine was flashing and shortly after went solid. Get the code read and fix? typically i wouldn't worry about it cause the missing stopped after a few mins.
#9
Melting Slicks
On my way to work this morning I noticed a miss while running at 1500 rpms ish Nothing to get me excited. Car has 67000 on it. the check engine was flashing and shortly after went solid. Get the code read and fix? typically i wouldn't worry about it cause the missing stopped after a few mins.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
#10
Well you didn't mention what year but normally a flashing check engine light is a misfiring occurring in later year vehicles. Im not sure what years that became the standard on. Getting the codes read is always the first thing to do anyways.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
#12
Had the car 3 weeks now, do you recommend I get a reader or just go to autozone and get them to read? I plan on keeping it for a long while, its too much fun to get rid of
#13
#14
I got the code read at the local auto parts place and it was a misfire detection error. Dove it 20 miles after resetting the error with no new error but i can feel a miss every once and a while. Do I need to replace the opti, plugs and wires and/or????
#15
I would check all the wires to make sure there are seated and look for sparks in the dark
#16
Melting Slicks
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
#17
I could start making guesses but after buying an optispark myself I wouldn't feel right recommending stuff as much as those parts cost.
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
FYI. On my way home from work today it was missing badly and the check engine light came back on. Same misfire error
#19
A couple of days ago while driving around, I notice that the "Service Engine Soon" light was on (not flashing). The car wasand is running good - No difference in perforance - and running smooth. It's been on now for serveral outtings. The previous week I was low on fuel (on reserve) but nerver ran out. When I filled it up (Sunoco 94) I added fuel injector cleaner. Shortly after that is when I noticed the light on.
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
#20
Burning Brakes
The P 0300 random engine misfire is a tough one to throw parts at. I suggest getting it on a scanner at a vette shop and find out what the heck is wrong before fixing anything. The fee will be far less than the money you will blow or the time typing here.
You have open and closed loops and fuel spark air to investigate. Without a scanner you are lost in some very dark woods.
You have open and closed loops and fuel spark air to investigate. Without a scanner you are lost in some very dark woods.
Last edited by tlong; 04-23-2015 at 11:35 PM.