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

you need to pull the codes.

Any autozone or advanced auto should have a code reader obd2 that they will let you use/print out the codes for free.

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.

Thanks! I'll search one out.

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

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.

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.

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.

its a 96

96 has the misfire detection so that's probably what you were seeing. Get the codes read. A code reader for a obd2 car is $49.

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

Get your own comes in handy and get a free beer every now and then for helping out a friend :woohoo:

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????

I would check all the wires to make sure there are seated and look for sparks in the dark :cheers:

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 bought plugs and wires. Planing on starting it tonight after dark to see if I see anything. If not tomorrow I'll replace the plugs and wires and go from there

FYI. On my way home from work today it was missing badly and the check engine light came back on. Same misfire error

Also thanks for all the help. It's the mastercraft forum in a car form. Haha

Same thing happened to me, it turned out to be a bad catalytic converter. That was determined by having the codes read.

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.