97 Z-71 Service Engine Soon Light

My "Service Engine Soon" light came on tonight. Staying on. I filled it up with gas and put my foot in it right hard to blow it out, but it's still on. Seems to be running fine, but that light is aggravating. Don't wanna have to take it to the shop if I can help it $$$$$$$. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!
Thanks a lot!!

Did you make certain the gas cap is on properly?
If it was because of a bad seal on the gas cap, it could take a couple of days for the light to go off.

If you want to just get rid of the light and the stored codes and freeze frame information, you can disconnect the upper most forward connector on your ECM, located drivers side fender. The black unit with 4 large connectors going into it. But before you do that, I would highly recommend getting it scanned at your local parts store and writing down the codes. Look them up at www.troublecodes.net Most autozone's and Advance Auto's will scan OBD2 vehicles for free, and yours is OBD2 compliant. Sometimes they will erase the code for free too, depending on whether the local shops are telling them not too, because it takes money out of their pocket.

Oooops....almost forgot......you only need to unplug the connector for about 2 minutes and then RECONNECT it. The truck will not start without it. Also try checking your VIN at this website to see if you need to have your trucks computer reflashed with different software to cure drivability issues. -Chris Hope this helps. http://calid.gm.com/vci/VINEntryPre.do

Had the same problem before...twice. Probably had some bad gas. If it was something this minor, the light will go out by a day or 2 max. Or by the time you read this reply.....

Took it to my mechanic this morning. Was leaking antifreeze, dripping down on the oxygen sensor causing the light to come on. $26.00 repair. I'm tickled to death. Hope this can help someone else out here.
Thanks everyone!!

where was the antifreeze leaking from?

Not sure where it was leaking from. I trust the mechanic 100%, so I just pay him and go. He has never done me wrong. Sorry I can't help you much.

glad to hear it. It wouldnt hurt to pop the hood about once a week tho,.......use a flashlight to look the engine over carefully for any more leaks. I had to change the intake gaskets on mine, and found evidence of antifreeze in the oil.

If you want to just get rid of the light and the stored codes and freeze frame information, you can disconnect the upper most forward connector on your ECM, located drivers side fender. The black unit with 4 large connectors going into it. But before you do that, I would highly recommend getting it scanned at your local parts store and writing down the codes. Look them up at www.troublecodes.net Most autozone's and Advance Auto's will scan OBD2 vehicles for free, and yours is OBD2 compliant. Sometimes they will erase the code for free too, depending on whether the local shops are telling them not too, because it takes money out of their pocket.
I have a pontiac grand am 2001 been kinda running weird when it hits speeds of 50 miles an hour, now it started shifting ruff and then check engine light came on now. We changed the transmission filter and oil. And when it shifts hard again the check engine light comes on again. ?? Can anyone help me here?

I have a pontiac grand am 2001 been kinda running weird when it hits speeds of 50 miles an hour, now it started shifting ruff and then check engine light came on now. We changed the transmission filter and oil. And when it shifts hard again the check engine light comes on again. ?? Can anyone help me here?
Try asking in the Pontiac forum/Grand Am sub forum. They would probably be able to help you out better.

I've got a similar problem with my '97 Z71 350. I've had it reset (it shows misfire). I've had the cap, plugs, wires all changed. I've also been through the intake gasket leaking.

What I've noticed is this winter when the air temp got down in the single digits the light went out and stayed out for a couple of weeks. As it got warmer it started to come on for couple of days and then go out for a few days. Now that it is no longer freezing it is on all the time. I also detect some vibration coming from the drivetrain as I get off the gas after accelerating.

I have to get this fixed before June or it is an automatic fail for inspection.

Any ideas? I'll try to get the code numbers.

docadar