2000 venture Questions

I recently purchused a 2000 venture with 100,000 miles on it, the check engine light is on and I had it scanned at Autozone, Code P0440, replaced gas cap, light is still on, what should I check next. Or is there a way to reset the code, I have heard that if you disconnect the battery it will reset the code, but the van does have a theftlock radio, (no alarm) and I have heard that if you do this, it might cause a sercurity problem and the van wont start???
Also is there any way to check and see if the intake gasket has been replaced on it, without tearing the engine apart. because if it hasnt it will be before the all to famous leak accures.
Also I found some paper work in the van that say SES light on Reprogrammed system for code P1404. (87,000 on van at that time) but the invoice shows no repairs?, Any idea what this is?

After you replaced the gas cap did you have the code cleared? If not the light may eventually go off after awhile if the computer no longer detects a problem. Depending on your driving habits,( how far you drive and frequency,) this may take a few days, or more. You might also want to check the seal on the gas cap. It is possible the new cap could be defective off the auto parts shelf. If the light stays on however, it could mean you have a leak somewhere else in your EVAP system.
Code P1404 is related to the EGR. It can be caused by carbon buildup which prevent the valve from closing. One fix for that would be to remove the EGR valve from the engine and clean any carbon buildup, and clean the passageway into the engine as well. Another "quick fix" is to run an engine cleaner/fuel system cleaner that removes carbon buildup in the engine, but this is only a bandaid fix, as the problem usually reoccurs within a short period of time. Some garages and oil change shops offer a fuel system cleaning service and I have heard that this sometimes works, but like I said the problem can reoccur, and I checked in my area about this service and it costs $79.95. A new EGR valve cost me only $26 more, so I ended up just replacing the valve. It can be a challenge to access the valve as it is located towards the back of the engine on top on the driver's side of the vehicle, so keep this in mind if you decide to remove and attempt to clean the valve and engine passageway. And you should also replace the gasket between the EGR valve and the engine if you decide to go the route of cleaning.

Take your car to a local Autozone or Advanced Auto. Either will be happy to reset the code for you.

I went today and bought a repair manual, and I am going to see if auto zone with reset the code, I think I will atleast check the EGR valve and replace it if need be, hopefull that helps, I was also told to check the wiring harness for the EVAP canister, that they have a habit of wires wearing off the coating?
Anyone know if I GM could tell me if the intake gasket has been changed, if I gave them the vin #. Since it looks like all repairs have been done at a GM dealer?

I went today and bought a repair manual, and I am going to see if auto zone with reset the code, I think I will atleast check the EGR valve and replace it if need be, hopefull that helps, I was also told to check the wiring harness for the EVAP canister, that they have a habit of wires wearing off the coating?
Anyone know if I GM could tell me if the intake gasket has been changed, if I gave them the vin #. Since it looks like all repairs have been done at a GM dealer?
Autozone should have no problem clearing your code. If they give you a problem,(I have encountered some employees who won't clear the code until a repair has been done :frown: ,) just tell them you replaced the cap already, and if you have the receipt just show them. A GM dealer should be able to tell you if the intake gasket was replaced on your van by the VIN #. Again, I have encountered some dealers who give excuses to not look it up for you. I just take my business elsewhere. That is , if the repair was done at a GM dealership. If not, there might be other avenues to find out if the intake was replaced. One way is to find out if you can get the previous owner's name and address through the state DMV office and contact the former owner.

Resetting the codes is not really of any value to you. Either you have a failure or you do not. If you have done the correct repair the light will turn off on its own after a few drive cycles. If you have turned off the light (cleared the codes) and the fault is still present then the light will turn back on after a few drive cycles. In any event after a few drive cylces the light will be on if the fault exists and off if is has been repaired.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will give the van a few more days and see if the gas cap replacement works and the code clears it self. And I checked the Wire harness today, nothing there, looks good. So I guess if the code doesnt reset itself we will be trying to track down a vaccum leak. Sound like fun, love having a new vehicle will new problem!!!