96 Check Engine light on

I have a 96 LeSabre and the Check Engine light is on. It has about 101k on it and I am the second or third owner. Other than the light, there are no visible or audible problems that I am aware of. I called a local mechanic who has worked on this car in the past and they want $85 just to run the codes & diagnose the problem. I have put more money than I want to in this car already having recently done the plenum and upper and lower gaskets. Any thoughts would be appreciated.:2cents:

I have a 96 LeSabre and the Check Engine light is on. It has about 101k on it and I am the second or third owner. Other than the light, there are no visible or audible problems that I am aware of. I called a local mechanic who has worked on this car in the past and they want $85 just to run the codes & diagnose the problem. I have put more money than I want to in this car already having recently done the plenum and upper and lower gaskets. Any thoughts would be appreciated.:2cents:

Take it to Autozone or Advance and let them read the code for free.

Thanks. I will give that a try.

I took it to Autozone and the code came up P0442 which apparantly has somthing to do with the EVAP system. One of the suggested fixes for that code is a new gas cap. I don't think that is the problem. I think it is probably one of the hose/tubes for that system, but I am not a mechanic. Maybe when they fixed the gaskets they "pinched" a well worn hose that needed replacement anyhow. My son and I plan to dig around the engine hoses this weekend and look for leaks that we can see.

Just a thought.
There may be a hose in the wrong place.
I understand that emission system is a gas vaper purge maybe problem is control valve wires. The system waits till the engine has been running for a while and purges the vapors back into the intake.

Not sure the PCM knows theres an actual hose leak, just a control line off.
Gas cap is a one way gas vapor valve. I suck on em' working. (not good but works)

Good luck

Thanks. I will take a look and see if I can spot a hose problem.

I had problems with my engine check light coming on and off also. It was the upper manifold problem. I had this fixed then the MAP sensor went out on me and this made the light come on also.:banghead:
Am holding out to have this fixed. Now I have a water pump leaking and have to get this fixed or I won't have an engine.
www.gotenergy4u.com