96 Lumina Service engine light????

[nitaw7]

70,000 miles and never a problem. What does this mean? What do I do? Just driving down the raod and it came on. Checked all fluids and all was good except the Transmission fluid was low by one quart. Added the fluid and it's still on. Are they related?

Thanks Nita

[cadgear]

Run on up to Autozone or similar and ask if they'll pull the code from the PCM, that'll tell you what's up with the Service Engine Soon light. Post back when you find out and we'll try to help you out with it.

[nitaw7]

Thank you....
I haven't had a chance to go to Auto Zone yet. (I live at least 45 minutes from the closest one) The light went out this morning. Should I still go? Would it be stupid to just blow it off.

Thanks

Nita

[cadgear]

If the light went off, then whatever sensor (usually that's how the computer knows to turn it on) has not detected a fault in over a certian amount of time. The code is still stored, however, and you should still see what they are, even if the light's not on. That way you can keep your eye on whatever may be (or may not be) acting up. Just try to avoid disconnecting the battery before you get the codes read, otherwise they'll be erased.

[nitaw7]

Thank you I will go into town and do it tomorrow. I will let you know. I really appreciate this.

[nitaw7]

I went to auto zone and they ran the test and the code is PO401....pcm has determined that there is insufficient flow in the (EGR) exhaust gas recirculation system. Now what do I do?

Thanks

Nita

[cadgear]

You'll probably want to have a mechanic check, confirm, and replace the EGR valve then. Its an emissions-related part, so you probably won't be able to pass emissions in your state until you have it repaired anyhow. Not really much you can do, however if you feel comfortable poking about your engine (or know someone who is) then you could unmount the valve, check and clean all the ports, and reassemble with a new gasket. No guarentee however.

That's all I know to tell you from here, I'm a weekend tinker mechanic, so from here you'll probably need to go a step above me.