Check engline light

[jcassandra00]

Does anyone know if there is a check engine light reset button for the 2001 Chevy Prism? I think my light is stuck because it won't go off and I was wondering if I could reset it myself without going to the dealer. There has not been any signs of problems. The light just constantly stays on. If anyone could help, I'd definitely appreciate it.

[johnholl]

take your care to autozone, have the code read free of charge. write down the code[s] and the report back here.

[dkhanolkar]

Originally Posted by jcassandra00

Does anyone know if there is a check engine light reset button for the 2001 Chevy Prism? I think my light is stuck because it won't go off and I was wondering if I could reset it myself without going to the dealer. There has not been any signs of problems. The light just constantly stays on. If anyone could help, I'd definitely appreciate it.

I have a 2000 Chevy Prism that has the same problem. Did you find out the code?

[jeelet]

Hi,

I purchased my 2001 Chevy Prizm in May 2004 with 29K miles. Couple of months later when I first got the Check engine light on, I took it to Autozone, I was told the gas cap was not tight enough, I gave it a single twist and the light went out. Few weeks later it came back and has been on ever since. I see no problem driving the car although sometime I feel it has less power. Not sure if it has anything to do with the check engine light.

I took the car once again to Autozone and below is the reading from the Handle held device. Nobody at Autozone was not sure what it was about. Appreciate your help.

"Troubleshooting code: PO446

The PCM has detected that a malfunction exists in the electrical circuit for the Vent control in the Evaporative emission control system."

Look forward to your advice.

[oppositesleeper]

as far as reseting the light u could try to disc the battery for 30 to reset the computers.

[cb65]

I had the same thing happen with my '95 prizm. I have over 100,000 miles on my car. Disconnecting the negative battery terminal will reset it. Don't completely ignore the warning light. It's there for a reason. Keep up on the scheduled maintenance, ie oil and coolant. And make sure you replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles.

[johnholl]

I have the same trouble code [purge control vent]. I look at it this way, It's a problem with the canister, which cannot be serviced without lifting the car and removing the exhaust. I think I'll just buy a code reader and erase the code, it's a lot cheaper, and up here in NY they won't pass your car with a stored emmisions code.

[princesa82]

just unplug the battery and then plug it back up that will reset the light... but if it comes back on you need to get it checked out

[cb65]

My check engine light turned out to be a broken wire from the O2 sensor. Check the sensor itself and the wires going to the e.c.u.

[aripitkanen]

Prizm 99. My Check Engine light has been on for a while. I checked the code it was P0441 "Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow".

I cleared the code and it came back on after a couple of days. Does anyone know what could cause the light to come on and show this specific code?

Thanks!

[johnholl]

[quote=aripitkanen]Prizm 99. My Check Engine light has been on for a while. I checked the code it was P0441 "Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow".

I cleared the code and it came back on after a couple of days. Does anyone know what could cause the light to come on and show this specific code

Go to:
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/iss...Nov02e.html#f8

Most likely causes would seem to be

purge valve not opening all the way
vent valve not openning all the way
clogged canister
faulty associated hoses to and from

I don't think it's the gas cap because it would fail the leak tests

I wish someone would go to a dealer and tell us all the answer

[bobby k]

[quote=johnholl]

Originally Posted by aripitkanen

Prizm 99. My Check Engine light has been on for a while. I checked the code it was P0441 "Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow".

I cleared the code and it came back on after a couple of days. Does anyone know what could cause the light to come on and show this specific code

Go to:
http://www.gmtechlink.com/images/iss...Nov02e.html#f8

Most likely causes would seem to be

purge valve not opening all the way
vent valve not openning all the way
clogged canister
faulty associated hoses to and from

I don't think it's the gas cap because it would fail the leak tests

I wish someone would go to a dealer and tell us all the answer

reply---
PROBLEM--
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON!!
I have replaced the purge valve, o2 sensors, light goes off for a few days, and comes back on and stays on. It ahs been on for four months straight.
Any advice on how to remedy?
Car runs fine--HELP!!!

[princesa82]

Hello Everyone....ur probably not going to be happy with this....but the problem is MORE then likely the catalytic converter...which can be pricey....my Check Engine Light was on for a veryyyyyy long time....Im guessing almost a year...car ran fine...I had my scheduled maintenance...oil change, tune up that sort of thing...but I had to go and get my emmissions done...and my light was still on, so of course they dont pass it...I had to go and get it checked and it turned out to be the catalytic converter!...Hope this helps!!

[johnholl]

Originally Posted by princesa82

Hello Everyone....ur probably not going to be happy with this....but the problem is MORE then likely the catalytic converter...which can be pricey....my Check Engine Light was on for a veryyyyyy long time....Im guessing almost a year...car ran fine...I had my scheduled maintenance...oil change, tune up that sort of thing...but I had to go and get my emmissions done...and my light was still on, so of course they dont pass it...I had to go and get it checked and it turned out to be the catalytic converter!...Hope this helps!!

Check Engine Light can flag for many different reasons. You didn't indicate what your specific diagnostic code was. A p0441 or p0446 code will not be caused by a faulty Catalytic Converter. What was your diagnostic fault code?

[SpinnerCee]

I wouldn't pass on the converter either -- Exhaust back pressure effects everything about the the engine's "tune" -- Aftermarket cat-backs aren't on every import hot rod just for sound.

A clogged converter, muffler, or even a pinched pipe will effect every sensor that the PCM "sees" since it will negatively impact the engine vacuum [aka: MAP-manifold absolute pressure] -- The engine vacuum is what purges the evap canister, draws air in to the engine at idle, opens/closes the EGR valve, regulates the fuel pressure, vents the crankcase [pcv], and gives you power-assist for the brakes. IF the cat is faulty, it will likely cause codes to be set for other systems because they will read out of spec.

An exhaust system back presure check can be done by most shops. They insert a pressure probe in the O2 sensor port. Extreme exhaust back pressure can also be implied by reading engine vacuum under varying throttle and load conditions.