Service Engine Light

98SilvyKid · #1 04-20-2005, 07:24 PM

The service engine light in my 98 K1500 won't seem to shut off. All fluids check out well, and the oil is still pretty clean since it was serviced around 1500 miles ago. Any ideas? Thanks for any help guys.

2000CAYukon · #2 04-20-2005, 07:38 PM

If the SES light is on, there is a code stored and you need a scan tool/code reader to get the code. From there you can determine what is setting the code.

//2000CAYukon

Silverado Brethern · #3 04-20-2005, 09:17 PM

Take it to auto zone or advanced auto and they will let you scan it for free.

Silverado Brethern · #4 04-20-2005, 09:17 PM

Take it to auto zone or advanced auto and they will let you scan it for free.

benw · #5 04-21-2005, 09:55 AM

if you are tired of the light always being on then you could just pull the bulb like I did

'97ventureowner · #6 04-21-2005, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benw

if you are tired of the light always being on then you could just pull the bulb like I did

Not a good idea. Depending on what state you live in and their emission laws, doing such a thing can be grounds for an immediate failure in your inspection. Many state are now, in the effort to clean the air, are passing very strict emission laws. The federal government is also trying to coax other states into doing the same. Some states, like NY where i live have adpoted new emission laws whereas when you bring your vehicle in for it's yearly inspection, the first thing they look at is the MIL or SES light. If that is illuminated you fail, if it doesn't light up when you start the vehicle, you fail as well. So if you in some way disable the light, it will cost you to have it repaired so it is in working order.Some people try to fool the system by going to an auto parts store that reads your codes for free, and have them clear the codes. When you bring your vehicle in. it is hooked to a computer that scans the system and if it sees that the sensors have not run long enough to do their tests and register anything, you fail the test and are required to bring the vehicle back after you have driven it enough to "ready the system." So in the long run it might be more cost effective to get the SES light checked out to see what the problem is, who knows it might be a cheap and easy fix?

Riche · #7 04-22-2005, 08:03 AM

Louisiana scans the computer for trouble codes. I have seen someone pull the bulb and still not pass b/c the computer doesn't lie!!!!

98SilvyKid · #8 04-22-2005, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the help guys. I eventually want to get a scanner for myself but there so expensive.

TaNK_Em · #9 04-22-2005, 10:20 PM

Dont waste your money on a scanner, You only need one if your going to professinaly work on cars and whatnot not for home use. Go to AutoZone (Or insert other shop there) and have them read it.

- Kevin

'97ventureowner · #10 04-22-2005, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaNK_Em

Dont waste your money on a scanner, You only need one if your going to professinaly work on cars and whatnot not for home use. Go to AutoZone (Or insert other shop there) and have them read it.

- Kevin

The only problem with that is that most of these places that do it for free can't scan ABS codes, only the engine/ emission codes.

98SilvyKid · #11 04-23-2005, 08:31 AM

Working on vehicles myself is what I have in mind though. My father and I want to start working our vehicles oursleves to save money. We really need to do this, since all the mechs around here are too expensive. My father has a 1994 and I have a 1998, that's the only problem. We need a scanner for both. We could easily spend 100 bucks on one though. I'm saving up...

skipr · #12 04-23-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98SilvyKid

Working on vehicles myself is what I have in mind though. My father and I want to start working our vehicles oursleves to save money. We really need to do this, since all the mechs around here are too expensive. My father has a 1994 and I have a 1998, that's the only problem. We need a scanner for both. We could easily spend 100 bucks on one though. I'm saving up...

A Vetronix Mastertech cost around $6000.00, lower end scanner is going to be over $500 for a decent one.1994 you can retrieve codes by putting a jumper wire in the "A" terminal and "GRND" (dianostic connector).

98SilvyKid · #13 04-23-2005, 06:07 PM

What about an Actron AutoScanner? There some for around 100 dollars depending on the model and it's accessories.

Cadillakin'98 · #14 04-23-2005, 06:44 PM

The things you can do with those $100 scanners is extremly limited. Look at the very vague information "Twilightzone" will give you when they read it for you. Honostly, do you think each Autozone store invest in those $6000 scanners? Do you really think the geniuses behind the counter really know how to use them? If they did know how to utilize the information one of the more expensive scanners, then why in the world are they behind the counter selling $#*^ parts to people??? Think about it......

'97ventureowner · #15 04-23-2005, 09:52 PM

/\ /\ Maybe your Autozones are different from the ones in my area. We have a lot of great counterpeople who know how to use the scanners, and decipher the codes to help the customers solve their vehicle's problems. Sure some stores may have employees who aren't the best suited to use one, but I have seen many garages that have similar help who can't understand what the codes mean and end up just replacing random parts in an effort to solve the problem, thus costing the customer more money than it should. These lower end scanners are a good tool for the DIYer to at least give an idea of the problem and then the user can do some research, either online, or a repair manual to try to correct the problem themselves. But like Tank'em said in an earlier post. If you have a place that does it for free, save the money and have it checked there. If anything, you'll leave the store with the code(s) that came up and you can research it on your own to find a fix.

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