98 check engine light on

[rickisrad]

I have a problem with the code #P1451. I replaced the gas cap to see if that was the problem but the light is still on. I do notice a decent smell of gasoline when I shut of the car. It seems like it is coming from the gas cap area or maybe the rear of the car with no visible leaks. Any suggestions????????????? I am not sure if this has anything to do with it but my A/C and heat are in defrost mode at all times.

I also have codes B1313-b1371-B1302-B1398. I was having problems with my interior lights staying on, and the light saying one of the doors were open but they were all closed. The problem happens once in a while then fixes its self.

Thanks

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by rickisrad

I have a problem with the code #P1451. I replaced the gas cap to see if that was the problem but the light is still on. I do notice a decent smell of gasoline when I shut of the car. It seems like it is coming from the gas cap area or maybe the rear of the car with no visible leaks. Any suggestions????????????? I am not sure if this has anything to do with it but my A/C and heat are in defrost mode at all times.

I also have codes B1313-b1371-B1302-B1398. I was having problems with my interior lights staying on, and the light saying one of the doors were open but they were all closed. The problem happens once in a while then fixes its self.

Thanks

Hello

It was good that you mentioned that your heat/air in defrost. Defrost is the "default" mode when there isn't any vacuum to the controls. I would be willing to bet that you have a vacuum leak and "may" be causing your CEL.

As for your interior lights staying on, there are small switch in the door locks that get sticky over time and doesn't shut off when the door is closed. Do a search on this forum and you'll find a few posts about this. WD40 sprayed into the lock area has fixed this for others.

Regards

Dan

[rickisrad]

Any ideas where to start????? I glanced around and did not see anything that jumped out at me. are there any vacuum lines that may be hidden? Thanks for any help

[wiswind]

As I remember for my '96 3.8L, the vaccum regulator solenoid for the charcoal canister is located on the firewall (Vapor control system).....on the driver's side, near the PCV line that runs from the top of the upper intake manifold to the rear valve cover. Check that PCV vaccum line starting at the upper intake manifold....that 90 degree elbow developed a crack on the inside on mine.
Follow the line back to the PCV valve, and make sure that it is firmly connected to the PCV valve, and that everything is intact.
The PCV vaccum line has a "T" fitting, that also goes to the Vapor Control Vaccum Solenoid.

The Charcoal Canister is located inside the unibody frame member, next to the fuel filter, under the car, just forward of the driver' side rear wheel.
There is a sensor on the canister that senses whether the vaccum supply is working correctly.

[rickisrad]

I also have a code for the bank 1 o2 sensors......I am not sure if this changes anything diagnostic wise.

any more suggestions on what to look for? Does anyone have a table on how to check all the valves in the vacuum system. I can not find anyone with a smoke machine to find the leak so I am stuck doing it the hard way.

I fixed the door lights. I just sprayed Blaster in the doors and it was fixed after a few days.

Thanks for any help

[bhorn]

Check the IMRC actuators. Specifically the one closest to the alternator. These are a known weak point (and good and expensive to boot).

[rickisrad]

UPDATE:

I found the culprit. There are 2 vacuum controls if you are looking at the engine on the left hand side. One of the controls arms had a broken fitting that held it on. 7 dollars at the dealer for a tiny little grommet fixed it!!!