'89 Suburban Starter/Service Engine Soon

Chantz · #1 09-13-2006, 07:08 PM

The starter on my 1989 Chevy Suburban is toast. I need to know if anyone knows of any free online guides for changing one, as I'm not very mechanically inclined. Or, if you wouldn't mind putting something up if it's relatively simple, that would be great too. As well, the 'Service Engine Soon' light has always come on upon reaching around 80-100km/h. Never have figured it out, and it's done that for many years with no problem. Any advice would be appreciated!

rhandwor · #2 09-13-2006, 07:57 PM

Go to a library and get a manual for your vehicle. They probably have a chiltons manual that would cover this. If they won't allow you to check it out read it their and make a copy of the page.
Make sure to disconnect the neg.battery cable before you start. You should have a 1/4 drive socket set and a 3/8drive socket set before you start. Can you get under the vehicle without jack stands.

Chantz · #3 09-13-2006, 08:57 PM

Yeah, it's pretty high up, and there's enough room. Although the fact that it's a 4x4 makes it a little tight...and I was also told that it was the positive I should disconnect

rhandwor · #4 09-13-2006, 09:16 PM

I have changed a few starters and always disconnected the neg. Most manuals say to do this. Disconnect both if you are worried. I only disconnect both if I am going to weld something.

Chantz · #5 09-13-2006, 10:13 PM

Alright. Thanks for the info. Any ideas on the 'Service Engine Soon' problem?

dlog · #6 09-14-2006, 06:44 AM

Actually Chevy offers a online website that you can download a service repair manual for any GM vehicle. It doesn't cost any money, but you do have to set up a user name and password. It helps if you have the vin number as well. I don't have the website address handy, but I'll look for it and if i find it I'll post it here.

rhandwor · #7 09-14-2006, 08:40 AM

If I remember correctly on this year chevy their is a reset button you push under the dash. If you look at a manual it should show you where it is. I haven't worked on one of these in a long time. It might be around the speedometer cable.
I think your friend was an old ford man which used a positive ground years ago.

Blue Bowtie · #8 09-14-2006, 08:52 AM

Scan the ECM for error codes. Don't be too surprised if you find a "32" indicating an EGR problem.

Chantz · #9 09-14-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlog

Actually Chevy offers a online website that you can download a service repair manual for any GM vehicle. It doesn't cost any money, but you do have to set up a user name and password. It helps if you have the vin number as well. I don't have the website address handy, but I'll look for it and if i find it I'll post it here.

I found it, thanks. I'll probably register tomorrow to get it

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhandwor

If I remember correctly on this year chevy their is a reset button you push under the dash. If you look at a manual it should show you where it is. I haven't worked on one of these in a long time. It might be around the speedometer cable.
I think your friend was an old ford man which used a positive ground years ago.

Not sure, but I'll just disconnect both. Might as well. And I'll check for that button too. Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

Scan the ECM for error codes. Don't be too surprised if you find a "32" indicating an EGR problem.

Hmmm...can't say that I could do that. Don't have the tools nor the know-how, and it's not bothering me, 'cause we never found anything wrong when it said that. And is an EGR problem serious? 'Cause the my student budget is pretty tight at the moment...

rhandwor · #10 09-15-2006, 08:32 AM

I always had a drivability problem when I had problems with an egr valve it recirculates some exhaust gas for a clean burn. About the push button I was thinking about an older chevy more like 1979. I had a 1979 impala and my mother had a 1984 caprice for some reason I was thinking they were 1989 and 1994.Normally a vacuum valve gets a signal from the computer and opens which in turn opens the egr valve. A blocked vacuum line , vacuum valve or a bad diaphram in the egr are most common some plug up also. If you get one from a parts store has small washers needed for the port as it fits more vehicles. Some have a sensor on top which also set codes.
You clear codes after servicing by disconnecting a neg.battery cable if you don't have a costly scan tool.

Chantz · #11 09-16-2006, 12:59 AM

Alright, so I changed the starter and it works great, but when I drive it I suddenly lose power and the engine dies on the spot, and then it comes right back. It only happens while I'm decelerating, and I always have my dash lights still. Need help!

rhandwor · #12 09-16-2006, 09:01 AM

Check your air filter is it plugged. Check the hose from the air cleaner thru the mass airflow sensor is it tight. Are all electrical connections plugged in or some disconnected. Run the engine at idle until the thermostat opens feel the top radiator hose you can feel when it opens.
Does the problem go away when the engine is hot. If it does reply as this could indicate problem areas. Open the hood at night with the engine running does it look like a christmas tree.
Does your state have emission checking stations if so ask the operator if he will give you the codes for a $25.00 emission test. Find a younger operator about your age.
You can go to a parts store and get a GM code reader ask what a cheap one costs Tell us the codes in the order they occur.
Have you changed your fuel filter when you purchase one look at the ends to determine if you need a tool to remove it. Maybe your friends have one they will lend you. You can look at the arrow and blow thru from the end closest to the tank. If you can't blow thru it put on a new one.

Blue Bowtie · #13 09-17-2006, 03:48 PM

You don't need any special scanner for an '89. A jumper wire or paper clip (or, as I have recently learned, even a guitar string) is all that is necessary. Perform a search for code scanning at the ALDL. I've listed a complete procedure recently.

Chantz · #14 09-17-2006, 06:20 PM

So the engine dieing issue has been resolved after it completely died today. It was just a loose connection on the starter. And I'll have to work on that 'Service Engine Soon' issue soon. You wouldn't happen to have the URL for that procedure, would you? I can't seem to find it

rhandwor · #15 09-17-2006, 08:23 PM

I am glad you found the problem. This shows you have ability. They used to sell a code checker that looked like a key with two prongs and instructions for $1.95 but I looked on ebay and the cheapest is now about $15.00. This has a led light and plugs in to the test connection.

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