engine light always on

[bmwgolfguy]

I have 96 LeSabre with 100k miles. I recently had the radiator power flushed and the anti-freeze replaced to avoid plenum problem I have been reading about. That led to the leak I was trying to avoid. So I had the head gaskets replaced along with the plenum. All was well until the check engine light came on soon thereafter. The car drives just fine with the light on. I took it to Auto Zone and had the code read. They said it could be anything from a bad gas cap (which it isn't) to a minute hole in one of the lines. My question (I am not a mechanic) is, is it ok to continue to drive as long as the light remains on but the car runs fine otherwise? Any help is appreciated.

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by bmwgolfguy

My question (I am not a mechanic) is, is it ok to continue to drive as long as the light remains on but the car runs fine otherwise? Any help is appreciated.

Probably yes. What I would do is disconnect the battery for 30 seconds to reset the computer then run it for a few days. Then check the code again and get an exact code. Repost the code here and someone will be able to help you better.

Many GM cars are running around with a constantly on check engine light. If the car is not overheating or showing signs of rough running or fatigue, I don't think it matters much. In that case it could be a sensor not working right, or an intermittent voltage out of whack, or a air/fuel mixture not quite right, etc. etc. However, with that said, the fact that the light came on right after it was serviced is strong evidence that the two events are related: that something that was done during the servicing is causing the check engine light to come on. If you had the head gaskets changed (and you say you did), then it is possible they did not hook up all the wiring correctly after finishing, or left a vacuum hose off, etc. Look carefully around the engine compartment. Also, the code you get should tell you what to be looking into to.

[bmwgolfguy]

Thanks. I will look into all those tips and let you know.

[bmwgolfguy]

I had the code pulled at Auto Zone. It was P0422 or 442. But I think it was the former. The guy told us to check the gas cap and gas tank opening where the nozel to the gas hose goes. We sanded the rust off the collar and coated the now clean spiggit with vaseline. That didn't help. We also disconnected a battery terminal for several minutes and the check engine light came right back on even tho the clock reset. He also said to check for loose hoses and wiring which we also did that (with untrained eyes) and didn't find any evidence of cracks or fissures or unconnected hoses . Any more thoughts? I'm thinking I might just take it back to the dealer who fixed the gaskets and ask his opinion. The only problem with that is I raised enough cain about the leak issue they went halvsies with me on the fix for the cost. So I don't know how receptive they would be for more free advice, especially if they caused it. Any other thoughts would be helpful. Once again, Thanks.

[HotZ28]

P0422 Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
P0442 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)

More than likely it was PO422. Look good around the evaporative canister for a loose or broken vacuum line. It could have been damaged or left disconnected.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bmwgolfguy

I have 96 LeSabre with 100k miles. I recently had the radiator power flushed and the anti-freeze replaced to avoid plenum problem I have been reading about. That led to the leak I was trying to avoid. So I had the head gaskets replaced along with the plenum. All was well until the check engine light came on soon thereafter. The car drives just fine with the light on. I took it to Auto Zone and had the code read. They said it could be anything from a bad gas cap (which it isn't) to a minute hole in one of the lines. My question (I am not a mechanic) is, is it ok to continue to drive as long as the light remains on but the car runs fine otherwise? Any help is appreciated.

Whenever a check engine light is on it needs checked out.
Could led to major engine damage or something simple like gas cap.
Lot of difference in a code no. Get the right one.
Is light flashing or just staying on?
Check codes and get the code no and clear codes and see if it come back on.
Post back the right code no and someone will help.
MT

[Bassasasin]

Could someone direct the poster where the and what the evaporative canister is on a 96' LeSabre?