Service Engine Soon "Warning"

[cabinetman]

I've got a '97 Blazer (S10) LT, with about 87K, and the "Service Engine Soon" wanring came on. I took it to my mechanic who put on a code reader and no codes came up. So, he cancelled the warning. I go to leave and it comes on again. He said the only problem he could find was tiny cracks in the gas cap gasket and told me to replace the cap, and then disconnect the battery for 10 minutes to cancel the warning. He also said if that didn't fix it to just drive it like that, that it would not stick me disabled in traffic. Any guesses?

[ChrisGood]

If the gas cap does not seal correctly it will throw an SES light. Had this happen when I didnt tighten the cap correctly one time. Drove around with a light for 2 weeks until it cleared.

[cabinetman]

Chris

Thanks for the response. The gasket in the new cap looked a lot different that the old one. I hope that's all it is. Sure don't want to go to the dealer if I can help it. Could the warning light be a sign that the computer is on it's way out?

cabinetman

[ChrisGood]

Of all the issues I have had and researched the ecm seems to be a pretty solid component. In these vehicles its bearings, ball joints, fuel pumps, injection system, 4x4 tccm. 4x4 switch, 4x4 vac switch, 4x4 shift control motor, and heater core clogs that are most common. I have seen these in almost every online review. Gas cap issue is common to most GM vehicles according to the techs i have spoke with.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by cabinetman

I've got a '97 Blazer (S10) LT, with about 87K, and the "Service Engine Soon" wanring came on. I took it to my mechanic who put on a code reader and no codes came up. So, he cancelled the warning. I go to leave and it comes on again. He said the only problem he could find was tiny cracks in the gas cap gasket and told me to replace the cap, and then disconnect the battery for 10 minutes to cancel the warning. He also said if that didn't fix it to just drive it like that, that it would not stick me disabled in traffic. Any guesses?

If the service engine light is on you have a problem and a code should be set.
You may have to find someone with a better code reader or a good scanner to check it out.
The old battery disconnect does not work good on a OBD11 system.
Always use a scanner to check codes and clear codes.
Some auto places will read codes for free.
But just get code and post back code no.

[ericn1300]

I agree with MT-2500. The SES light would not come on without a code being set. Sometimes the SES light will go off and the code cleared if it doesn't happen again in so many drive cycles. Was the SES light on when you took it to the mechanic?

[cabinetman]

Originally Posted by ericn1300

I agree with MT-2500. The SES light would not come on without a code being set. Sometimes the SES light will go off and the code cleared if it doesn't happen again in so many drive cycles. Was the SES light on when you took it to the mechanic?

Yup, the light was on. Two different code readers were used with no codes showing. BTW, your tag line is a riot, still laughing while typing.

[ericn1300]

Has the SES light come back on? Some code readers, like mine, are only capable of reading generic codes related to EPA emission standards. You might need to get it read with a better scannner if it comes back.

[Chiefinator]

I'm new here, so bear with me. I'm having a similar problem, but haven't found the same circumstances I've been experiencing. 1998 Blazer, 4 WD, 4.3L.-This has happened to me 3 times now. The 'SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT' is on,(when I turn the key on) no other electrical problems obvious. I can't hear the fuel pump kick on. After 2 or 3 days I can go out and it will start right up, no 'SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT' any more, and I can hear the fuel pump kick in. It does just fine for about 3 to 4 weeks, then does the same exact thing. I am clueless.Help anybody???

[old_master]

Chiefinator,

Welcome to the forum! We're glad to help you with your concern, but I would suggest that you start a new thread. If you copy and paste just as you have it here, someone will help you. Thanks.