Service Engine Soon Light on 2000 Chevy Venture

[McKaitkal35]

Well, if my problems couldn't get any worse, today while driving my daughter to daycare, as I turn into the daycare parking lot, my "service engine soon" light comes on. After I dropped my daughter off, then I drove to work. The light stayed on the whole time.

I'm sure that it could be a million and one things but does anyone have any idea why the service engine soon light would come on? I wonder if it has to do with the humming noise that I say is NOT normal but the technician at the dealership seems to think is a secondary air pump and that the humming noise is normal. Any ideas?? Thank you.

[bigcoconut]

First, check the basics.
1. Fuel cap on and tight.
2. Air intake hose in place and secure.

Then get the error code read. I've found the AutoZone parts stores down here in South Texas will check the error code at no charge. The On Board Diagnostics (OBD) codes are stored in your vehicles computer. The code will tell you what part(s) to look at and/or fix. This will give you a starting point to determine what the problem could be.

[GregA]

McKaitkal35,

When you get the codes, WRITE THEM DOWN (the letter & numbers) and post them back here. Then we can get this figured out.

Take Care,

[McKaitkal35]

Thanks for the tips!! I made sure the gas cap was tight but didn't know what else to do. I will see if I can get the error codes. Thanks again.

[McKaitkal35]

Okay, I tightened my gas cap but the service engine soon light stayed on. I waited a couple of weeks and it didn't go off. So I took it to Auto Zone which someone suggested here in this forum. They said that it was a leak in the gas cap. They checked the gas cap and said that it looked fine. They turned off the service engine soon light and told me to come back if it came on again. It just came on again on Monday. I was told at Auto Zone that a gas cap is only around $10 but I still decided to take it back to the dealer since I am still under warranty plus the brakes keep squeeking.

The dealer has it now. The mechanic called me today and said that it was code "P0442" which he said was the gas cap. He also said that my brakes were almost like new which is what they told me last time too. Why do they keep squeeking when I stop? Then he told me that they did find that the right and left tye (spelling?) rods were loose so they were going to fix that for me. So, I'm supposed to pick it up after work today.

I just wanted to check here to make sure that the code "P0442" is for a leak in the gas cap. And also question why my brakes squeek if they are fine. And I have no clue what tye rods are, what are they for? (Obviously I am female, lol). Thanks for the help!

['97ventureowner]

A code "P0442" generally indicates a fuel vapor leak in the EVAP control system.So yes there could've been a small leak in your gas cap, aalowing fuel vapors to escape. There could be many reasons why your brakes 'squeak' and the main reason is that most brake pads today are semi metallic, and the metal shavings in the brake pads ,which replaced the asbestos because it was banned by the government,can cause a high pitched squeal. This is fairly normal but can drive owners crazy. Dust and dirt buildup may alos cause this issue and hopefully the dealer cleaned the brakes before putting everything back together.
Your tie rods are part of your font end suspension and consist of an inner and outer tie rod. Pretty much they transmit force causing your wheels to turn. Ventures are known to have faulty tie rods and I've replaced them on both of my vehicles, on one van they were replaced twice. They are usually checked during your state's safety inspection, (if your state conducts one.) Or, if you have your vehicle in the shop for a checkup, that is usually one item the mechanic will inspect.