Someone Please Help- 97 Blazer

cma830 · #1 10-03-2007, 05:45 PM

Ok..here goes..this has been an on going saga. My check engine light was on for a long time...I finally had to get it fixed because my emissions testing was due. Well, I wound up needing a new computer. The new one is put in and the engine light goes off. The place that fixed my Blazer did the emissions..I was only able to pick my blazer up after they were gone for the evening. I get a ride to get my truck, get in, turn the key and guess what? The engine light is on again.

So , I go back and they tell me it's an o2 sensor. I have the sensor changed and the light is still on...I have it read again and it says 4 o2 sensors..How can it be 4 when one is brand new?!! It would only be 3 if it was all the sensors. I was told it my be the catalytic converter. I've already had 2 of those put in, in the past year and a half. The guy at the shop said the cat doesn't have a code. Is that right? I thought last time it was the cat, a code for it came up. And...would a vacuum leak make the o2 sensors throw codes?? I hope I explained this well enough and sorry it was a short story...Any help would be great...Thanks in advance...

MT-2500 · #2 10-03-2007, 06:59 PM

It sounds like you are getting the old run around.
I would take it back tell them to fix it on there dime or give you your money back.

What were the code no. for the o2 sensors?
4-02 sensors do not go bad all at one time.
If the cat is not working right you should get a P0420-P0430 cat code.
But many other things will cause a cat code or 02 sensor code.
How is the tune up or engine running?
Also remember a 97 is a bad year on ign switches.
MT

cma830 · #3 10-03-2007, 07:25 PM

Thanks for the quick response...I am not sure what the o2 sensor codes were but I was told it was the 4 sensors from a place different from the original one that did the computer work...But the fact that original place said the cat doesn't have a code, makes me worried that they really didn't know what they were doing and messed something up...They did say the new computer had a warranty so I will be going back to them tomorrow with the 2 cat codes that were given in the previous post and I will have them check it. If they cannot get to the bottom of this, I will insist on another computer...

Thanks again...

old_master · #4 10-03-2007, 08:47 PM

It is EXTREMELY rare for a PCM to fail. A far more common failure is the technicians ability to follow diagnostic procedures. You're in a tough spot now, and it might be in your best interest to get your old PCM re-installed. Better hurry though, some shops send them back for core credit very quickly. Then take the vehicle to a competant technician and get a second opinion. Or, post the DTC's here and we can help you diagnose it.

mike2004tct · #5 10-03-2007, 09:03 PM

Usually when the EEM (Computer) goes, the engine won't run. Very similar symptoms to a bad iginition switch on a '97; no codes, engine cranks but won't start. no spark. I had both go on mine, so I'd have to agree; you've been taken by a guesstechnician. Guess which part is bad, and change it until it's fixed.

You'll probably have to go elsewhere for the correct diagnosis. Knuckleheads who do the type of work you paid for will never admit doing something wrong.

cma830 · #6 10-04-2007, 05:19 AM

Well, when I originally brought it in for the 'engine light' they told me when they checked it, that a lot of different codes were showing. And that if every code that it showed was the problem, the truck would not be running..It actually ran ok... They also said that every time they replaced something, different codes were popping up...They had the truck for 2 weeks trying to figure it out...They seemed to be as frustrated as I was...I thought they knew what they were doing. And I guess being a female, I really had no idea what they were talking about even when they tried to explain as best they could...Well, after all said and done it cost me $914 plus I gave the guy a $30 tip... I guess I was taken huh?? The chances of getting the old computer back are slim...I will go back and tell them they need to fix this and that I am not paying another penny....And that the CAT does have codes..(one guy told me the CAT doesn't have a code).

Thanks everyone for all your help...It is much appreciated.

blazee · #7 10-04-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_master

It is EXTREMELY rare for a PCM to fail. A far more common failure is the technicians ability to follow diagnostic procedures. You're in a tough spot now, and it might be in your best interest to get your old PCM re-installed. Better hurry though, some shops send them back for core credit very quickly. Then take the vehicle to a competant technician and get a second opinion. Or, post the DTC's here and we can help you diagnose it.

flyguy123 · #8 10-04-2007, 12:01 PM

Wow, I think you need to find another garage. I would either get your old computer back or a refund. 02 sensors and many other sensors can be checked with a multi-meter to determine if they are defective or not. It sounds like they don't know what they are doing and are just throwing parts at it at your expense. Could you pull your codes and post them here? Advanced will do it for free.

cma830 · #9 10-04-2007, 12:56 PM

Yes. I will try and get the codes and post them later on today...Wow, thanks everyone for all your input.

cma830 · #10 10-04-2007, 06:03 PM

Ok...I went to the repair shop today...Here are codes he gave me...

PO 135
PO 141
PO 147
PO 155
PO 1406

Chris Stewart · #11 10-04-2007, 06:50 PM

P0135- Heated O2 Sensor, Heater Circuit Sensor 1.

P0141- Heated O2 Sensor, Heater Circuit Sensor 2.

P0147- Heated O2 Sensor, Heater Circuit Bank 1, Sensor 3.

P0155- Heated O2 Sensor, Heater Circuit Bank 2, Sensor 1.

P1406- EGR Valve Pintle Position Circuit. Looks like the EGR valve can be stuck in one position or the wiring is damaged.

cma830 · #12 10-04-2007, 07:25 PM

Can it be possible that all those things are wrong and the truck still be running?...It actually runs fine. Smooth start up, smooth idle & ok gas mileage. You are probably wondering why then, am I so concerned with the "engine light" being on...I really wouldn't care but I am tired of seeing it on when I just spent $914 to have the problem fixed...and it just shouldn't be on...and maybe even though the truck runs good and the gas mileage is ok, maybe it can be better....So, the saga continues.........................

flyguy123 · #13 10-04-2007, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cma830

Can it be possible that all those things are wrong and the truck still be running?...It actually runs fine. Smooth start up, smooth idle & decent gas mileage.

It would run but I would think that it would be running really rich with all of the 02 errors, and the screwed up egr valve. How is your gas milage? Maybe your EGR is stuck shut? I have had them stick before but the car would hardly even run.

cma830 · #14 10-04-2007, 07:58 PM

The truck runs fine...Smooth start up, smooth idle and the gas mileage is ok. At least I think so...I am not sure how big my gas tank is..maybe 16 gallons? But every time I fill it, I reset the tripometer and I get at least 230-250 miles on that tank full...I think that"s ok...what do you think?

flyguy123 · #15 10-04-2007, 08:08 PM

Well thats only like 16mpg, Shouldnt you be getting almost 20?

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD