OBD Scanner/Trouble Codes

[Seneca_Tiger]

My wife has a 2002 Malibu 3.1L. The check engine light is staying on when I turn the key to the on position before I hit the starter, even after the other lights (ABS, Air Bag, etc) go out. I have taken it to both Advance Auto Parts and Auto Zone to use their free loaner scanner service, and neither can talk to my truck. The scanner comes up as "needs to be connected to the vehicle to read codes" (even though it is, with the ignition on). Has anyone else tried this service and had this problem? Do these vehicles take a different scanner than most others?

I drive a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado (2wd, 5.3L V8), and the Advance/Auto Zone computer scanners won't talk to her car either. It's like the computer isn't there. In fact, I thought the port was bad on her car until my truck wouldn't talk to it either. My best guess is it is a Chevrolet thing.

Am I missing something? Is there something you have to do to the car or truck (besides plug in the computer and turn on the ignition) to get a hand-held scanner to talk to it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[16th hippy]

check the cigar/cigarette lighter fuses.

[superbill976]

Well Seneca Tiger....I'm an Autozone employee. Hopefully I can help you through some of this mix up. Does the light go off after you start the car? If the engine light stays on after the car is running then Autozone or Advanced can check it. However if it just comes on before you turn the motor that is normal. I have a 98 and it does that as well. I sit out in the parking lot during lunches and listen to the radio. The "check engine" light stays on the whole time.....until I start the car. It should be the same on the truck also.

[Seneca_Tiger]

Thanks. I noticed something else - this car has a "Service Engine Soon" light and a light that looks like the outline of an engine (check engine?). Which of these lights means what? Is one for routine service and one for problems?

[Seneca_Tiger]

Originally Posted by 16th hippy

check the cigar/cigarette lighter fuses.

Thanks. All fine on the Malibu, though the Truck had a blown cigarette lighter fuse (never use it so didn't notice it wasn't working).