check engine light

[Rico Rose]

A couple weeks ago while i was driving my vibe and the check engine light came on. of course i had just over 37,000 miles on the clicker so you could imagine that i was a little upset. the owners manual says it is okay to drive with the light on for a short while as you try to figure out what is wrong. i checked my gas cap, it was ok. then i switched the brand of gas for a tankfull, that didn't work. finally i checked my air filter, i have a K&N filtercharger which is cleanable. it has been in for about 18,000 miles, and i know that they recommend cleaning every 14,000 miles. well after driving a few short trips the light went off, i guess the computer has to cycle a few times before it actually shuts off the light... well i was thrilled to say the least...so i hope this can help somebody else if the same happens to you...

[joatmon]

Did you clean the filter and that solved the check engine light?

[Rico Rose]

yes i cleaned and reoiled the filter as recommended, and that did the trick.

[dsegundo]

Rico: Were you experiencing a loss of power? Mine is only between 3-4 thousand RPM's where it'll flash the CEL.

[ToolGuy]

The code is still stored in the computer, just because the light is off does not mean the code is cleared. There is a history, so if you connect it to a scan tool it will tell you what it was. Could be an engine misfire code if the car did not run any differently.

[Baltovibe]

Do you need a scan tool to read the CEL code?I know on some of my earlier GM products, all I had to do was to short out 2 terminals on the diagnostic connector, and it would flash me the trouble codes. Does the Vibe have a similar feature?

[ToolGuy]

I know what you are talking about and I believe that was true only for OBD Vehicles and not OBD 2 (anything over 1995), too many codes on OBD 2. I used to have a small metal tool with two prongs on it, just you stated that jumped the two connectors in the OBD connector block to flash the light. If there is for OBD 2, I have never heard of it or used it, I would be surprised if there was. I only use scan tools now because I have them or access to them.

[ragingfish]

It may have been the gas cap, it can take several trips for the CEL to clear with a gas cap issue...

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »I used to have a small metal tool with two prongs on it, just you stated that jumped the two connectors in the OBD connector block to flash the light Ahh, I remember those days! I just used a paperclip to jumper the pins so I could read the codes... Wishing for a return of simpler times to the auto industry... That won't change any time soon for sure. Can't do much without a scan tool anymore....

[Jahntassa]

Advanced auto parts was selling an error code reader for about $70.. Just simple CEL status.

[futseal04]

Usually what happens is that there is an intermittent fault that triggers the light. What happens is that if the car goes through three complete heat up/cooldown cycles without a fault, the PCM will clear the light. Like MiVibe said, the code is still stored in the computer, and can be retrieved by a code reader. Usually your autoparts stores (autozone, kragen, etc) will read them for free, but they won't clear them.To clear them, just pull the negative cable off of the battery for about 3 minutes.Also, a misfire is usually indicated not only by a rough motor, but a flashing CEL. As a side note, my in-laws own a service station, and they have a neat tool called a Genesys. It allows users to go into the PCM and change settings, even going as far to reflash it using plans downloaded from their website.Since I got all of their computers networked last week (man I hate Windows networking), they are connected to the Internet, and we are going to try it out on his GMC turbodiesel (02 Duramax) and on the Riviera. If all goes well, then I will try it on the Vibe (since it is still under warranty.)

[dsegundo]

Problems are more numerous then that. It's at the dealership as they're going to try some things.....wish me luck.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by futseal04 »Also, a misfire is usually indicated not only by a rough motor, but a flashing CEL. As a side note, my in-laws own a service station, and they have a neat tool called a Genesys. Have to "tech friendly" disagree with you on the misfire and flashing, not always the case... Bad or worn out plugs can do it since they are not firing normally. If just one is bad it still fires but not like the others and the PCM knows it. Plus if one hits a pot hole too hard, the trans skips in the air, the engine does not realize what just happens and detects a misfire since the trans spun too fast and engine RPM did not match. It can happen... We had issues with things like that and the Chrysller Crossfire when brought over here. A Chrysler VP had one of the first and kept getting a misfire code, engine ran fine the entire time. German car could not take the American punishment! Ha Ha! We make the Genesys... Want to buy one at a discount?

[futseal04]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »We make the Genesys... Want to buy one at a discount? Nah, since I already have access to one......but if you know of any cool tricks that apply to a Vibe, Riviera, Duramax, and the 5.3, lemme know. We are probably going to fool around with it this weekend.

[ToolGuy]

Yeah I wish, me and you both!