Check Engine Light

[kep427]

I have 2800 mi on my new Vibe and my CEL has come on a 2nd time. The first time (about 1600 mi) the dealer noted Evap System error codes (P0442 & P0440) but could not find the problem. All he did was reset the CEL after consulting GM and checking for TSBs. I've taken it to a diff. dealer this time. Same problem (codes P0440 and P0446 this time). They seem to be trying hard to figure out the problem (checking the gas cap, running a leak test on the evap system), have checked with GM back east; but still can't figure out the problem.I did a search on GenVibe and found 14 CEL threads. Looks like I'm not the only one with this problem. But, none of the threads are more recent than last summer-fall. And from what I can tell, none has gone the dealer route like me.Is anyone else still suffering this problem? Has your dealer also been unable to solve it?

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I had cel only once (knock on wood), and it was 2 week after I bought my car.I tighten gas cap and 3 start later the cel turned off.

[Stang2Vibe]

Most people here were getting the CEL when they installed an aftermarket Cold Air Intake tube. It changes the airflow into the engine and one of the intake sensors would freak out and set off the warning light.Mine came on for reasons unknown almost 2 months ago. I never did have it checked yet and the car is running fine. Sometimes a bad tank of gas can cause a condition that is outside the parameters of what the engine is normally supposed to function at and triggers the light. No harm done, just a sensor picks up an abnormal condition and sets off the light. There are so many things that can set off that light. Most of the time, what happened to you is the case. I don't feel like dealing with the headache at the dealer and I don't have time to right now.

[Caretaker]

NOOOOOO, you are not alone. Allow me: I had around 10 CELs and was one away from demanding that GM take my car back. Apparently the vapor recovery hose was not properly connected at the top of the gas tank during assembly. After the dufus dealer got tired of me punching him in the nose every time he stated that I might be leaving my gas cap a little loose, and 5 trips to the dealer later, they finally called Toyota who figured out the problem. They had seen a similar problem on the Corollas and that's how they figured out mine. 2 years later, no CELs. I'll check my paperwork right now to see if there is any more details I can give you.

[Caretaker]

Ok, it appears that they reattached the vapor line to the canister on top of the fuel tank. Then they found the evaporation fuel canister to be bad and replaced it. I'd suggest you ask them to start there. It will involve removing your back seats to get to the gas tank bolts. They have to completely remove your gas tank to check this out. Once you get your car back, ensure they have replaced the bolts to the rear seats. They did not do this on mine.....stupid dealers!!

[Stang2Vibe]

Hmm, wonder if this is what is wrong with mine? I don't feel like dropping my fuel tank to check, though. When I finally get my list of Vibe gripes made up to take to the dealer, I might add this as a side note. I have often noticed that when you ask the dealer if they would check something that may be causing a problem, they look at you funny and act like they are the only ones who know anything about cars. Nobody in the world except them is supposed to know anything about cars, especially YOUR car.

[Caretaker]

you are so right. I think the salesman at the local Chevy dealership got fired because I knew more about their cars than they did. It is simple really: study your own company's website.As for my CEL codes, they were: p0442, p0440, p0441, p0446. I think p0440 is the loose gas cap code.....at which time I started punching them in the nose!!

[joatmon]

P0440, P0442, and P0446 codes all point to the evaoprative emissions control system, an a lot of the troubleshooting steps involve doing the kinds of pressure tests that you said the dealers already did. there's also a set of steps where they basically pressurize the system with smoke and see where it comes out. All three codes could be caused by the gas cap not being screwed on properly, but that is not likely to be your problem since two dealers already looked at it and I bet that was the first thing they checked. (that's what I would have checked first)There could be a whole bunch of causes for those error codes, it sounds like the second dealer is actually trying to fix it for you, more than the first dealer, so you'll probably want to stick with the second one.. Sucks to have to leave your new car in the shop already though.Assuming that the second dealer can find and correct the problem, please find out and post the details of exactly what was wrong and what the fix was. there are a very large number of possible causes for getting a CEL.

[ragingfish]

Here's a thought.If the gas cap can cause those error codes, what are the possibilites that it's a bad gas cap???

[Caretaker]

great point. My dealer also put on a new gas cap as well. That didn't work either. Stick with the evap canister.

[Stang2Vibe]

maxx--I bet if they would have pressure tested the system earilier in the process they would have found your problems a lot sooner and you would be a much happier Viber. I would have punched them in the nose long before the 9th trip to the dealer. BTW--you wouldn't happen to have a video clip of you punching them in the nose, would you? I always enjoy a good laugh! Nothing like vicarious satisfaction!

[kep427]

Hey all. thanks for the great thoughts/info; especially you Maxx.After my post I discovered that the dealer (2nd) disabled my auto-start that comes with the alarm (an aftermarket sold to me by the 1st pontiac dealer). I called and the service guy mentioned that he planned on calling me (when, I wonder?) to tell me that a part (a hose of some sort-he was fuzzy on this) was coming in for them to replace on my car.While this is odd; I think (hope) they are going to work towards solving the problem. And Joatman; I'll post the results as you suggested.

[fortunare]

has anyone decided what the solution if for a p0440 code? I've checked the vacuum lines and don't see any obvious problems on my 2001 Grand Prix. thanks, Mike fortunare@cox.net

[joatmon]

Hard to know. http://www.clubgp.com is a GP forum with a lot of content, but not much on specifics for P0440 on a GP, the one thread that did list that code was a code list, with no solutions, but referred to another site, which had http://www.obd-codes.com/troub...n.php as a generic list of things to try for that code.

[xing512q]

hi everyone, i had the light on for almost half year now. light was on 1 week after i put short ram air intake. there seems nothing wrong with the car, so i didn't bother to take it to the dealer. i really think the intake caused the light!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by xing512q »hi everyone, i had the light on for almost half year now. light was on 1 week after i put short ram air intake. there seems nothing wrong with the car, so i didn't bother to take it to the dealer. i really think the intake caused the light! it's pretty irresponsible and careless to drive a car with the CEL on for an extended period of time (especially 6 months!). just because things "seem normal" doesn't mean there is no problem. let the dealer tell you if it's the intake or not. you can be sure that if any damage becomes evident as a result of ignoring that light, you will not get warranty coverage.

[NSimkins]

Quote, originally posted by xing512q »hi everyone, i had the light on for almost half year now. light was on 1 week after i put short ram air intake. there seems nothing wrong with the car, so i didn't bother to take it to the dealer. i really think the intake caused the light! Many local auto parts stores will read the code(s) for you for free. Once you get the number you can search for its meaning online to verify what is actually causing the code.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by xing512q »i really think the intake caused the light! Uh, yeah, I'd say so... How about going back to the stock intake and clearing out the computer? If I had a dollar for every time someone here's had a check engine light come on after modding their car, I'd be a rich man. At any rate, do get it looked at soon - if you drive too long you will pay for it. The light is on for a reason, if everything was A-OK you wouldn't have it staring you in the face all the time.

[xing512q]

Thanks for all the advise guys, from what i heard auto zone check the code for free right? and plus where you would have to look up the code? thanks again

[xing512q]

i been to a auto shop once, they checked it and said that gas cap is not tighten, and something with EVAP system. which is bull, because i click the cap at least 3 timess after filling in the gas! my warranty expired! i try to unplug the battary! the light comes back 2 or 3 weeks after!

[kep427]

My problem got solved by the 2nd dealer I wrote about above. 1st dealer was useless. I forget the exact cause, I posted it under a different thread here a few years ago. Something about a faulty hose on the GAC?I'm probably telling you something you already know, but if your problem was from not properly tightening the gas cap, then the problem would've gone away with disconnecting the battery for ~1/2 hour. I have done this bonehead move-3 TIMES!. (once my wife's 4-runner, and twice my vibe). Always must screw the cap on tight. Lucky for me, the Toyota dealer told me how to fix it when we took her car in and he didnt charge for the service.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by kep427 » I forget the exact cause, I posted it under a different thread here a few years ago. Something about a faulty hose on the GAC? in http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...42955 you said:Quote, originally posted by kep427 »Mine developed at 1700 mi. The dealer couldn't figure out why it went off and listed the same codes you listed:P0441, P0440 (pending), P0441 (pending), P0446 (pending).All they did was reset the computer. Light came back on again at about 3500 miles. Took it to a different dealer. Same results.Filed a complaint with GM customer service and with the NHTSA. Got a call back a short time later; they figured out the reason. They said it was a problem with a hose on the evap canister. Problem fixed with new hose.Problem hasn't returned with 7500 miles.Hope this helps.

[kep427]

Nice search JoatmonStill no problem and I just hit 40K miles. In fact, the car still is great except that damn buzzing noise under the dash is back....