1st trouble: check engine light is on

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I have my Vibe for 2 weeks now and there's the 1st trouble I got with it.When I started the engine this morning, the check engine light did turn off. I turn off the engine and restart it and the f**ing light still on. All seems to be working well and I can't figure out what is wrong with my car.I'll have to got to the dealer to have it checked. I hope it is a minor problem and i will be fixed properly.

[mkl116]

I'm not trying to be a smart guy, but is your fuel filler cap on tight? That is the number 1 reason people mistakenly take all cars in for service. Hope it is something so easy...

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I cheked this 1st (I had the same trbl with my Montana) Gas cap seems to be ok. The last time I went to the gas station was on last Saturday, and the light came on only this morning.I hope the light is on only for that or an insinificant reason like this one.Anyone know how to get the trouble code and reset the light without going to the dealer service dept.

[RAC]

Sorry Ben, but I've got some real bad news for you. You are now number 4 from this list with the major CEL problem. Ours also came on after 2 weeks with just under 800 miles. It went back 7 times and we now have filed suit to get GM to buy it back. We got our lemon Vibe last May. See the possible lemon posts. Let the dealer know that you are aware Pontiac cannot fix this. Call the general manager of the dealership the first time you bring it in. If they don't keep it 5-7 days the light will come back on after you get it back. Ask for an exchange as soon as possible if you like the car but you are in for some real aggrevation first.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I hope your wrong and it is a minor trbl....... But if your wrigh I'm aware about this trouble. Unfortunally, here in Canada, we don't have lemon law. I hope the dealer will be able to fix the trouble and it is just a minor one

[NovaResource]

quote:Sorry Ben, but I've got some real bad news for you. You are now number 4 from this list with the major CEL problem.Hold on a sec there Chickenlittle, the sky isn't falling yet. He could be number 4 from this list with the major CEL problem or it could be something minor. It's yet to be determined. Lets see what happens a few days after the dealer visit before we close the casket and start throwing dirt.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

Happy to hear that NovaResouece and Salsa!. after I read the RAC post, I came very pessimistic about the future of my Vibe. Lets hope this is only a minor trbl (like gas cap).I took an appointement with my dealer. Will be on next monday. Lets hope my Vibe will run great as today up to that time.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

quote:Avant de t'inquieter et de sauter une coche comme l'autre va la faire verifierC'est ce que je vais faire. Anyways, ma Vibe marche bien..... C'est peut-être juste le bouchon du gaz ou une cochonnerie qui à passé dans le moteur. Attendons lundi avant de passer trop vite aux conclusion.

[tetazoo]

Yes, I too had a CEL problem at first. The dealer took it in and when brought back it was gone. But at the first fuel up it reappeared.Now here is what I did to get it to go away.1. Check the fuel cap lid. This is probably what the dealer told you at first. Unscrew the cap off and rescrew the cap back in making sure that the cap 'clicks' a number of times. Maybe gas vapour is not sealed properly.If this doesn't work. Force a reset to the engine computer.2. Do this by unplugging the negative terminal on the battery. Ensure that no charge is going to the car by turning the key in the ignition. Maybe wait 30 seconds before reattaching the battery terminal.I have done both of these steps just once. (one was after the first fuel up after getting it from the dealer, the second when light just suddenly lit up) Since then have never got the CEL to come on again. Good Luck.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I'll try the gas cap and reset the ecu when I'll be back home

[Sub-Vibe-R]

GOOD NEWSI spoke with my girlfriend few mins ago. The check engine light turned off. No more yellow light in the pannel.Anyways, I'll unscrew and put back the gas cap just in case.Lets hope it won't turn on again. I'll keep my deakership appointement just in case it turn on again. If not, I'll cancel it on monday AM.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I drove my Vibe yesterday evening and the check engine was off. All semms to be ok now. I suspect my gas cap. When I saw the check engine on, I check it right away but the ligh does not turn off. It only turn off few mins later.

[MA-VIBE-FAN]

quote:Sorry Ben, but I've got some real bad news for you. You are now number 4 from this list with the major CEL problem.Hold on a sec there Chickenlittle, the sky isn't falling yet. He could be number 4 from this list with the major CEL problem or it could be something minor. It's yet to be determined. Lets see what happens a few days after the dealer visit before we close the casket and start throwing dirt.Scott, you have posted that you have the service manual. Perhaps you could check and see how many different codes could set the light. Just because two (or more) cars have the light on dosen't mean the cause is the same. Would guess, more then 50 things could set the light. Thanks Scott.

[NovaResource]

Good idea. I'll see what I can find.

[Sub-Vibe-R]

Hey Nova, could you check also if there's a way to get the code without going to the dealer. I know it can be done on some other car by shorting 2 wire in the test jack and see how many time the parking light flash to get the ECU error code.

[engine1]

attn: do not stick any 'pins' or other materials in that diagnostic port. That is an OBDII port. Go to a good parts store and ask for the Equss OBDII reader p/n#3100 d be able to pick it up for about 50 bucks. This will work for every car avaliable in north america built since 1996. It is a valuble tool which can read voltage faults(error codes) and pinpoint questionable electronic parts. The old OBDI system worked on a flashing light which like most of you know could be activated by crossing terminals. Crossing the terminals of OBDII will give you no info. Please see a reputable shop or get a reader, working in the aftermarket parts industry I have so many people buy parts thats they do not need or try to return installed electronics that did not solve the problem. An hour of shop time before you start is far less than the time it will take to fix your car after you mess it up beyond your apabilties to fix it.(pretty tough for some of us to admit )

[poulsbo]

Alas, I too, have a check engine light that is on. It came on immediately after my "complimentary" car wash. I took the car in for it's 3000 mile check up and the dealer gave me a coupon for the car wash across the street. The manual mentions that one possible cause for the light to come on is that the electrical system may have gotten wet. It also suggests that it will "probably" dry out after a few driving trips. It's been almost a week now and the light is still on AND the engine is intermittently missing and hesitating. I looked under the hood and I couldn't see any obvious wet parts anywhere. Based on the missing, I suspect that there IS water in the ignition system somewhere, but I don't really know where to look. Heck I couldn't even find the spark plugs on this baby.If you do have a service manual and you happen to see info on the ignition system, I'd appreciate a little info on where I might look for water that could be shorting things out.Thanks,Mike

[NovaResource]

The plugs are under the plastic cover on top of the engine.