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service engine soon light

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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 12:07 PM
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Default service engine soon light

My 1996 vette's service engine soon light came on after a short ride on a very hot afternoon (mileage 40,800). There is no indication of any performance problems but the exhaust has a bad smell to it. I am thinking EGR problem....anyone have any suggestions before I run up a bill at the dealer?
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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 12:25 PM
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It's a 96, so it uses an OBD2 system. You can take it by an autozone or other autoparts store and usually they can scan it for free.
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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by tehcarguy
It's a 96, so it uses an OBD2 system. You can take it by an autozone or other autoparts store and usually they can scan it for free.
Or get one of these. Well worth the money if you have OBD2 on board.

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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 01:18 PM
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Have the code read. And pray that it doesn't come up a P0420 or P0430 as this combined with the abnormal exhaust smell would mean your losing a cat. It's okay to ask me how I know, just don't ask me how I remedied the situation. But new stock cats are in the $550 ea. range.
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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by ajax6
Or get one of these. Well worth the money if you have OBD2 on board.

good suggestion, i guess knowing the code ahead of time before going to the mechanic might save some valuable diagnostic time and money.
I owned a 96 gmc jimmy and had the same type of problem, that years models in a lot of gm vehicles had egr issues. i will take that over a cat problem.
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Old Jul 20, 2011 | 07:18 PM
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If it's a cat forget buying a overpriced stock one. Had my passenger side installed for $250.
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