1996 Service engine soon light
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: London
1996 Service engine soon light
A couple of days ago while driving around, I notice that the "Service Engine Soon" light was on (not flashing). The car was and is running good - No difference in perforance - and running smooth. It's been on now for serveral outtings. The previous week I was low on fuel (on reserve) but nerver ran out. When I filled it up (Sunoco 94) I added fuel injector cleaner. Shortly after that is when I noticed the light on.
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
For a 1996, get yourself an OBD11 code reader ....ebay $20.00.
They will read the code, erase the code and stored codes and comes with a book with all listed codes and a breif explanation of what the problem is, which would be your starting place for problem solving.
They will read the code, erase the code and stored codes and comes with a book with all listed codes and a breif explanation of what the problem is, which would be your starting place for problem solving.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
When my 96 LT1 did that - SES light but engine ran normally - turned out to be the EGR valve. AutoZone pulled the code for me.
When I pulled the EGR valve I saw the cause; carboned up and sticking. I could have just cleaned it with some spray and a toothbrush, but I figured "why not" and installed a new one.
You'll just need to pull the code to see what's up.
Jake
When I pulled the EGR valve I saw the cause; carboned up and sticking. I could have just cleaned it with some spray and a toothbrush, but I figured "why not" and installed a new one.
You'll just need to pull the code to see what's up.
Jake
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
On my way to work this morning I noticed a miss while running at 1500 rpms ish Nothing to get me excited. Car has 67000 on it. the check engine was flashing and shortly after went solid. Get the code read and fix? typically i wouldn't worry about it cause the missing stopped after a few mins.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
On my way to work this morning I noticed a miss while running at 1500 rpms ish Nothing to get me excited. Car has 67000 on it. the check engine was flashing and shortly after went solid. Get the code read and fix? typically i wouldn't worry about it cause the missing stopped after a few mins.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Well you didn't mention what year but normally a flashing check engine light is a misfiring occurring in later year vehicles. Im not sure what years that became the standard on. Getting the codes read is always the first thing to do anyways.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
But with a miss and the flashing light I imagine the code will be a misfire code if the cars new enough to even have that code.
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Had the car 3 weeks now, do you recommend I get a reader or just go to autozone and get them to read? I plan on keeping it for a long while, its too much fun to get rid of
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I got the code read at the local auto parts place and it was a misfire detection error. Dove it 20 miles after resetting the error with no new error but i can feel a miss every once and a while. Do I need to replace the opti, plugs and wires and/or????
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I could start making guesses but after buying an optispark myself I wouldn't feel right recommending stuff as much as those parts cost.
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
I would track down the problem and not blind change things.
Start with the cheap stuff first. Plugs and wires. Beyond that I wouldn't feel right suggesting stuff cost wise over the internet.
FYI. On my way home from work today it was missing badly and the check engine light came back on. Same misfire error
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
A couple of days ago while driving around, I notice that the "Service Engine Soon" light was on (not flashing). The car wasand is running good - No difference in perforance - and running smooth. It's been on now for serveral outtings. The previous week I was low on fuel (on reserve) but nerver ran out. When I filled it up (Sunoco 94) I added fuel injector cleaner. Shortly after that is when I noticed the light on.
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Any ideas on what it might be??? Should I take it to a dealer???
Bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 805
Likes: 11
From: Hickory Flat Ga
The P 0300 random engine misfire is a tough one to throw parts at. I suggest getting it on a scanner at a vette shop and find out what the heck is wrong before fixing anything. The fee will be far less than the money you will blow or the time typing here.
You have open and closed loops and fuel spark air to investigate. Without a scanner you are lost in some very dark woods.
You have open and closed loops and fuel spark air to investigate. Without a scanner you are lost in some very dark woods.
Last edited by tlong; Apr 23, 2015 at 11:35 PM.