Dummy check engine light?

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May 9, 2008 | 08:26 PM

BTU83

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Joined: Jul 2007

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Dummy check engine light?

Hello,

I recently has my oil pan replaced, along with all the seals and the sensor, by a professional. The car is running fine, there are no leaks, and all the gauges seem fine, but now by check engine light is on, and although it turns off for short periods of time, is pretty much constantly lit. The auto body should said it is probably a dummy light and needs to be reset. They think I can do this by totally disconnecting the battery for 20 minutes. Has anyone heard of this, or know how I can get rid of this light or find the hidden problem? I have an 84 Corvette.

Thank you

May 9, 2008 | 08:30 PM

85vette-84vette

Pro

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 694

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From: Spokane WA

You should check your codes, I bought a little code checker from walmart and it came with a code book. Just plug it in and count the codes and it will tell you whats wrong. Some people use a paper clip, I think its a little bit baberick but each to their own.

May 9, 2008 | 08:43 PM

onebighitter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2004

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From: De Pere WI

If the shop was that professional they would have you come in and check the code to see if it was something they did and would not charge you for it. If it was there mistake they would fix it for free.

May 9, 2008 | 08:55 PM

c4cruiser

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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69

NCM Sinkhole Donor

There is no such thing as a "dummy light". The CEL is on for a reason and you should find out what code or codes have been set.

While it could be a coincidence that the light came on just after the work was done, the shop should at least tell you what code is there.

Once you get the code, post it here and there are plenty of folks that can help you fix whatever may be wrong.

You can clear some codes (but not all) by disconnecting the battery for a length of time. But if there is a problem somewhere, it's entirely possible that the CEL will come back on.

May 9, 2008 | 10:07 PM

BTU83

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Is it possible that simply the new sensor is conflicting with the cars computer, perhaps telling the car that my oil is low or something, when it isn't?

Should I try disconnecting both connections to the battery and for how long?

May 10, 2008 | 12:33 AM

85vette-84vette

Pro

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 694

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From: Spokane WA

They could have put a falty sensor in or they might have yanked on a wire and broke it. More than likely a bad sensor. Stuff new from the store doesn't always work, example I bouht light bulbs you know the new ones that are in a coil. 2 out of the 10 bulbs burned out in the first day.

May 10, 2008 | 01:15 AM

BTU83

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if its a faulty sensor, and nothing is wrong, is there any way to remove the check engine light?

May 10, 2008 | 04:40 AM

vinnies87

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Magnolia Mississippi

St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07

Search, Advanced, Archive posts for codes and/or retrieving codes, theres the paperclip trick (no expense) and there are sites for finding out what the codes are:
http://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/
http://www.batee.com/corvette/

Heres the site on how to check for codes with paperclip and the code info
http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/

also How to fix a Power Drain:
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/116_05...ns/index1.html