Engine code retrival?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach FL
Engine code retrival?
Check engine light coming on sporadically. Would like to check computer codes b4 taking to mechanic and bending over. Is there a way to get codes to display on dash?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
From: The Lost Borough, NYC
I have a similar problem. The CEL comes on sometimes, and I disconnect the battery and re-tighten the MAS and assiciated clamps. and it seems to go away for a bit. I noticed this started happening when I installed my CAI and ported TB. I think its that the computer might detect the small increase in airflow or it might detect a loss of pressure in air (due to the clamps coming loose). I wish I can read the codes too before I take it back to chevy. I will call the place I go for my oil changes and stuff and see if they will read the codes for me. Since the chevy dealer started making appointments. And I would have to wait at least a week before I can even bring the car in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,396
Likes: 197
From: Wilkes-Barre Pa
I've gone to both Autozone and Advanceauto to have codes read on various vehicles. They both do it on the spot for free.
Now I have an Actron cp9410 scanner I found on Amazon for about $50 shipped.
Now I have an Actron cp9410 scanner I found on Amazon for about $50 shipped.
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CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
Even if you're not quite a master mechanic a code reader is a worthwhile diagnostic tool to have...for all your vehicles. Even a new 'mid-range' code reader isn't all that expensive. I'm happy with the Innova code reader by Equus.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 277
Likes: 2
From: Florida
I just bought the 3130 from Amazon for $135 shipped and it does live data, real nice reader. For most major car manufacturer if it sets a code the reader will take a snapshot of what all the monitored sensors read at the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 129
From: Fairview Heights IL
Having a code reader also allows you to check your car before going in for your annual/biennial state inspection. There's nothing quite so annoying as having an inspector tell you your car doesn't pass because of some code(s) he can't explain.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
From: The Lost Borough, NYC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,027
Likes: 0
From: The Lost Borough, NYC
When I changed over to my callaway CAI, I noticed the CEL came on sometimes. I think it was due to the hose clamps and MAS becoming slightly loose. I would retighten and disconnect the battery and all is fine. I recently took my car to ECS because the light came on and after retightening everything the light stayed on.
It turned out the O2 sensor light was on along with a few other engine codes related to the O2 sensor. The heating wire for the sensor circuit was blown (unknown why). Worse case was the O2 needed to be replaced (costly). I got lucky, and the O2 fuse which blew had a crack in it. Fuse was replaced and the codes went away. I thank ECS for being honest about that and not making me commit to an O2 repair. I bought the guys lunch!
Your case might be different as the aftermarket filter is drawing more air than the stock unit so the computer might detect that as an imbalance of air/fuel ratio and causing the CEL to come on. I would still go get the code read just to be sure.
It turned out the O2 sensor light was on along with a few other engine codes related to the O2 sensor. The heating wire for the sensor circuit was blown (unknown why). Worse case was the O2 needed to be replaced (costly). I got lucky, and the O2 fuse which blew had a crack in it. Fuse was replaced and the codes went away. I thank ECS for being honest about that and not making me commit to an O2 repair. I bought the guys lunch!
Your case might be different as the aftermarket filter is drawing more air than the stock unit so the computer might detect that as an imbalance of air/fuel ratio and causing the CEL to come on. I would still go get the code read just to be sure.
