engine symbol light
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
engine symbol light
not sure how long this symbol was showing cause I have been doing the dragon today. We are staying with friends in Highlands, N.C. So I don't know any mechanics up here. Car is an 08 vert with edelbrock eforce. The car runs fine & no other problems noted. No codes or anything different on DIC.
Should I try to get the codes from somebody (if I can find a mechanic) before I go back to Ga.? Sure don't want to mess anything up.
I did a search bot only found the gas cap issue.
Pardon grammar-only have my phone here with WiFi.
Thanks for your help
Should I try to get the codes from somebody (if I can find a mechanic) before I go back to Ga.? Sure don't want to mess anything up.
I did a search bot only found the gas cap issue.
Pardon grammar-only have my phone here with WiFi.
Thanks for your help
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
2008 owner's manual, pages 3-43 and 3-44. That's the Emission Control System light. Might be a defective or not secured gas cap. Might be poor grade of fuel. Might be something for the dealer to look at.
But try to fix it with the first 3 things.
Light on steady?
Then:
But try to fix it with the first 3 things.
Light on steady?
Then:
Light On Steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the
cap. See Filling the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration—these
conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn
off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that might have developed
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the
cap. See Filling the Tank on page 5-8. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, misfiring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration—these
conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn
off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical
problems that might have developed
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,866
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
not sure how long this symbol was showing cause I have been doing the dragon today. We are staying with friends in Highlands, N.C. So I don't know any mechanics up here. Car is an 08 vert with edelbrock eforce. The car runs fine & no other problems noted. No codes or anything different on DIC.
Should I try to get the codes from somebody (if I can find a mechanic) before I go back to Ga.? Sure don't want to mess anything up.
I did a search bot only found the gas cap issue.
Pardon grammar-only have my phone here with WiFi.
Thanks for your help
Should I try to get the codes from somebody (if I can find a mechanic) before I go back to Ga.? Sure don't want to mess anything up.
I did a search bot only found the gas cap issue.
Pardon grammar-only have my phone here with WiFi.
Thanks for your help
Hopefully it's something simple.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
thanks guys... the light does stay on all the time and yes I did buy some gas yesterday at a BP station. It was 93 octane for whatever that means.
If the gas cap were the problem do you have to do anything different than just take the cap off , then put it back on? I did that plus 3-4 clicks
and the light did not change.
If I can find an autoparts place here do you suggest a brand of code reader? I doubt there is a Chevrolet dealer here. We will be here for about a week so it is not a big deal tomorrow, it is a long way back home next week.
I will not be driving the car while here, so if there is anything else you can suggest please let me know. This is a small place without much 'good' help.
If the gas cap were the problem do you have to do anything different than just take the cap off , then put it back on? I did that plus 3-4 clicks
and the light did not change.
If I can find an autoparts place here do you suggest a brand of code reader? I doubt there is a Chevrolet dealer here. We will be here for about a week so it is not a big deal tomorrow, it is a long way back home next week.
I will not be driving the car while here, so if there is anything else you can suggest please let me know. This is a small place without much 'good' help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Most auto parts stores have a code reader and they'll read the codes for you.
I have a GoPoint cable that i connect to my iPhone. It lets me read and reset codes.
I have a GoPoint cable that i connect to my iPhone. It lets me read and reset codes.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
Thanks guys. I will drive the car today and see if working with the gas cap did anything. No auto parts stores within 30 miles so if the cap deal doesn't work then I'll be up for a road trip. Does anyone know if the cap can cause the engine light to come on without the DIC giving a message?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,050
Likes: 2
From: New Bern NC
I have had the CEL without a DIC message. But, if you have ONSTAR, they can tell you what the code is and what the problem indicated is. This is a great reason to have ONSTAR when you are not near a code reader.
Larry
Larry
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
It isn't just driving that resets a gas cap light CEL. You have to pass a number of tests on the system which means starting and letting it warm up, stopping and cool down, restarting, etc. A code reader will tell you immediately what the issue is and you can also reset the light with one.
Yes, the light comes on when you fail a tank pressurization test but there is no DIC message.
Yes, the light comes on when you fail a tank pressurization test but there is no DIC message.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
Since I'm a long way from home and have a lot of driving to do we are going to find someone who can gets the codes for us. I'll post whatever codes we find. When you're along way from home it sure is nice to have the forum friends to help out .
Thanks again
Thanks again
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
No DIC in the Equinox, but never got any kind of code on the dash.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,866
Likes: 107
From: God's Country, ID
When my gas cap went bad I noticed that the cap started to screw on a little funny (the clicking sounded/felt strange IIRC).
Then not long after I got a CEL with a message that stated "Service Fuel System".
Then not long after I got a CEL with a message that stated "Service Fuel System".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,579
Likes: 87
From: Chester County PA
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 11
From: Valdosta Georgia
OK, here is where we are at this point.....after driving the car a few miles post fuel cap deal ...no change. We found a local mechanic that had a code reader. It looks like the cooling fan is not working. :crazy: I replaced the fuse with another one in the fuse block no luck! Since I am 30 miles from a dealer and not too excited about being part of a small town dealer horror story I called my hometown mechanic. Here's what he said...watch the temp closely and don't let it get over 230 deg. Since I am in the mountains(cool air) hopefully I'll be OK and will be conscious of not letting the car idle any more than necessary.
I would be interested in your thoughts. Since the car has an edelbrock eforce I will drive normally which shouldn't let the SC be an issue, right?
I would be interested in your thoughts. Since the car has an edelbrock eforce I will drive normally which shouldn't let the SC be an issue, right?
Last edited by drich2905; Oct 25, 2012 at 05:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 281
From: cumming ga
OK, here is where we are at this point.....after driving the car a few miles post fuel cap deal ...no change. We found a local mechanic that had a code reader. It looks like the cooling fan is not working. 
I replaced the fuse with another one in the fuse block no luck! Since I am 30 miles from a dealer and not too excited about being part of a small town dealer horror story I called my hometown mechanic. Here's what he said...watch the temp closely and don't let it get over 230 deg. Since I am in the mountains(cool air) hopefully I'll be OK and will be conscious of not letting the car idle any more than necessary.
I would be interested in your thoughts. Since the car has an edelbrock eforce I will drive normally which shouldn't let the SC be an issue, right?
I replaced the fuse with another one in the fuse block no luck! Since I am 30 miles from a dealer and not too excited about being part of a small town dealer horror story I called my hometown mechanic. Here's what he said...watch the temp closely and don't let it get over 230 deg. Since I am in the mountains(cool air) hopefully I'll be OK and will be conscious of not letting the car idle any more than necessary.I would be interested in your thoughts. Since the car has an edelbrock eforce I will drive normally which shouldn't let the SC be an issue, right?
David Fulcher. You are a little over 150 miles maybe from Highlands. If you know the back way down past lake Burton and down 400 its 90 miles till exit 12 on 400 and 25 miles to dealer from their.Dealer # is 770-457-8211
z51vett
Doug
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 68
From: Carrollton GA
W. GA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
As long as your moving it should not be a big issue...but once you get into Metro ATL on your way home all bets are off with traffic....
I would recommend you find a dealer or take it to "Buyavette" who has a large shop. They are located at 3762 Dekalb Technology Pkwy
Atlanta, Ga 30340, Phone: (770)414-5552. Basically they are at what we locals call "Spaghetti Junction" at I285 and I85.
No matter what you do, I would call the shop your taking it to and let them know your on your way so they will have the part.
Whatever you do, do not go through ATL without it being fixed.
I will also send you a PM of another option that is 65-70 miles away.
John
I would recommend you find a dealer or take it to "Buyavette" who has a large shop. They are located at 3762 Dekalb Technology Pkwy
Atlanta, Ga 30340, Phone: (770)414-5552. Basically they are at what we locals call "Spaghetti Junction" at I285 and I85.
No matter what you do, I would call the shop your taking it to and let them know your on your way so they will have the part.
Whatever you do, do not go through ATL without it being fixed.
I will also send you a PM of another option that is 65-70 miles away.
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,394
Likes: 281
From: cumming ga
As long as your moving it should not be a big issue...but once you get into Metro ATL on your way home all bets are off with traffic....
I would recommend you find a dealer or take it to "Buyavette" who has a large shop. They are located at 3762 Dekalb Technology Pkwy
Atlanta, Ga 30340, Phone: (770)414-5552. Basically they are at what we locals call "Spaghetti Junction" at I285 and I85.
No matter what you do, I would call the shop your taking it to and let them know your on your way so they will have the part.
Whatever you do, do not go through ATL without it being fixed.
I will also send you a PM of another option that is 65-70 miles away.
John
I would recommend you find a dealer or take it to "Buyavette" who has a large shop. They are located at 3762 Dekalb Technology Pkwy
Atlanta, Ga 30340, Phone: (770)414-5552. Basically they are at what we locals call "Spaghetti Junction" at I285 and I85.
No matter what you do, I would call the shop your taking it to and let them know your on your way so they will have the part.
Whatever you do, do not go through ATL without it being fixed.
I will also send you a PM of another option that is 65-70 miles away.
John
z51vett
