Check Engine Light is on
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,979
Likes: 743
From: PA
Check Engine Light is on
2013 427 with 15000 miles. Just popped up. Any way to check for codes without a scanner? Already checked the gas cap. Had it out last night for about an hours drive with the top down and it ran fine. Started it just now, and bam! Would appreciate advice here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
Likes: 2,968
From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had that happen on my 09 when I went to get the emissions checked. The car started just fine before I took it to be checked, but when I cut it off and he plugged his diagnostic tool into the plug under the dash it wouldn't start. He unplugged his diagnostic tool and it started right up.
It gave me an error code on the failed emission report (sorry - don't remember the code). When I looked it up online it turned out there is a GM Bulletin on that code. The wires in that communication tool loosen up causing the check engine light to come on. I drove it to a Chevy dealer, they acknowledged the bulletin, cleared the code, checked the wiring, and sent me on my way without me spending a dime. If it happens again GM covers the cost of replacing the communication module under the dash.
It gave me an error code on the failed emission report (sorry - don't remember the code). When I looked it up online it turned out there is a GM Bulletin on that code. The wires in that communication tool loosen up causing the check engine light to come on. I drove it to a Chevy dealer, they acknowledged the bulletin, cleared the code, checked the wiring, and sent me on my way without me spending a dime. If it happens again GM covers the cost of replacing the communication module under the dash.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,734
Likes: 1,695
From: Rochester NY
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10, '17
It is very difficult to properly diagnose a check engine light without knowing the DTC fault code that tripped it. Could be any number of things and it is a fool's errand trying to figure it out without a scanner.
Do yourself a favor and buy a cheap ~$20 OBDII reader such as this one (there are others as well):
Every C6 owner should have one. Then download Torque Lite app to your phone (free). Plug in OBDII reader to your OBDII port below driver dash, then synch it to your phone with Bluetooth and it will connect to the car (key on). From the app you can now read the code. Then post the code here. You can also clear the code with this app.
This procedure is very simple and straight forward and I am confident you can do it successfully. Please do not rely on dealerships or other places to initially diagnose a check engine light.
Do yourself a favor and buy a cheap ~$20 OBDII reader such as this one (there are others as well):
Every C6 owner should have one. Then download Torque Lite app to your phone (free). Plug in OBDII reader to your OBDII port below driver dash, then synch it to your phone with Bluetooth and it will connect to the car (key on). From the app you can now read the code. Then post the code here. You can also clear the code with this app.
This procedure is very simple and straight forward and I am confident you can do it successfully. Please do not rely on dealerships or other places to initially diagnose a check engine light.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
With rest of the group, invest in cheap one, easy to use, I bought mine from e-bay, certainly comes in handy.Last edited by 1bdvet; Aug 20, 2020 at 11:07 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 973
Likes: 268
From: Oro Valley Arizona
I work @ Oreillys Auto parts part time and all of the stores have a scanner they will check your code for no charge and can print out the code with the associated issues with that code.
CF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 7,433
From: Pittsburgh
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Many of the auto parts chains will read the code on your dash for free
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 343
From: Glastonbury CT
If you are going to keep this car get a innova scanner call the company and they will help you at the sell and after you buy it. they have saved me thousands of dollars and made me more aware of the stealerships changing parts that i do not need! If that is a hard code you could be adding more problems to your car. As far as Pecker boys auto scam stay away half the hires half no back ground! The best part of a Inova you can with the attachments do almost any car and you will love it as you learn about fuel treim and items that will improve performance and gas mileage.