Check Engine Light
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 8,243
Likes: 4,613
From: Southwest Florida
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Technology has evolved the last few years, scanners purchased a few years prior are of little or no use today. I never had a check engine light on any of my recently purchased vehicles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 854
Likes: 302
A flashing light almost certainly is caused by significant misfire. That can cause the cat to overheat, resulting in damage and possible fire. In the old days the fuel injectors just mindlessly dumped in fuel to the dead cylinders. I'm not so sure that is true anymore as I believe the computer can determine which cylinder(s) are misbehaving. Nevertheless, that is why the the light flashes - it is indicating a repair that cannot wait. I am amazed a how many people drive for months with a Christmas tree dash.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 5
From: Houston TX
A flashing light almost certainly is caused by significant misfire. That can cause the cat to overheat, resulting in damage and possible fire. In the old days the fuel injectors just mindlessly dumped in fuel to the dead cylinders. I'm not so sure that is true anymore as I believe the computer can determine which cylinder(s) are misbehaving. Nevertheless, that is why the the light flashes - it is indicating a repair that cannot wait. I am amazed a how many people drive for months with a Christmas tree dash.
Have seen multiple codes on my Toyota and Lexus. Just read the code on Lexus to decipher problem which was a coil pack. Evap codes are usually gas cap. $49 scanner tool is really useful for additional info as the dash lights are basically useless for diagnosis. Why isn't OBD truly on board diagnostics, as in it displays the problem in text?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 54
From: Selden,LI NY
On 272 mile trip home with my new 2016 from MacMulkin had the check engine light flash at 230 miles. Pulled to right and slowed down. Light went off. Tried to run a diagnostic through Onstar, but agent couldn't run it. Now at 284 miles flashing light has not recurred and a diagnostic was run by Onstar showing no faults or codes. Guess there's nothing I can do now unless it recurs. Correct? Any advise?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 180
Likes: 41
From: Morristown Tennessee
Forgot to mention I called Ontar they said the code was P0300 which meant it was a problem with emissions but the dealer said it was a misfire on cylinder #8 then it randomly jumps to other cylinders. The error printed 18 pages to decipher so the Tech was getting on the phone to GM. Hopefully it's a solenoid or relay to the engine deactivation .
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 140
On 272 mile trip home with my new 2016 from MacMulkin had the check engine light flash at 230 miles. Pulled to right and slowed down. Light went off. Tried to run a diagnostic through Onstar, but agent couldn't run it. Now at 284 miles flashing light has not recurred and a diagnostic was run by Onstar showing no faults or codes. Guess there's nothing I can do now unless it recurs. Correct? Any advise?
A scanner that can check all 3 may find something, but probably not necessary if it doesn't come back.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 365
Likes: 54
From: Huntsville Tx
I've got a check engine light problem now. Tech tried to explain to me, but over my head, not to mention with only 700 miles the stuff he is telling me about had me fuming. Anyway, I take it in Tuesday for a day of reckoning. He had 3 scenarios, scariest of the 3 was need to replace lifters?? Even with warranty, this isn't how I want my new car experience to go.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Hi Volfan55,
I am new to the forum here. I just bought a 2016 z51 stingray a8 and got the check engine light (180 miles only
). Called on star and was told p0300 with description to be the exhaust/emission just like in your case. Was researching online and thus found this thread.
I have an appointment with dealer tomorrow morning. It would be very helpful if you could share your final diagnosis and what had to be done to fix the problem.
Thanks!!
I am new to the forum here. I just bought a 2016 z51 stingray a8 and got the check engine light (180 miles only
). Called on star and was told p0300 with description to be the exhaust/emission just like in your case. Was researching online and thus found this thread.I have an appointment with dealer tomorrow morning. It would be very helpful if you could share your final diagnosis and what had to be done to fix the problem.
Thanks!!
Forgot to mention I called Ontar they said the code was P0300 which meant it was a problem with emissions but the dealer said it was a misfire on cylinder #8 then it randomly jumps to other cylinders. The error printed 18 pages to decipher so the Tech was getting on the phone to GM. Hopefully it's a solenoid or relay to the engine deactivation .
Racer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 365
Likes: 54
From: Huntsville Tx
In my case, first time in shop 2 weeks recurred at 1500 miles. That was 3 weeks ago today and it's still there. Called yesterday still haven't heard from them.
Last edited by woodsguy; Sep 6, 2016 at 09:02 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 414
From: Germantown Maryland
Another alternative to carrying a code reader is to install a ScanGauge 2 or one of those OBD2 Bluetooth dongles that work with a phone app for gauges and error codes. Both of these just plug into your OBD2 port and stay there. I have a Scangauge 2 in my 2009 Tacoma, mostly for the extra gauges since the truck has such a limited set. I have yet to have an error code. Hope the Vette proves to be that reliable. So far so good at 3300 miles. :-)
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 706
That's why you push the On Star button and find out in minutes.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Very sorry to hear that.. hope your car gets well soon. I am keeping my fingers crossed for my visit to the dealership tomorrow.
I am not noticing any abnormality in the sound or the way the car is driving. I am just going to drive it cautiously to the dealership.
Were you guys able to notice any issues clearly when the check engine light came on?
I am not noticing any abnormality in the sound or the way the car is driving. I am just going to drive it cautiously to the dealership.
Were you guys able to notice any issues clearly when the check engine light came on?