Check Engine Light / Code P1061HC

[vettegirl]

This morning on the way to work my Check Engine light came on, and stayed on the whole way (approx 20 miles). I just went outside and pulled the codes (this car is so COOL!!!). All the codes that came up had "H" after them (B2252H, B2284H, B2262H), except for P1061HC. I can't find this code, or the meaning of "C" on my list - can anyone help me??

Also, if the Check Engine light doesn't generate a code, what else should I look at?

Thanks!!!
Lauren

 

[mick_s3]

"C" means current as opposed to "H" for historical, meaning that the condition that set the code is currently present.

I cannot find the P1061 anywhere either.... maybe C4C5 can help you out with that one.

Mick

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
There is no such code in GM service information.
I would suggest to recheck your codes, and what module the code came from.
There are P0601, which is the closest to what you have.
Please recheck and post here.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[vettegirl]

Update....

I can't pull that code back up, since it had an "H" before the "C" I cleared it - I didn't realize what "C" meant.

Anyway, driving home last night I got about 2 miles from my office and the "Check Engine" light and "Traction Control" light came on, also "Reduced Engine Power" and "Service Traction Control System" messages on DIC...car basically felt like it was in neutral so I pulled over and called a rollback and my husband. By the time my husband got there the car seemed to be back to normal. I told him about clearing the codes, and we disconnected the battery for 10 minutes. After that it drove fine, and no "Check Engine" light. The only codes on there now are P1518H, C1255H, and C1278H. I have driven it about 60-70 miles now with no recurrence...could the "HC" code I cleared have caused a malfunction????

Maybe women shouldn't work on their own cars...

:cry

 

[mick_s3]

Re: Update....

The only codes on there now are P1518H, C1255H, and C1278H. I have driven it about 60-70 miles now with no recurrence...could the "HC" code I cleared have caused a malfunction????

The 1518 looks to be a function of the battery being disconnected. Whenever the PCM looses power then it will set some weird codes. The other 2 I cannot find.

Maybe women shouldn't work on their own cars...
:cry

I dont think that has anything to do with it, if that makes you feel any better. I have seen all sorts of malfunctions and flakyness with mine since I bought it in January.

May want to have your husband pull the battery and tray and check all the connections to the PCM, all that good stuff is right under the battery :eek

If you do alot of driving on the lovely roads in Brandon/Tampa maybe something is wiggled loose.....


Keep us posted,

Mick

 

[vettegirl]

Thanks for the moral support Mick!

I really want to learn about the car...it's basically a computer on wheels, there has to be some logic to it!

I admit I was a little discouraged - I broke down in that underpass under the Convention Center, so I got to spend about an hour with the homeless before my husband got there! One poor homeless guy was trying to read a book with me pacing back and forth (with the car "beeping" each time I passed!) and getting hyper with the towing company on the cell phone - I'm sure he was happier to see my car start than I was!!!

I will have my husband check the PCM connections - I have been driving HWY 60 instead of the X-Town lately (afraid of falling bridge parts!!) - I think I have shaken my teeth loose!

 

[c4c5specialist]

I can't pull that code back up, since it had an "H" before the "C" I cleared it - I didn't realize what "C" meant.

Anyway, driving home last night I got about 2 miles from my office and the "Check Engine" light and "Traction Control" light came on, also "Reduced Engine Power" and "Service Traction Control System" messages on DIC...car basically felt like it was in neutral so I pulled over and called a rollback and my husband. By the time my husband got there the car seemed to be back to normal. I told him about clearing the codes, and we disconnected the battery for 10 minutes. After that it drove fine, and no "Check Engine" light. The only codes on there now are P1518H, C1255H, and C1278H. I have driven it about 60-70 miles now with no recurrence...could the "HC" code I cleared have caused a malfunction????

Maybe women shouldn't work on their own cars...

:cry

Hi there,
Ok, well, you have just diagnosed your car, so I would say that working on your own car, you are doing just fine.
First, the 'reduced engine power' is caused by the P1518. This shows a communications problem with the throttle actutation control module, and the PCM. So, with that in mind, there are a few simple checks that you could do.
http://www.photohost.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2767
If you reference this link, #5 is a bracket that the wiring harness travels around on the drivers side fuel rail. Sometimes, the harness will rub on this bracket, causing your problem.
Your C1255 for your ABS/TCS is totally different, and should be diagnosed as such. This shows that your control module for this system has an internal fault, and based on a subcode that can be found with a Tech 2, most likely will need replacement.
Your C1278 is a byproduct of the P1518, and can be disregarded.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[vettegirl]

Wow, thanks for the information!

I really want to understand the car, and not be intimidated by it. I try to follow all the posts on this forum so I will be prepared and not freak out if anything happens. You have already provided me (and everyone else!!) with quite an education, and I really appreciate it!

One more question if you don't mind..is the TCS/ABS control module something we can replace ourselves? Should I clear the code, then see if it recurs before I worry too much about it, or is that asking for trouble?

Again, thanks so much for your replies..

Lauren

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
The ABS/TCS module is in one of 2 places, either in front of the power steering pump, or mounted to the rear subframe, behind your differential.
You can change it yourself, as they are not programmable on the 98.
YOU MUST make sure you tell the parts department if you have Active handling or not.
The RPO JL4 is what they will want to know.
This is on your service parts identification label.
Honestly, I would consider changing this when you can, as it is a very expensive piece.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[vettegirl]

Thank you..

I will call the local dealership today and price the part (or have my husband do it, every time I go there for a part they treat me like an airhead...).

Have a nice weekend!
Lauren

 

[vettegirl]

Check engine light came on again this morning..

I guess I was dyslexic last time - the code was 0161HC (P0161 Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Heater Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2). Since this has only happened on very humid mornings (1st time it was foggy, this morning misty rain) I am wondering if maybe I just need a new air filter or something - seems like maybe air flow is being restricted in humid conditions?



:confused :confused :confused

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
Your P0161 is for the heater system of your oxygen sensor.
This sensor is about $100 and it does not take long to install.
If you reference the diagram here, you will see which one, as this is the passenger side.
This is the front view, looking toward the rear of the car.
All you need is a 22mm wrench, and a little patience. They come out easier if the system is warm.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[vettegirl]

Thanks so much!

I will stop at the dealership and pick up the part on the way home. You're a life saver!!

Lauren