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Service Engine Soon light

jcs44

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2004
Messages
161
Location
Harvest, AL
Corvette
2003 Z06 Torch Red/Black
My LT4 with under 33K on it has put up the "Service Engine Soon" warning light. The light is on steady and not blinking. It came on when I had first driven it a couple of days after I had filled the tank. As stated in the manual, I removed the gas cap and then put it back on. The light still has not cleared. Is there anything else I should do at this point?

JCS44
Triple black vert.
 
I don't believe that the procedures laid out at the link above will apply to your car. You have an OBD II car, where as the cars prior to 1996 were OBD I.

When I have thrown a code, I have hooked up a hand held scanner to the port under the dash and retrieved the stored code, corrected the condition indicated by the code, and then cleared the code. I believe that you should be able to go to either Autozone or Advance Auto Parts and they should be able to read and clear the code for you for free (the dealer will most likely charge for this service). It will then be up to you to find out what the code means and fix it. If you do not have the definitions of the codes, I am sure that you can post the code here and someone will be able to provide the definition.

Most often, a Service Engine Soon lamp indicates a problem within an emissions related system. This of course, is a generalization. One time I had the light come on and it was the MAF sensor. The wiring had been exposed to moisture and it threw a code. I cleared the code and everything was fine. Another time, a check valve in the air pump (or something like that) got stuck open and threw a code. I had that fixed at the dealer.

Good luck.

Nick
 
I had one recently that cleared itself in a few start cycles.
 
"Service Engine Soon" light came on in mine last year at 13K miles. Light came and went. Being a novice Vette owner, I took it to the dealership. Turns out one of the oxygen sensors was bad. Replacement was about $210.
 
Thanks for all your replys. I had this light come on once before when fuel was way low. When I filled up, it cleared. This time it came on after a fill up, which makes me think bad gas or loose cap. The light is still on, and the manual says it could take another fill up to clear. I will take your advice though, and check the codes.

JCS44
 
Have Autozone read & clear the code, then see if it pops up again.
 
JEFNLSA said:
Have Autozone read & clear the code, then see if it pops up again.

I agree. After they read & clear, you can do a Google or other search on OBD2, and find all you would ever need to know about a particular code. In my case it was P1416 which I fully understood by the time I took it in to the dealer. Just double checking my dealer!! Information is always beneficial to have!!
 
Update:

I just ordered one of these off ebay for $22.00. The price is unbeatable for what it does - which is basically; giving you a code to reference and allowing you to clear the code.

OBD2 Code Reader
 
Went to AutoZone and the code is P1416. Some sort of problem with secondary emmissions systems. Anybody know what this code is?

JCS44
 
jcs44 said:
Went to AutoZone and the code is P1416. Some sort of problem with secondary emmissions systems. Anybody know what this code is?

JCS44

You may want to pm Llano Bill (above) as it appears he had the same code.
 
Like I said above, More than you need to know. Please excuse length. I then took mine to the dealer and had the Check Valve replaced.

DTC P1415 or P1416
Circuit Description
A secondary air injection (AIR) pump is used on this [FONT=verdana, arial, sans-serif][FONT=verdana, arial, sans-serif]vehicle[/FONT][/FONT] to lower tail pipe emissions on start-up. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a ground to the AIR pump relay, which energizes the AIR pump and the AIR solenoid valve. Engine vacuum is applied to the AIR shut-off valve when the AIR solenoid is energized. The engine vacuum opens the AIR shut-off valve which allows air to flow to the [FONT=verdana, arial, sans-serif][FONT=verdana, arial, sans-serif]exhaust [/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, sans-serif]manifolds[/FONT][/FONT].
The PCM monitors the heated oxygen sensor (H02S) voltages to diagnose the AIR system.
During the AIR test, the PCM activates the AIR pump during Closed Loop operation. When the AIR system is activated, the PCM monitors the H02S voltages and short term fuel trim values for both banks of the engine. If the AIR system is operating properly, the H02S voltages should go low and the short term fuel trim should go high.
If the PCM determines that the H02S voltages for both banks did not respond as expected during the tests, the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0410 sets. If only one sensor responded, the PCM sets either a DTC P1415 or P1416 to indicate on which bank the AIR system is inoperative.
Conditions for Running the DTC
• DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0111, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0154, P0155, P0157, P0158, P0161, P0170, P0171, P0172, P0173, P0174, P0175, P0200, P0300, P0335, P0336, P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, P0356, P0357, P0358, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0506, P0507, P1133, P1134, or P1258 are not set.
• The startup engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 70°C (158°F).
• The engine run time is more than 2 seconds.
• The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor is more than 75 kPa.
• The engine load is less than 40 percent.
• The engine air flow is less than 20 grams per second.
• Engine speed is more than 900 RPM.
• The vehicle speed is more than 15 km/h (25 mph).
• The ignition voltage is more than 11.7 volts.
• The air fuel ratio is 13.125:1.
• The ECT is between 70-110°C (158-230°F).
• The intake air temperature (IAT) is more than 2-100°C (36-212°F).
• The fuel system is not operating in power enrichment or deceleration fuel cut-off (DFCO).
• The short term fuel trim is in cells 5 or 6.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
• The H02S voltage does not go below 222 mV for 1.2 seconds or more.
• Short term fuel trim does not go above a predetermined amount.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
• The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
• The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
• The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
• A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
• A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
• Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
• Casting flash in the exhaust manifold may restrict the amount of air flow necessary to affect the H02S voltage. If you suspect this, remove the air pipe from the manifold and inspect the passage.
• Using the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same Freeze Frame conditions such as RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc. that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
• For an intermittent condition, refer to Symptoms • Engine Controls.
Test Description
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
3. A check valve that flows in both directions causes heat damage to the AIR system components.

Engine Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L 6-2507
DTCP1415 or P1416
Action Values Yes No
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics
Step: 1
Action: Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?
Value: —
Yes: Goto Step 2
No: Go to Diagnostic System Check -Engine Controls

Step: 2
Action: Important: Before proceeding with this diagnostic table ensure that the AIR pump is operating and that air is present at the outlet of the AIR shut-off valve. If the AIR pump is inoperative and no air is present at the outlet of the AIR shut off valve, refer to DTC P0410 for further diagnosis.
1. Install a scan tool. 2. Idle the engine in Closed Loop. 3. Turn OFF all the accessories.
4. Monitor the bank 1 sensor 1 left front H02S voltage display on the Engine 1 Data List using a scan tool.
5. Enable the AIR pump using a scan tool.
6. Observe and record the Bank 1 Sensor 1 (Left Front) H02S voltage, as the AIR pump is enabled.
Does the H02S voltage drop below the specified value?
Value: 350 mV
Yes: Goto Diagnostic Aids
No: Go to Step 3

Step: 3
Action: Visually and physically inspect all hoses and pipes for: • Being connected • Clamps are secure on pipes and hoses • No kinks, holes, or pinched hoses and pipes • Components with evidence of heat damage Are all of the above OK?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 4
No: Go to Step 6

Step: 4
Action: 1. Disconnect the hose from the check valve at the left exhaust manifold.
2. Enable the AIR pump using a scan tool. Is air present at the hose outlet?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 7
No: Go to Step 5

Step: 5
Action: Repair the restriction or blockage in AIR hoses/pipes between the left exhaust manifold and the point where the systemrfiranches to both sides of the engine.
Is the action complete?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 8
No: —

Step: 6
Action: Repair the condition found. Is the action complete?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 8
No: —

Step: 7
Action: Replace the check valve. Refer to Secondary Air Injection (AIR) Check Valve/Pipe Replacement -Bank 1.
Is the action complete?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 8
No: —

Step: 8
Action: 1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. 2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds. 3. Start the engine.
4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
Does the DTC run and pass?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Step 9
No: Go to Step 2

Step: 9
Action: With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.
Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?
Value: —
Yes: Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List
No: System OK
 
jcs44 said:
My LT4 with under 33K on it has put up the "Service Engine Soon" warning light. The light is on steady and not blinking. It came on when I had first driven it a couple of days after I had filled the tank. As stated in the manual, I removed the gas cap and then put it back on. The light still has not cleared. Is there anything else I should do at this point?

JCS44
Triple black vert.

This happened to my LT4 a few months ago...turned out to be the battery!! This computer can tell and will set that dash "service engine" lite if the battery is weak/low...check this out as a possible "quick fix"....
 
JEFNLSA said:
Update:

I just ordered one of these off ebay for $22.00. The price is unbeatable for what it does - which is basically; giving you a code to reference and allowing you to clear the code.

OBD2 Code Reader

hi jeff,
do you know if you can buy a obd1 to suit my 1991 corvette reader of that same company?
obd2 code reader wont work on my year 1991 car will it?
also how do i get in contact with the supplier alpha-bid ?
i have there website address but thats all!
as i looked on there home page but no luck!
i wanted to ring or email them thats all!
thanks
glen
sxyvet
Australia
 
sxyvet said:
hi jeff,
do you know if you can buy a obd1 to suit my 1991 corvette reader of that same company?
obd2 code reader wont work on my year 1991 car will it?
also how do i get in contact with the supplier alpha-bid ?
i have there website address but thats all!
as i looked on there home page but no luck!
i wanted to ring or email them thats all!
thanks
glen
sxyvet
Australia

Hey Glen,

There are readers for OBD 1 & 2 but I don't believe that one will work for both, at least not an inexpensive one. Here's a link to some cheap readers for OBD 1: http://www.autobarn.net/autxrayezsca.html

Also, go to Alpha Bids ebay and to "ask seller a question" and I'm sure that they can take care of you & hook you up w/ a scanner for your car...cheap.

http://cgi.ebay.com/OBD-2-CHECK-ENGINE-SCANNER-ERROR-CODE-READER-OBDII-II_W0QQitemZ4620898827QQcategoryZ43989QQcmdZViewItem

Let me know what you find out...

Cya,
Jeff
 
Well, I took it to the dealer who confirmed code P1416. They said to replace both air check valves even though P1416 says right side. Fortunately these valves sit right on top of the engine so they're easy to get at and appear to be easy to replace. They cost cost about $23 each wholesale from the dealer.

JCS44
 
Can you post a pic of what they look like?
 
After I had AutoZone check the code, I took it to the dealer who rechecked and verified the code as P1416. After some discussion with the service department, they said to replace both air check valves even though the code was for the right side only. The parts had to be ordered. I went to get them a day later, and on the way, the service engine light went off! So I did not buy the parts, and we'll just see what happens. Duh.

JCS44
Triple black vert.
 

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