Service Engine Soon Light

[daveo]

Hi, new owner of a 96 Conv. LT1, 46,000 miles. Just passed PA emmissions this morning. 15 Miles from station the Service Engine Soon light comes on. I checked the gas cap for tightness as that is part of the emmissions test. I dont think it was tightned until it ratched. Questions: How many miles must the car be driven before the light goes out or is there a way to reset it manually?
How can I retrieve the code without purchasing a scan tool?

I have been a lurker here since deciding to buy 7 months ago. I think the forum is great!

thanks,
dave

 

[Ripp 73]

With it being a 96 it means it has an OBD II system. I am not sure there is a way to turn the SES light off (other then removing the bulb from the dash) or clearing it without a scan tool. With the older OBD I system there was a way to read the codes by jumping two of the contacts together, but they got smart with this second series. Another way would be to go to an AutoZone, they will scan your computer for free if they can help.

Oh and by the way... welcome to the CAC and coming out of Lurkdom.

 

[Rain]

Same boat here with my 96.
Ran out of gas last week and the Service ENgine Soon light came on.
Has not gone back out - figured I needed to hit the Auto store and have them clear the code.

Thanks
Rain

 

[gmjunkie]

Take the neg batt cable off for 3-5 min!! This will cancel code!! If it's still on or Comes back on, theres something wrong!!

 

[Rain]

Take the neg batt cable off for 3-5 min!! This will cancel code!! If it's still on or Comes back on, theres something wrong!!

but then I will have to reset my CLOCK and my Radio Presets (not really, the LED's have burned out in the radio display... ) hahaha

Thanks for the heads up!
Rain

 

[gmjunkie]

but then I will have to reset my CLOCK and my Radio Presets (not really, the LED's have burned out in the radio display... ) hahaha

Thanks for the heads up!
Rain

Well then if nothing is wrong,it will reset it's self in 50-100 starts!!

 

[daveo]

Added Info

Had code pulled; P0160, "Sensor Ckt No Activity, Bank 2

Anyone know what sensor and where do I find it. Sounds like maybe loose wire at sensor?

thanks

 

[gmjunkie]

Had code pulled; P0160, "Sensor Ckt No Activity, Bank 2

Anyone know what sensor and where do I find it. Sounds like maybe loose wire at sensor?

thanks

Proply O2 sencer in the exaust on rt. bank!! (there probly two) May be a bad conection you will just have to check and see,but it's probly a bad sencer!!

 

[kenwa]

Hi, Dave. Welcome to CAC.

P0160 concerns the passenger side rear O2 sensor. After the cat that is. Most likely you need a new one. If you drive the car on three consective trips without it acting up, the SES light will go out.

Ken