Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > The Lounge
o

Notices

The Lounge A Catch-All Area for NON-GUN topics.
PUT GUN TOPICS in the GUN FORUMS.
Keep it Family Friendly. See The Rules for Banned Topics!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-16-2010, 02:32 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"

I've had this Trailblazer for 4 years, it has just 67,000 miles on it and it does everything I need. Great car, rides great, gets decent (21 mpg) mileage, is comfortable. A few months ago the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I take to my mechanic and he can't find anything other than a slightly lose connection. Happens again a month later, but in the 5 days before I can get it in to my Mech. the light goes out. Happens again just before I am leaving on a trip our of state. Can't find anything wrong again reset's light. Light stays off across two states, then comes on in CO and stays on for three days then goes out again and stays off all the way home and for three more weeks. Then yesterday it comes on again. The Mechanic tells me it can be caused by over 300 different things, but none of them will cause any harm. It's a little maddening to see that light burning on the dash. I'm told you can't just disconnect the light (which was an old method of dealing with it) as it is an LED in the circuit.

Anyone have any idea for a fix?
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-16-2010, 02:36 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,979
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

I have owned an/or driven several vehicles where the "Check engine" light has gone on.

The usual problem was a loose gas cap! The cure was to lossen the gas cap and then tighten it firming. Most times, this solves the problem and the light stays off.

Something to do with the emmissions system.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-16-2010, 02:51 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

That's the first thing I tried. Not the case, the "diagnostic checker" the Mech uses tells him it's in the EGR area, but can't find anything wrong.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-16-2010, 03:06 PM
Vegetaman's Avatar
Vegetaman Vegetaman is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Illinois (not Chicago)
Posts: 1,082
Likes: 2,962
Liked 425 Times in 184 Posts
Default

My '96 Pontiac has the check engine light on for months at a time for years now, and it's fine. Just an annoyance; it comes and goes. Especially in winter.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-16-2010, 03:22 PM
steveno steveno is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Minden , Nebraska
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 1,194
Liked 4,318 Times in 1,420 Posts
Default

in my 2004 Colorado the service light has come and twice there was an evap valve(smog stuff) had to be replaced at $300 a pop. it came on a couple of weeks ago and the catalytic converter is bad and the dealer wants $920 for that. that isn't going to happen and just to turn the light out the dealer gets $70. I just wish it would go out after a period of time. it stayed out for a couple of weeks and came on again last week. there is an exhaust shop that will replace the converter for $300 so when I come with the money he will replace it. I have had 5 S-10 pickups with a total of almost 500,000 miles on them with out any converter problem. the Colorado has 135,000 miles on it now.

Last edited by steveno; 01-16-2010 at 03:24 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-16-2010, 04:24 PM
beemerphile beemerphile is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Danielsville, GA USA
Posts: 738
Likes: 27
Liked 401 Times in 152 Posts
Default

Go to AutoZone Advance etc. and they will read the code for free. Your mechanic should have added to his statement that there are over 300 things it could mean by telling you there is a way to find out which one it is. Not all of them are harmless. Some can foul out your cat converter. The light came on in my 2007 Silverado. The code checked P301 - cylinder 1 misfire. I put some silicone grease on the connector to the coil, cleared the code, and all is well. The key is to know the code number and what it means.

Further you said "Service Engine Soon" which is NOT a check engine, or MIL light. Normally that means that the mileage indicates that routine preventive maintenance is needed.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-16-2010, 04:43 PM
cobra44 cobra44 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
Liked 69 Times in 40 Posts
Default

This is common on GM models, I have seen it many times.
The one on my 03 Chevy is on all the time. Used really good equipment to check it, with no results as to the fault.
I just live with it. Many people put a piece or two of black electrical tape over it.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-16-2010, 05:13 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,979
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

"Many people put a piece or two of black electrical tape over it."

That's how the city garage used to "fix" the patrol cars.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-16-2010, 05:20 PM
srgvaz's Avatar
srgvaz srgvaz is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 862
Likes: 10
Liked 26 Times in 20 Posts
Default

I had the same thing happen to my chevy years back the trouble codes were from the O2 sensor it had four but we were able to determine it was the one right after the catalytic converter. After replacing it I noticed the tail pipe would shake the muffler shop wanted $360. for a catalytic converter & work I went home and called JEGGS ordered one for $85.00 & $10.00 shipping (fast shipping)went back to the shop a few days later $30.00 to install. All that fixed the dam light from having a mind of its own, and I kept the old converter and took it to a local guy who gave me $20.00 for it from what I understood he sends them to a company that removes gold or platinum from them and he gets like $50. for them. I bet since the price of those metals has gone up he's been making better money.
Your onboard computer stores trouble codes ever after the light goes out. In my experience Advanced AP has better service than AZone they should be able to give you an answer.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-16-2010, 05:37 PM
pharmer's Avatar
pharmer pharmer is online now
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Santo las nubes, Florida
Posts: 8,968
Likes: 9,179
Liked 14,621 Times in 4,681 Posts
Default

As a pharma rep, I bought an '02 Impala. Check engine light came on at about 30K miles. When I gave it to my son in '05 it had 120K miles and the check engine light was still on. My '03 S-10 CEL came on @ 30K miles. Stayed on for about 8K miles. Now it's out. They are not called "idiot lights" for nothing. Around here, everyone offers "free inspection" for the CEL. Costs anyehere from $50 to $5K to make it go away. Ignore it. Joe
__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-16-2010, 11:01 PM
clint_lnl's Avatar
clint_lnl clint_lnl is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Rowan CO., N C
Posts: 235
Likes: 5
Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts
Default

auto zone will check it for free and post the code they give you and can tell ya the area the trouble is in or email me and I can get you the test from alldata to check the code out,, ALSO if the light is on its ok to drive just my not get the best MPG's .BUT if the check engine light is flashing its should not be driven. can cause damage to the cat converter
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-17-2010, 12:35 AM
jj2am44's Avatar
jj2am44 jj2am44 is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 27
Liked 63 Times in 33 Posts
Default

What engine?? What trouble code is stored?? If you live in a state with no emissions test, you are lucky. Here in Pa. if the light is on, you have to fix it before the machine will even let you try to run a test. This has to be run before you can get an inspection sticker.
On a lot of the older GM vehicles, the EGR ports under the valve can clog up with carbon. You can take the valve off and clean them.
__________________
jj
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-17-2010, 07:43 AM
Lomax Anderson's Avatar
Lomax Anderson Lomax Anderson is offline
Member
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Monroe La
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts
Default

ignore it is advice I would not heed...too many things can cause it to light up ...some are tiny things but some can lead to expensive repairs...you need to find out what is causing the code ...then decide if you want to ignore it...but don't be surpised if you vechile decides to ignore you when you need to go somewhere important.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-17-2010, 03:51 PM
klondike klondike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Oak Grove, Oregon
Posts: 798
Likes: 777
Liked 704 Times in 235 Posts
Default

I agree with you that it is no fun to be far from home and have that stupid light nagging at you, never sure wether it is a minor problem or not.
It can spoil an otherwise great road trip.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-17-2010, 05:51 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

O.K. Went to shoot skeet about noon, and now the light is out. How long it will stay out is anybody's guess. Next time it comes on I'll take out to the mech. again and see if he can get to the bottom of it.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-17-2010, 06:53 PM
bayfisher bayfisher is offline
US Veteran
03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light" 03 Chevy Trailblazer "Service Engine Light"  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: East of the DFW Metromess
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

You don't need to wait for the light to come on again. The trouble code that caused your light to come on is now stored in the computer. Any reputable shop should be able to tell you what code it is, Even if they are just using a cheap code reader. I'm just a tech and I own 2 Snap-on scanners myself. If it does come back to an EGR code I generally remove the EGR(it's only 2 bolts on your model)then start the vehicle and try to rev it up, Like others have said, carbon builds up in the intake and this helps to blow it out. If it's the actual EGR itself, you have to replace it. They are no longer vacuum operated but are now electronic that have a motor to operate the pintle valve to control how much exhaust to recirculate. Good luck.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
platinum, skeet

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
"Engine Cranking" Deluxe Texas Ranger - Just One More... RKmesa S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 23 06-16-2016 06:08 AM
Check Engine Light = Bend Over Light vt_shooter The Lounge 43 11-06-2014 11:20 PM
Automotive Electronics-Chevy Trailblazer Airpark The Lounge 5 06-15-2013 10:22 AM
Help with head light/dash light "flickering." amazingflapjack The Lounge 21 01-13-2013 12:01 AM
For the mechanics- Service Engine Soon light sparky9 The Lounge 19 03-11-2010 11:21 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:06 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)