engine trouble codes

cyoung1253 · February 11, 2007

Cruisin down the road today truck seemed a bit sluggish, looked down and the engine light was flashing. All guages were normal, coolant not quite up to full operating temp but I hadn't driven far enough for that yet anyway. Light stayed flashing and sluggishness continued for a mile or two till I got to the store, started right up when I came out and everything seems fine now.

How long are the trouble codes stored in the PCM? I plan on stopping by the dealer (still under factory warranty) and having it checked out, but I got to wondering if I could read the SES codes myself. I remember on the '80s era GM vehicles you could jumper a couple of pins on the connector under the dash and the engine light would flash the trouble code which you could then look-up in the repair manual. I don't suppose you can do that anymore, need a OBD II scan tool instead? Suggestions for a decent but affordable diagnostic tool?

Got to thinking that it would be really cool if there was a way to plug my notebook computer into the diagnostic port and see what was going on while it was running. Somebody must make the required cables and software.

Maybe this is just the excuse I need to order the Diablo Predator.

thecraft · February 12, 2007

Got to thinking that it would be really cool if there was a way to plug my notebook computer into the diagnostic port and see what was going on while it was running. Somebody must make the required cables and software.

That would be the best way to go, you can get everything you need at this website: http://www.obd2allinone.com/

...and for pre-1996 OBDI vehicles: http://www.aldlcable.com/

cyoung1253 · February 12, 2007

Truck ran like crap on the way to work this AM, rough idle, down on power and surging. SES ligt flashed for a mile or so then stayed on steady. Catalytic converter was stinking as well. Dropped it off to Mr. Goodwrench and it turned out to be O2 sensor failure on Bank 1 and was causing a rich condition. Threads stripped out of the pipe when they tried to replace the O2 so they had to get a new pipe shipped. Oh well, got a '07 Silverado as a loaner.

Indy · February 12, 2007

Repaired under warranty?

cyoung1253 · February 13, 2007

Repaired under warranty?

Yes, repairs and rental truck covered under GM warranty. Not sure why they didn't just weld a new bung into the pipe instead of getting a new one but it's ok with me. Now that I think of it isn't the y-pipe and cat all one piece? Must be replacing the cat as well?