Service Engine Soon Light

Kania2k1 · September 12, 2007

So, I was driving back to NOVA (N. Virginia) from Tennessee last week, and around Blacksburg, the SES light came on. I pulled into the local Chevy dealer, and after a few minutes found my way to the service shop. Apparently one "family" owns all of the dealerships in Blacksburg, and they have one central service shop for all the vehicles they sell, guess it makes sense. Anyway, the truck has about 103,000mon it, and I have had the 100k service done, about 5k ago. Haven't heard any strange noises, and have only added an Escalade cluster since the service. So, the reason I pulled into the shop was to have them see what code was thrown, as see if it was something critical, or if it was just a 100k reminder. Unfortunately, it was 4:00 in the afternoon, and most of the guys were leaving for the day. They asked if the light was flashing, it wasn't, and they said I would be fine, as long as it wasn't flashing. It kinda pissed me off that they couldn't do a 10 minute diagnosis, and were willing to just send me on my way. They were however pleasant to deal with, and were by no means a-holes. Just kinda caught me by surprise.

So, are the trucks pre-programmed to throw a SES light near 100k? I was going to take it to my local dealer and have them run the code. I also considered buying one of the code grabbers from Summit, but I'm not sure if I'd use it again, can't really justify $80 for a one time use. Your thoughts?

GMinTheDriveway · September 12, 2007

Code readers aren't that expensive. SES is an emissions malfunction. Most commonly caused by a bad or incorrectly installed gas cap. 2nd most common cause is a sensor going bad.

A flashing SES is usually indicative of a misfire, which is not good. Spend the $40 on a reader or go by a Pepboys who will read it for you for free.

pwall · September 12, 2007

I don't think they're pre-programmed to set the 'check engine' light at 100K. At least mine didn't.

However, check your gas cap..it's it not on tight, it'll throw a code.

Draenor · September 12, 2007

Code readers aren't that expensive. SES is an emissions malfunction. Most commonly caused by a bad or incorrectly installed gas cap. 2nd most common cause is a sensor going bad.
A flashing SES is usually indicative of a misfire, which is not good. Spend the $40 on a reader or go by a Pepboys who will read it for you for free.

+1 Many of the auto parts stores scan for free. Get the code first, then go from there.

schaef22 · September 12, 2007

Code readers aren't that expensive. SES is an emissions malfunction. Most commonly caused by a bad or incorrectly installed gas cap. 2nd most common cause is a sensor going bad.
A flashing SES is usually indicative of a misfire, which is not good. Spend the $40 on a reader or go by a Pepboys who will read it for you for free.

+1 Many of the auto parts stores scan for free. Get the code first, then go from there.

I echo this, many of the auto parts store hook up a reader for free, and can actually print off the problem for you. It's not very detailed as you can imagine with it being free, but its a good start. Had to do it with my brothers truck. Good Luck hope its nothing serious.