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Puzzling problem....

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Posted by: maynax

...I've come across. I searched for other threads on this and found nothing. If there is something, please direct me towards it. My check engine came on the other day, so I decided to unhook the battery and let it reset itself. The light stays off until the engine gets up to standard operating temperature, and then it comes back on. I've repeated this a few times just to check my hypothesis and everytime the temp gets to standard operating temp the light pops back on. Any ideas? I figure it is a sensor somewhere in the cooling system. Thoughts? Thank you in advance for any advice!

Posted by: Quik LS

you need to get the code read. Pepboys, Autozone, Advanced will all do it for free.

with the code we can help you.

Posted by: beaups

take it somewhere and get the code(s) checked.

Posted by: maynax

It'll have to wait until Friday. Getting two new tires and as soon as it is done, I'll run and have the code read and get back with you.

Posted by: mharrison

You've cleared the code by removing the cable for a period of time. Codes are tripped by a threshold of errors. As it takes time for this threshold to be reached, your car reaching operating temperature may have nothing to do with with the CEL coming back on. It may just take that long for the errors being generated to reach the threshold.

I would not think that this behaviour specifically indicates any type of cooling system problem.

As said by others, have your FLAPS pull the code for you. I don't think any of them charge for this.

Posted by: maynax

Ok, so it took me a few months to get the code checked, life has been busy. Here is what the printout from AutoZone says:

P0420-The PCM has determined that the catalyst system efficiency for bank 1 is below threshold for the current engine operating conditions. (Bank 1 identifies the location of cylinder #1, while bank 2 identifies the cylinders on the opposite bank)

Any assistance with this would be much appreciated, as I am sick of disconnecting the battery every three to four days. Thank you very much!!!

Posted by: cny85

Yeah I think thats the same one that is one in mine. When I bought the car they put the cheaper gas in it, which is what I think made mine come on. someone told me it might have fouled my 02 sensor

Posted by: nickandersonLS01

mine did this for the one time i let my mom use my car when i needed her trailblazer and she put regular in her

it cleared up after i disconnected the battery + filled with shell v power(all day every day).

Posted by: 2000LincLS

I have noticed that my check engine light will come on after getting gas, I took it to the dealer and they stated that the gas cap needed to be replaced. I guess there is a vacuum from the gas cap and if that gets clogged or whatever happens to it, then it will cause some issues with the fuel/air sensors causing the light to pop on. I can go out and remove the cap and put it back on and everything is fine. Also, could be your injectors.

Posted by: nickandersonLS01

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000LincLS

I have noticed that my check engine light will come on after getting gas, I took it to the dealer and they stated that the gas cap needed to be replaced. I guess there is a vacuum from the gas cap and if that gets clogged or whatever happens to it, then it will cause some issues with the fuel/air sensors causing the light to pop on. I can go out and remove the cap and put it back on and everything is fine. Also, could be your injectors.

I thought that had something to do with it clicking and the car recognizing that the gas cap is closed.

Posted by: beaups

the clicking just prevents you from overtightening the cap. when the cap is bad it allows vapors to escape and the evap system can sense this

now - back on topic. catylist efficieny monitors showing codes usually means one of your cats is bad....not good

Posted by: 97stscaddy

Quote:

everyone, it is most likely the rack and pinion.

One of your catalytic converters is goin bad. It states the catalyst for bank one, which is on the left (passenger) side.

It COULD be an O2 sensor going bad, but that would usually show an O2 sensor code, and you will get poor fuel mileage.

How often do you drive it like you stole it?

Posted by: maynax

I never drive it hard. I am getting pretty piss poor gas mileage. Any idea where the O2 sensor might be located? Is this a problem which will require a dealership visit or can I do it?