Service Engine Light (Diagnostics/Code Reader)

I have a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD with 5.7L Engine. My “Service Engine Light” just came on. I am tired of taking it to the dealer for service. Last time I brought it in, it was related to the Oxygen Sensor. Before that, it was the anti-lock breaks when a sensor went crazy in driver front wheel. Some of these problems are very minor and I feel that I can fix them without taking it to the dealer.

I have been looking at AutoTap Scan Tool http://www.autotap.com/ to read the error codes and diagnosing problems. Does anyone have experience with this? Are there other products that are better? Any suggestions or recommendations are appreciated. Have a great night.

My son knows how to put a jumper wire on certain prongs where you plug it in at, then I think he turns the switch on and watches the check engine light, it will flash a certain no. of times for the code. Maybe some one on here knows witch prongs to hook it too. Sorry I couldn’t be better help.

Ed

The jumper wire will work on OBD I vehicles, with the square plug in. Your 1998 would be OBDII, and I dont think able to do that. I have a Superchips Power Programmer for my Vortec Chevy. It reprograms the computer, and supposedly gives more power, but it is also a codereader. New about $350. But after working on cars for 6 years, I know that many problems that turn on the SES light are minor. In fact the SES light is on in both my vehicles, and I wont be paying to have it checked out.

I have one that I bought for $100 and it works great! Did both the chev and the dodge. Clears codes. Etc. I’ll dig the name up for you.
B

Ed and Nick – Thanks for your inputs. I am not affiliate or a promoter of any product. I am just a common person looking to educate and save us money. Outdoorsmen are very talented folks and we are very resourceful. We pay attention to the color of our lures, weather patterns, water temperatures, forage/natural baits, speed/methods of presentation, and so much more. We want to have more money to buy toys from Wade, support our site sponsors, or save for that big family vacation.

If the light isn’t flashing you’re ok, but if it’s flashing then have it checked out. codes are only shot for low coolant, o2 sensers,e.g.r., and stuff like that.

Auto Zone or Checker will read the codes for free….

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Auto Zone or Checker will read the codes for free….

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I second that. checker will also read them for you for free.

I can also tell you that a big percentage of the codes I read while wrenching were emissions codes. When it started getting cold, we always got a 401 code. GMs answer was people filling up with gas with the vehicle running. With a pressurized tank system, it would read a fault. I would suggest getting the code reader, many times you can clear out a code and it will not come back. Just unhooking the battery does not clear the codes anymore, in fact, it sets another.

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Auto Zone or Checker will read the codes for free….

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works evertime, and the a google search should answer you questions on how to fix it. It really is that easy, I’ve fixed a couple codes that way. Last time the stealership wanted $90 just to look at the car, in a couple days…. I had it fixed long before then.

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stealership

I have a 2000 burb…..check engine light came on…….O2 sensor……at the cat-converter…..$700 for a complete assembly. There was no rigging around it. I’m “guessing” you have 4 O2 sensors on your ride.

My still hurts from that bill……..

I know two people with older trucks that fixed the problem by putting black tape over the “check engine” light. Works like a charm.

Yep, that “can” work…….However, in my burb, the cruise and 4×4 become disabled when the check engine light comes on…….no good!

Man I love this site. I had a happy ending today. I took my Suburban to Advance Auto Parts just down the street from my home. The gentlemen brought out a code reader and connected to my truck. Within 1 minute, we found the defective sensor, cleared the error code. Then we went into the store to purchase a $46.00 Canister Purge Valve Sensor. I was only there for 5 minutes total. If I was at the dealer, that would be at least a 2 hour job and not to mention missed time from work.

Gary, I am sorry about your bad experiences with your Suburban. My light was on constantly. I still had cruise and 4×4. Thanks everyone for your help and your time to read this post. I definitely learn something today. It never crossed my mind that our local parts store will read the error codes and help diagnose problems.