Check Engine light keeps coming on

ZIPOTA1

MEMBER
SATURN

In my household we have a 1998 Saturn, SL1, single overhead. With a little over 114000 kilometres on it.

Two years ago, the Check engine light came on. The connector was replaced because the Trans Temp Sensor was faulty. The light came back on.

We took it to another shop a couple of months ago. The EGR valve was faulty. The valve was cleaned because it was sticky. The light came back on.

We took back to the same shop today and although the Mass Air Flow sensor has not showed up at any of the computer scans, we decided to replace it anyway. The light is back on again.

The only other sensor that can be faulty, we assume, although it hasn't showed up in the computer is the O2 sensor.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

4 Replies

CARUNDELL

MECHANIC
602 POSTS

Hey zipota,
What exactly is the code #, should be a p0000 # and its description and I should be able to help you out more!

Regards,

Chris

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Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 AT 9:26 AM

ZIPOTA1

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Hi Chris,

The computer scans at the shop haven't read any faulty 02 sensors. So I don't know which if any sensor could be faulty. And I don't have any scanning device I can use at home.

The Saturn has 2 sensors. The numbers and description you are referring to pertain to either one of the sensors, right. Would replacing both sensors solve the problem?

Thanks.

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Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 AT 11:21 AM

CARUNDELL

MECHANIC
602 POSTS

Hey!
In your original post you said you "took it back to the shop today, and then had the MAF replaced" Did the shop you went to "hook it up" and get any codes? If yes, then what where the code #'s and the description of the code, if any?

I don't recommend changing any sensors until you can get it diagnosed properly as to the cause. This will only deplete your checkbook and frustrate you when it may not fix the problem! You may have to call the shop back for this info (if any). Let me know and will try to help you further!

Regards,

Chris

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Wednesday, December 6th, 2006 AT 12:24 PM

ZIPOTA1

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Hi Chris,

I took the back today and they did scann it for any codes. No 02 codes showed up, but only the same code as a month ago. It was EGR Code P0403 (Poor EGR Flow). Last month they cleaned and cycled the EGR valve. Today they cleaned it again. I wanted to replace the valve (about $360 plus labour), but they suggested to clean it again. If the light comes back again then we can replace the EGR valve or look into something else in the exhaust system.

I was the reading the EGR valve questions and answers, and based on that I'm assuming that our car has excessive oil coming down the valve sterms, because the valve is getting dirty so frequently. To reduce oil use, it was suggested as one of the answers is to replace the EGR valve stem seals.

I guess I can rule out a problem with the intake manifold and EGR port. Because if they were clogged with carbon then there would be no oil flow to the EGR valve, right?

I'll ask my dad if a major tune-up was done. I know our mechanic friend and neighbour did oil changes, but I don't know if he replaced spark plugs, plug wires, and fuel and air filters.

Once again, thanks Chris.

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Monday, December 11th, 2006 AT 10:56 AM