Service engine light going on and off

Tiny
SIERRA GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 GMC C1500
  • 5.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Engine light has been coming on for a couple days then goes out only to come back on in a couple days. Been doing this six or seven times. Any ideas?
Saturday, October 29th, 2016 AT 12:49 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 1995 cars. If you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
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Saturday, October 29th, 2016 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
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Hello SIERRA GUY,

If you decide you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself, also I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Saturday, October 29th, 2016 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
SIERRA GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
Here's the codes I got from autozone
P0171 bank1, P0174 bank2
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
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That indicates you have a lean condition. You need to look for things like vacuum leaks, leaks in the intake snorkel, low fuel pressure or bad Mass Air Flow sensor.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 AT 10:02 AM
Tiny
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I'll clean MAF sensor. I know not to touch the wires in sensor.

Thanks
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 AT 10:07 AM
Tiny
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You can try that but unless you have been using one of those oily K&N filter, it not real likely to be the problem.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2016 AT 10:10 AM
Tiny
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Turns out after having a mechanic check all the possibility's, it was the MAF sensor.
By the way I don't use one of those oily K&N filters.
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2016 AT 8:44 PM
Tiny
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In that case I suspect cleaning didn't help. Glad you found the problem anyway.
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Thursday, November 10th, 2016 AT 3:27 AM
Tiny
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Cleaned MAF sensor again, reset codes and everything seems to be fine now. Even getting better gas mileage.

Thanks again for your advice,
Tom
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Thursday, November 17th, 2016 AT 11:10 AM
Tiny
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Cleaned it again? I thought you said you replaced it.
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Thursday, November 17th, 2016 AT 12:12 PM

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