2001 Cadillac Deville Check engine light

9438JSW

MEMBER
2001 CADILLAC DEVILLE
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

We have a 2001 Cadillac DeVille we bought new. Missouri has inspections including emmissions. Our car failed the inspection as it has the "check engine" light on. A local Cadillace dealer tells us we need a new computer and the transmission has to be dropped, a 12 hr job, and have a torque converter or sensor replaced. The total estimate is $3700 plus tax will go over $4,000. Is there a cheaper way to do this. I am told it has nothiing to do actually with emmissions but the State requires if this light is on to have it fixed (turned off) before it can pass the emmissions test. Can you help? We are senior citizens and on a limited income and $4,000 will hurt us greatly.

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 8:52 PM

1 Reply

FACTORYJACK

MECHANIC
4,159 POSTS

Don't know why you need a new computer, the transmission issue is not uncommon, perhaps a code P0741 TCC stuck off. The only thing I can try to suggest is have the codes cleared to turn off the light. It could take some time for this to reset, and that could accomplish your emissions test. The only hitch is, when you clear codes, you also reset the I/M status to unready. If the state your in is concerned with that info, that may cause a fail until the criteria is met for the I/M tests to run and pass, that is what is referred to as an OBD drive cycle.

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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 11:34 PM