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1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass check engine light

Tiny
SUNCAMP
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS
1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass 6 cyl 275, 00 miles

The Light has just come on and not sure what to do. I wonder if there is any real danger or is the info in the manual just to scare us to a dealership for the purpose of getting our $$. I would like unbiased opinion where there is not someone out to scalp me just cause I'm a girl, and because I don't know what's going on under the hood!

ALSO---- I'm losing coolant and have to replace it every week. Had a guy look at it and could not find anything wrong (that he saw).

And--- I think this is why the temp needle gets close to the HOT ZONE.

I appreciate any help you can give me before I have to go to the dealership and not know what they are talking about. Please answer in simple English for understanding since I am not a mechanic.

Thank you very much.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 10:45 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
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What light is coming on? Have you ever seen any leaks under the vehicle? Do you know what engine you have?
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 11:07 AM
Tiny
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Rhall77 - "what light is coming on? Have you ever seen any leaks under the vehicle? Do you know what engine you have?"

The words are "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" light. The book says --- "This system is called OBDII (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle. The SERVICE ENGINE SOON lisght comes on to indicate that there is a porblem and service is required. Blah, blah---

Yes, there are oil leaks under my car, but I have the transmission oil checked all the time and it's supposed to be ok.

I lose COLLANT quickly and it has to be added to weekly. The needle on the temp gauge has a tendency to rise upward----

I believe this is a V-6 engine

Thank you for any help.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
RHALL77
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You do need to get the service engine soon light scanned? It may be something simple like a gas cap or it could be something serious. But I would suggest getting it looked at. As for the lose of coolant you will have to get the cooling system pressure tested. Most likely it will be a water pump or lower intake gaskets. Just to warn you, dont let the engine get to hot, you can damage the cylinder heads and it will cost alot more to have fixed. You wont have to take it to a dealer but at least get it to a local shop that you know wont rip you off
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
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"rhall77" -- you do need to get the service engine soon light scanned? It may be something simple like a gas cap or it could be something serious. But I would suggest getting it looked at. As for the lose of coolant you will have to get the cooling system pressure tested. Most likely it will be a water pump or lower intake gaskets. Just to warn you, dont let the engine get to hot, you can damage the cylinder heads and it will cost alot more to have fixed. You wont have to take it to a dealer but at least get it to a local shop that you know wont rip you off"

THANK YOU. I will save this message and print it out.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
RHALL77
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If you have anymore questions let me know
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 4:03 PM
Tiny
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"rhall77" --if you have anymore questions let me know[/quote]

Well. I just don't know WHERE to go to get my light scanned or the system pressure tested.

And what would a "gas cap" have to do with the light coming on?

What does a "scan" do or tell us?

Maybe Auto Zone could?

Thank you-
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
RHALL77
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Yes I think auto zone can scan it. I dont think they pressure test it
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 4:27 PM
Tiny
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WILL YOU PLEASE MAKE A SUGGESTION?

THANK YOU.
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Monday, April 28th, 2008 AT 5:09 PM

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