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| Engine malfunction light stays on http://classiccamaroclub.mfatw.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=862 |
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| Author: | dsinclair999 [Sun Nov 15, 2009 1:56 am ] |
| Post subject: | Engine malfunction light stays on |
I have a 1998 3.8 auto V6. Noticed this light came on and also noticed a distinct drop in power. Can I take it to any garage over in UK or does it need some specialist place??? Any idera what the problem might be?? I've checked the petrol cap and it is on OK. Regards DS |
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| Author: | maudyZ28 [Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
there cam be a number of reasons why the light is on, and because you have noticed the drop in power it has gone into 'limp' mode and will run rich to protect the engine and only give you limited power. Someone should be able to scan it for codes, where are you located there are a few specialists down south. most likely problems are o2 sensors failed, cats failed/clogged, air intake temp sensor failed, spark plugs old/ missfire, ignition leads old etc etc you need to get the codes to see what it is other wise you could chase around the problem and change everythhing it could be on car which gets expensive |
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| Author: | dsinclair999 [Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
Hi, Thanx for the reply. I'm based in Aberdeen, Scotland and there are no American Specialists nearby, the nearest one is in Glasgow, approx. 150 miles away and I'm not sure if he would even have the diagnostic equipment required. I get any work done at a small local garage, but again I don't know if they have that kind of equipment and even if they did, whether thay would understand what its telling them being an American car!! I don't know how standard that kind of equipment is, but I'll call them on Monday and see what they say. The problem is most garages won't even look at it as its not a standard euro box!! I don't know if its any help, but the car was sitting outside for the last two weeks and all was fine upto yesterday. I also noticed its difficult to start now and its making an odd 'rattling' type noise as well!! Regards DS |
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| Author: | maudyZ28 [Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
does it always live outside? mine does and its usually fine?? Is the rattle from the engine bay or underneith the car? Have you checked the simpe stuf live the spark plug wires being on? Most garages should have scanners, if your is a late 98 it should be on OBDII (2) , its an ecu interface type or something, with a code scan it will list the codes which then relate to the problem. I knnow what you mean, about no one having anything, i rung GM for some diff oil adative and they said I'd have to get it from a specialist, rubbish. I usually do the work myself, im from leeds so no one here has a clue, nearest best guy to me is near london. Ill try to find out about some codes for you |
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| Author: | dsinclair999 [Mon Nov 16, 2009 2:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
Thanks very much for your help, much appreciated. I think the 'rattle' is coming from the engine compartment, but not sure!! Yes, it always lives outside and it is sometimes a bit sluggish to start if its left for a week or so, runs a little rough especially after heavy rain, but after a few rev ups it goes OK. I didn't have time this weekend, but I'll check the spark plugs etc like you suggested. The battery terminals need some grease on them as well as they are totally dry, I'll do that at the same time. The car has a June 1998 manufacture date. Unfortunately, I have to go to Norway tomorrow all week (priciest place on earth!!) but I'll get a look when I get back. Regards DS |
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| Author: | maudyZ28 [Mon Nov 23, 2009 12:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
ok, so ive been getting so info of some of the american guys im pals with There a two options: 1) Change the plugs, oil, filter, air filter, fuel filter, check all plugs on sensors. Maybe replace o2 sensors depending on cost. Generally a bit of a tune up. 2) Im getting some details on where you can buy a scanner prob be around 60 quid after import, but ill get back to you I also wanted to ask whether there is a back/miss fire or not, and is the gearbox changing gear fine?? |
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| Author: | dsinclair999 [Tue Nov 24, 2009 1:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
Hi, The plugs haven't been changed, but then its only done 30k miles, should be OK for a few miles yet??. The oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter were all changed about 2 months ago. I still need to check all the connections under the bonnet, I'll do that at the weekend when its daylight! There is no backfires and gearbox changes fine. I've just bought some OBD diagnostic software off fleabay, for the princely sum of £1.98 :-), my nephew has a USB to OBD II cable, so I'll load that onto my laptop and see what codes come back at the weekend. Garages here are useless as soon as you mention its an American car!!! I'll post the fault codes when I get them. Regards DS |
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| Author: | maudyZ28 [Tue Nov 24, 2009 4:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
cool, i was gonna say i'd looked on ebay and a generic obdII scanning software or something should do the trick. With regards to the plugs, its only done 30000 total or since last plug change, if the plugs aint been done just swap them out, they shouldnt be too expensive. I know what you mean about the garages, rip off merchants usually, I do all the work myself, appart from having tires changed. So i dont have that problem 
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| Author: | dsinclair999 [Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
Hi, The car has 30000 miles total, still the original platinum plugs I believe. I tried my nephews OBD II cable but it doesn't work, it uses the wrong protocol for this car! I've ordered an ELM 327 cable from Ebay which does all three protocols, so just waiting for delivery. I'll post the fault codes hopefully this weekend, the cable should arrive Friday! The strange thing is after I'd checked all the cable connections in the engine, when I turn the key to on the MIL light stays on, but when I start the engine it goes off!! Bizarre! However, the problem is still there and the revs won't go above 4k rpm when I rev the engine. Regards DS |
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| Author: | beneZ28 [Wed Dec 02, 2009 6:02 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Engine malfunction light stays on |
Is the SES light on or the reduced engine power light on? If the SES light on, check for your coils. 3.8s are notorious for having a bad coils when they get damped. I had one failed on me when I had my firebird. The SES light will always come on when you turn on the car for auxillary power only however it will go off as soon as you turn on the engine. If you have a code your SES light will come on after you have started the car sometimes they will flash. If you are having some internal engine problems your Reduced engine power will light on. I have a manual here in my house if you can pull the code, I can help you do some troubleshooting. |
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