96 Blazer "Service Engine Soon" light
Shmoo 2
problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
to be a common problem with the '96 Blazers but I haven't seen this thread
mentioned on this newsgroup anytime recently. After they reset the light,
it went back on a few days later and has been on for the last 3 weeks.
Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
Jeffrey W. Pangburn
>
> I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a '96 Blazer has a
>problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
>vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
>that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
>unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
Hey, After paying 20+ thousand for your Blazer I would be all over the
Dealer's case untill they fix the problem. Your light shouldn't come
on for no reason, and if it does then something is wrong!!!
How can they tell you not to come back untill you notice a difference
in performance?!? Tell them to drive around all day with that
stupid light staring at them!!!! Remember, that's what a bumper-to-bumper
warrenty is for.
Jeff
sys...@climit.enet.dec.com
/ Shm...@aol.com wrote:
/
/ I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a '96 Blazer has a
/problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
/vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
/that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
/unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
/to be a common problem with the '96 Blazers but I haven't seen this thread
/mentioned on this newsgroup anytime recently. After they reset the light,
/it went back on a few days later and has been on for the last 3 weeks.
/
/ Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
My 95 GMC Sonoma Highrider (S10 ZR2) had the light go on and off
a couple times. The last time I took it in and it was a bad EFR (eletronic
fuel regulator?). They replaced it and I've had no reoccurrance of the
idiot light. I would raise hell with them for not taking care of a obvious
bug. Especially considering tthe age of the vehicle.
Brian Mullin
Kunzie
I had this same problem with a '92 Lumina APV. I took it in and, yes,
the dealer said not to come in unless it started to run poorly.
However, they DID charge me $60 for the advice. We started calling it
the "give the dealer $60 light". I put some electrical tape over the
thing. After quite awhile it DID start to run poorly. I put in new
plugs and it that was that.
I suppose there ARE times when those lights are of use, but IMHO they
are Mr. Goodwrench trolling you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Rich Kunz - a Senior Programmer/Analyst with an electric screwdriver!
Pime County/CSGG/ISCG/GenAppDev, Tucson, AZ - <rk...@pima.gov>
"They will abandon technology before they will give up control."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
cha...@hsdvxa.hsd.utc.com
shm...@aol.com (Shmoo 2) writes:
> I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a '96 Blazer has a
>
>
I have a 96 Jimmy & got the "Service Engine Soon" light at 175 miles.
Dealer found the problem immediately.
It was a cracked spark plug. Apparently, the factory had over torqued
the plug. This could easily be a common problem among Jimmy's and Blazer's
and be related to the fact that they now have special plugs to go along
with their new 100K miles between tuneups policy.
You seem to indicate in your post that you are not seeing any performance
differences. I did have a slight roughness while idling and a cycling of
the idle speed as noticeable effects.
One thing I know is that I would never continue to operate my new vehicle
with this light on and would raise holy hell until the dealer fixed it.
Also, isn't the warranty violated if you failed to follow the owners manual
and have the problem corrected?? At the very least you should have a signed
peice of paper from the dealer stating that they instructed you to ignore
the light, so you can cover your butt if anything fails down the road.
"My opinions will always be denied!"
xopher
<rk...@tophat.pima.gov>:
>I suppose there ARE times when those lights are of use, but IMHO they
>are Mr. Goodwrench trolling you.
Engine computer systems usually store error codes in memory. They can
be interrogated for helpful diagnostic info. Usually, this is done by
some sequence like jumpering two connections to the engine computer,
then turning the ignition key "On" a specific number of times, and
watching the "Service" light blink in a series of long & short flashes
that decode to an error code. Check documentation for your vehicle.
1996 vehicles may have OBD-II, a new generation of automotive computer
system.
--
This station is conducting a test of the email broadcast system.
This is only a test.
C. Taylor Sutherland III
> Is this Blazer a early 96 model? The 95 and some 96 models had SERIOUS
> problems with the electrical system due to one of the screws that holds the gas
> pedal in place being too long and cutting into the wiring harness, and the
> harness actually being jammed against the body by the transmission. One of the
> symptoms of this problem was a Service Engine Soon light for no reason,
> another was total loss of electrical power. I know of 3 people that had their
> Blazers bought back by GM cause of this, one only had the truck 2 hours before
> it shorted out the entire electrical system.
>
Now you're scaring me. I just ordered my 96 2door manual a month ago. I
expect to get it in March (right at the end of the snow season which is
good; I don't want any moron sliding into me right after I drive off the
lot) . I hope I don't have this kind of problem. Actually, if my dream
comes true, I may just see if I can still find a Defender 90 in March and
really get what I want. Of course, I hardly consider the Blazer,
"settling". They are tough little trucks: at least my 89 is (too bad it's
entire drive train sucks rocks! :) )
--
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor, where the Shadows lie. -JRR Tolkien
<-> C. Taylor Sutherland, III <->
<-> IRC Nick: NIV <-> tay...@hubcap.clemson.edu <->
Mike Maloney
>
> I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a '96 Blazer has a
>problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
>vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
>that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
>unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
>to be a common problem with the '96 Blazers but I haven't seen this thread
>mentioned on this newsgroup anytime recently. After they reset the light,
>it went back on a few days later and has been on for the last 3 weeks.
>
> Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
>
One common problem with the new Blazers is the gas cap. If the gas cap is not
on tight, the computer can tell due to pressure in the gas tank and it will
activate the light, nor cause any decrease in performance. That would be the
first thing I would check, if not the problem, take it back to them and tell
them to fix it. It may just be a bug in the computer and GM might have
released a update to fix the problem, but only repair it when the vehicle is
brought in with that problem.
Is this Blazer a early 96 model? The 95 and some 96 models had SERIOUS
problems with the electrical system due to one of the screws that holds the gas
pedal in place being too long and cutting into the wiring harness, and the
harness actually being jammed against the body by the transmission. One of the
symptoms of this problem was a Service Engine Soon light for no reason,
another was total loss of electrical power. I know of 3 people that had their
Blazers bought back by GM cause of this, one only had the truck 2 hours before
it shorted out the entire electrical system.
Mike
Tom Boucher
Service Engine Soon light is because it is required as part
of the overall "smog reduction" program. When mine went on
the dealer checked the oxygen sensor and egr valve, in that
order, and it was the egr valve sticking.
Bottom line is, I believe, that the light really means that
there is probably nothing wrong with the basic engine, but
that something is haywire in the emissions system. If true,
each of us gets to decide whether or not to tape over the
light or have the thing checked just before we have to get
our vehicle "smogged".
On the other hand, a sonar operator will tell you to NEVER
ignore a blip, it might be an incoming torpedo........
KPR
Tom
Tony Tsakiris
: /problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
: /vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
: /that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
: /unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
: /to be a common problem with the '96 Blazers but I haven't seen this thread
: /mentioned on this newsgroup anytime recently. After they reset the light,
: /it went back on a few days later and has been on for the last 3 weeks.
: /
: / Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
I have not had any problems with the "Service Engine Soon" light on
my 1996 GMC Jimmy (~1800 miles).
[snip]
: I would raise hell with them for not taking care of a obvious
: bug. Especially considering tthe age of the vehicle.
So would I. That light is intended to notify the driver of a powertrain
problem. If the dealer can't or won't fix the problem, contact the
GM representative. There should be information on how to do that in
the owner's manual. Document everything.
---
Anthony Tsakiris
The opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily those of my employer.
xopher
has a new feature: its also used to indicate some temporary,
non-critical performance/economy problem like pinging. Check the
owner's manual.
Mike Maloney
>
>>
>> Is this Blazer a early 96 model? The 95 and some 96 models had SERIOUS
>> problems with the electrical system due to one of the screws that holds the
gas
>> pedal in place being too long and cutting into the wiring harness, and the
>> harness actually being jammed against the body by the transmission. One of
the
>> symptoms of this problem was a Service Engine Soon light for no reason,
>> another was total loss of electrical power. I know of 3 people that had
their
>> Blazers bought back by GM cause of this, one only had the truck 2 hours
before
>> it shorted out the entire electrical system.
>>
>
>expect to get it in March (right at the end of the snow season which is
>good; I don't want any moron sliding into me right after I drive off the
>lot) . I hope I don't have this kind of problem. Actually, if my dream
Prob was cured at the factory about 3 months ago, they rerouted the way the
wires run and changed the way the body is set on the frame, so shouldn't have
those problems anymore.
>comes true, I may just see if I can still find a Defender 90 in March and
>really get what I want. Of course, I hardly consider the Blazer,
>"settling". They are tough little trucks: at least my 89 is (too bad it's
>entire drive train sucks rocks! :) )
>
Yea they are tough... I got a 91 Jimmy and it has gotten me thru stuff that
other 4X4's couldn't handle (like pulling a full size Bronco out of their
driveway cause leather interior was more important than a limited slip rear).
Got 128,000 miles on it now with no smoke, knocks or loss of power.
Mike
Eastnor
light functions, but the new OBD II system for Chrysler has two features:
1) light flashes at you - not immediately critical problem, the on-board
picked up something out-of-spec and may be able to correct itself (this
will probably quit flashing at you after 3-4 restarts; 2)light steady ON -
lift off gas and slow down, drive gently to nearest dealer - on-board
picked up something likely to melt down your catalytic convertor.
The new OBD II systems are required to store a code for critical
occurances, a simple misfire (situation 1) that corrected is likely never
to be found by either the diagnostics scan tool or your technician.
Your friendly government is designing cars again.
Eastnor
Brian McKee
According to my JGC owner's manual, it's the exact opposite: if the light
is steady on, it's probably a minor problem, but if it starts to flash,
get it in for service immediately.
I've been having a problem with my '96 JGC where the Check Engine light
keeps popping on (and staying on till I take it in and get the Jeep service
department to reset it). Last time I took it in, they said the stored code
indicated that it was a low fuel (and/or too much air pressure in the gas
tank) condition. They're recommendation was "don't let your fuel get so
low". That was 2 days ago. It just popped on again today... this time
they said they're going to run a full set of diagnostics.
It's pretty stupid to have a dummy light that pops on for 40 different
reasons (a number the service technician gave me), some of which are
fairly important and others are trivial, where the consumer can't make
the distinction between the 2. It's annoyingly inconvenient to be taking
my truck in for problems that aren't problems, espcially when the only
Jeep/Eagle/Chrysler service department in the area is only open weekdays
from 8-5:30. I realize not all J/E/C dealerships are like that; I just
seem to be lucky that way... :-/
--
Brian McKee | The opinions expressed |
LEXIS-NEXIS | above are mine and not | The more things change,
b...@lexis-nexis.com | necessarily those of | the more they stay insane.
..uunet!lexis-nexis!bgm | LEXIS-NEXIS. |
Forrest Hoffman
tsak...@pt9225.ped.pto.ford.com says...
but works for a FORD Division. Boy I bet he gets all kind of ribbing from
the higher-ups. By the way, do you think someone that works for Ford but
drives a different companies vehicle knows something Ford owners don't?
Please don't flame me I was wondering what reasons he would have for
defecting to the other camp.
Forrest
Marty Campbell
cha...@hsdvxa.hsd.utc.com says...
a
the
they say
again
seems
thread
light,
weeks.
>>
>>
I leased a '96 Blazer in October. It drove like a dream the first 3900
miles. Then the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I took it to the
dealer on December 18 and the on-board computer said to replace the
torque converter. They consulted the GM technical team. They decided
to go ahead and replace it. With the Christmas and New Years holidays
shipping delays and the first torque converter that arrived being
defective, the unit was given back to me on January 10, 1996.
4 days and 130 miles later the light came on again....
I took the car back to the dealer on January 15 and there it sits. The
on-board computer says the torque converter is bad.... The dealer
turned the problem over to the GM technical team.
The GM technical team was going to send an engineer to look at it, but
decided to replace the transmission and on-board computer instead.
I have lost confidence in this vehicle and have complained to the
Chevrolet customer service section (1-800-222-1020) on both occassions.
When I talked about the "Lemon Law" they went from being freindly to
very put out.
If anyone has information on how to get GM to exchange the vehicle or
pay off the lease please post it here, or email me. Do you need legal
representation? Did you have to go to court etc... BTW my leasing
company has been NO help, even though their name is on the title.
Thanks....
Tony Tsakiris
: I couldn't help responding to this post. The respondant before me owns a GMC
That's true, I do. And I like my 1996 Jimmy. I'd complain vehemently to a
Ford dealer too if the malfunction indicator light repeatedly lighted.
[snip]
: By the way, do you think someone that works for Ford but
: drives a different companies vehicle knows something Ford owners don't?
Probably not. Vehicles (and companies) have many more similarities
than differences. I own a Ford product too.
: Please don't flame me I was wondering what reasons he would have for
: defecting to the other camp.
I bought the vehicle that fit my needs best. It's as simple as that.
I myself wish Ford was more interested in my apparent demographic group.
As for Ford employees buying GM products (and vice versa, and Chrysler
products too), I don't think it's too unusual. This is Detroit. There
are many families in which members work for different car companies.
I wonder if Boeing employees always fly on Boeing-made aircraft?
kpa...@peoplepc.com
> I was just wondering if anyone else out there with a '96 Blazer has a
> problem with the "Service Engine Soon" light. I had mine go on when the
> vehicle was less than a week old. I brought it to the dealer and they say
> that there's nothing wrong with the vehicle and not to bring it in again
> unless I notice a difference in performance. They also said that it seems
> to be a common problem with the '96 Blazers but I haven't seen this thread
> mentioned on this newsgroup anytime recently. After they reset the light,
> it went back on a few days later and has been on for the last 3 weeks.
>
> Is there anyone else out there with this problem?
>
> Shm...@aol.com
see several fuses in there. On mine, the one that controls the "service engine soon" is on the second row down about in the middle. When your not going to use the car , say over night, just pull out this fuse and leave it out until you are ready to use the car. put the fuse back ( the car will not start with this fuse pulled out) and then the light will go out. at least or a while.