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Check engine light 98 cavalier
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skinniman
User
Mar 16, 2013, 9:04 AM
Post #1 of 10
(5507 views)
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Check engine light 98 cavalier
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My recently bought 98 cavalier just started showing me the check engine light. I checked the oil (the only thing I could think of) and it was fine.
I realize that this can be a number of things, but I was hoping someone had a few things I could check that would help me whittle it down, I can't really afford to take it to a garage, just buying and registering it tapped me out.
Thanks in advance.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 16, 2013, 3:51 PM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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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 95 cars and 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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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 16, 2013, 11:11 PM
Post #3 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Need the #s as Hammer Time said and we can go from there. Don't wait - get them!
T
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skinniman
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Mar 17, 2013, 9:47 AM
Post #4 of 10
(5419 views)
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Okay, I will do that tomorrow.
Thanks....
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skinniman
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Mar 18, 2013, 9:37 PM
Post #5 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Well, I went to Pep Boys and had the guy come out to the car. He pointed out that the check engine light was no longer on. Then he said that the ABS light was on and I need a brake check up. The ABS light has been on since I got the car a few weeks ago and in my ignorance, I took it to mean that the the ABS was working. My brakes work fine, however. I guess the ABS is separate, like as in the anti lock part of breaking. I think i just tested that, though, this evening, I had to go from 60 to 0 in a couple hundred feet.
So I'm about to get a second job delivering pizzas, is this something I need to address soon?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2013, 3:19 AM
Post #6 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Yes, the check engine light and ABS light are different things and just because the check engine light went out for the time being doesn't mean the problem is gone. There will still be codes stored in the computer. The ABS light being on means that the Anti-lock system has a malfunction and has been shut down. yes, you will have regular brake but the anti-lock system is disabled as long as the light is on.
PS, PepBoys may not be the best place to have to checked. They have a few good techs scattered through the company but most are not qualified.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Mar 19, 2013, 3:20 AM)
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skinniman
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Mar 19, 2013, 3:55 PM
Post #7 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Okay, guess I gotta find someone better to look at it.
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skinniman
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Mar 31, 2013, 12:01 PM
Post #8 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Well the check engine light came on again and I got it checked and they gave me a code P0440.
Does that mean anything to you?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 31, 2013, 12:05 PM
Post #9 of 10
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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That's a generic code for a problem in the evaporative emissions system. That is emissions only and has no effect on engine performance. There is an issue with the fuel tank fumes control system.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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skinniman
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Apr 1, 2013, 8:41 AM
Post #10 of 10
(5293 views)
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Re: Check engine light 98 cavalier
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Cool. Thanks for the info.
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