2000 Chevrolet Lumina SES Light

2000 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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TRACEY1212
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  • 2 POSTS
Thats it! After a 500 mile trip, the engine thats never been a problem produced a service engine soon light that does not go out. I hear that once the light comes on, it won't go out until the code is cleared.

The 6 cylinder, 3.2 liter engine has never had a technical problem in its 125,000 miles. Nor has it had any sensors, injectors, or other similar items replaced.

So, my question is, considering that there are many possible causes, what are the most common issues that cause the Service Engine Soon light to come on?

Thanks for your help.

Tracey
Nov 30, 2006 at 1:34 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
Yes there a few factors that can cause the engine light to come on. How are all the fliuds (oil,coolant etc). If they are fine then you have one other thing to check. It is the gas cap. Inspect it for cracks or defects and make sure it is tight. This can cause the check engine/service soon light to come on. Unfortunately you still have to have the code cleared with a code scanner. If you don't have one may be you can borrow one or you have no choice but to bring it to the dealer or repair shop. Hope I've been helpful. Backyardmechanic :(
Nov 30, 2006 at 6:05 AM
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MIKE D IN MD
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  • 27 POSTS
a lot of the parts stores ( advance, etc) will read your codes for you & clear as well.
Nov 30, 2006 at 1:26 PM
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TRACEY1212
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Is it possible to clear the Service Engine Soon message by removing a fuse, or other method without using a code scanner?

Are there possible reasons for setting this code that are engine performance related? For instance, if the spark plugs or wires are worn, or injectors, or if the O2 sensor is acting up?

Just curiious.

Thanks!
Dec 1, 2006 at 10:19 PM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
Yes if the problem is a intermittently or the problem has self corrected it self you can disconnect the battery and this will shut off the check engine light. However when you disconnect the battery you erase the cars computer's memory. This causes the computer to run in fault mode and the computer will have the reset itself. The car will have to be driven for awhile untill the computer has had a chance to reset. If the problem still exist the check engine light will come on again once the computer has reset, meaning you did not clear up the problem.
Backyardmechanic
Dec 3, 2006 at 8:01 AM

Suggested Repair

Check oil and coolant levels, inspect the gas cap for cracks or a loose seal, and have the stored code read and cleared with a scanner (many parts stores can do this). Disconnecting the battery may turn the light off only if the fault was intermittent or has corrected itself; the computer must relearn, and the light will return if the problem remains.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2000 Lumina with about 125,000 miles reported a Service Engine Soon light that stayed on after a long trip and asked about common causes and ways to clear it without a scanner. The expert advised checking fluids and the gas cap, then clearing the code with a scanner. Another reply noted that parts stores often read and clear codes. The expert also said disconnecting the battery can extinguish the light if the fault has corrected itself, but it erases computer memory and the light returns if the problem is still present.

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