1994 Chevy Lumina check engine light

JAMERO

MEMBER
1994 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
198,000 MILES

I had just put new plugs ( 5 out of 6 replaced) as the mechanic had to do it outside in the freezing Iowa cold and couldn't get one of the back one done unless he laid on five feet of snow.) Had new wires and a new rotar replaced so it would start better. It runs alot better than when I purchased it but I have never seen the check engine light come on ever. It does now. Is the cause the one spark plug that still needs replacing. Or could it be the dipstick handle broke and I'm getting one from the salvage place but I'm at a loss what this van's problem is.I'm scared to drive it now. I've checked all the fluids and they are fine. Thanks for any help you send my way.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

The check engine light could mean many things. It could be a loose gas cap to a bad sensor. What you need to do is take it to a nationally recognized parts store and have them scan the computer to see what the trouble code is. From that, you can determine where the problem is coming from.

As far as the dip stick, that wouldn't cause it. The one plug that wasn't replaced could cause it if it is missing.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 AT 12:27 PM

JAMERO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I gave up and took it in to a shop that is nationally known and told them it had 5of 6 plugs replace, new wires and rotar. My neighbor spotted a broken vacuum line on the top of the engine that has hard plastic and it was broken by the guy who put in the plugs and taped back together. Hoping I wouldn't notice. The shop called me and tells me that the other plug and fixing the vacuum line wont make it run any better. I asked if they had done a code check and they said no just by the age and get this one the wipers were in need of replacment so they felt the van would need alot of repair. Since I haven't owned it since it was new I know it probably doesn't run like a deer but it doesn't use oil and all I have replaced it in the 18 months I 've had it is an altenator, fan motor and battery. I think if the vacuum line and plug were replaced it would last a while longer. I think they were hoping I would be desperate and run up an 8 or 9 hundred bill. When the fan motor was replaced the mechanic said it was in good shape. That was 3 months ago. Since I put less than a 100 miles on it a month I don't think it's ready for the bone yard. If the vacuum line and plug were replaced and I want to put a new fuel filter on it too and check it for codes to make sure am I nuts to try and fix this van. It has no rust just needs 2 new tires.

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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 AT 6:06 PM

THIS IS MIKE

MECHANIC
686 POSTS

Sent: den 21 januari 2010 00:46
Subject: Re: Topic Reply Notification - 1994 Chevy Lumina check engine light

I took the car into a local shop that advertised they fixed everything. They called me back and said due to the age of the vehicle one spark plug not new wouldn't make it miss. Also they found a vacuum line that is hard plastic that was broken in half and was taped back together but that woulnd't make it run bad either. My neighbor who work in our local chrysler shop before retirement said they just wanted to see if I'd ok them to spend alot of repair money but I said I need to think this over. I think the vacuum line that is broken would have alot to do with it plus it's only running on 5 good plugs. Am I wrong. The vacuum line was not broke before the guy put in the spark plugs. Either. I still think the van is worth fixing.

Jamero

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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 2:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Yes, a bad plug could cause a miss. And also, a vacuum leak could cause a rough idle. And yes it sounds like it is worth fixing. If your neighbor will help, do you think you could give it a go? I would be happy to help you through it as much as I can.

As far as the check engine light, maybe you missunderstood me. I wanted you to take it to a nationally recognized parts store like Auto Zone, Advance Auto. They will scan the computer and tell you what is causing the light to come on. You may want to try that if you haven't.

Let me know how you would like to go about this.

Joe

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Thursday, January 21st, 2010 AT 6:41 PM

JAMERO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I would love to take it to the Auto Zone Advance auto but It won't stay started long enough to get there. I will try and find someone to replace the last spark plug and fix the vacuum line and then get it up to one of those places. My neighbor goes to Florida for the winter. Hates Iowa winters, I don't love them but can't afford to move, I 'm just ticked that the place I took it couldn't put in the plug and fix the vacuum hose they wanted to charge me 200 dollars to do a code check, no way were they getting that much from me for not doing what I asked. Thanks I'll let you know what I find out.