Rebooting/Reloading Main Computer

1996 GMC SIERRA
160,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • RWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MYGENERICEMAIL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I have been having some minor issues with my truck. The engine light is always on, even though 3 different mechanics say there is nothing wrong with the truck.

When the engine light is on, my truck runs fine. When the light goes off, it runs rough and sometimes stinks of gas.

I've had a tune up done on the vehicle, which didn't help this at all.

I was told that a reboot or reload of the trucks computer would solve these issues.

I would like to know if this is true.

Would rebooting or reloading the trucks computer solve issues like this? Would it make them worse? Would it screw up whats been done so far?

What are the possible side effects and/or damages that could occur from rebooting/reloading the computer on something this old?
Feb 28, 2016 at 5:54 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
some computers have to be re programmed for a specific thing and doesn't hurt a thing. what is the code/codes you are getting. check battery for condition including load test as a weak battery will cause phantom codes
Feb 28, 2016 at 8:01 AM
Avatar
MYGENERICEMAIL
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Well, the codes I get are for the mixture ratio. But the mechanics I've taken it too say there isn't anything wrong. I mean it passes inspection.

I just think it's weird that it runs fine with the engine light ON, and runs rough when it goes OFF!! Plus that nasty gas smell when it goes from on to off. It never smells when it goes from off to on, only when on to off.

Weird huh?

I've been told that old vehicles do this, and unless there is something wrong with the computer itself, it should be ok.

I've had this truck since 2010 and it does this all the time.

I would just like everything to work correctly....or at least as correctly as possible.
The only way I was told that this issue might be solved, is if the trucks computer were rebooted or reloaded.

I don't mind having that done, if I know it's going to take care of the problem and not cause any others.
Feb 28, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Avatar
CJ MEDEVAC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,000 POSTS
HOW 'BOUT RUNNING THAT PUPPY BY "AUTOZONE", "ADVANCE AUTO PARTS" OR ANOTHER PARTS STORE AND HAVE THEM SCAN FOR CODES. THIS IS USUALLY A FREE SERVICE!

THIS TIME, LET'S WRITE DOWN THE EXACT CODE NUMBERS (EXAMPLES P0123, P0136) CODES MIGHT/ CAN BE INTERPRETED DIFFERENTLY, OR EVEN A POSSIBLE DIAGNOSIS MIGHT BE DERIVED FROM CODES THAT MIGHT SHOW AT THE SAME TIME.

WE WANT THE ACTUAL CODE NUMBERS, NOT WHAT THEY "SORTA"/ "MIGHT"/ "COULD" MEAN !

THE MEDIC
Feb 28, 2016 at 11:19 AM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
check fuel pressure with a gauge if low will set a code. auto parts rent it
Feb 28, 2016 at 11:04 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle