Service engine light turned on?

2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
108,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RYKER
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Going up highway today with the A/C on, all of a sudden, the engine light came on. I decided to turn the A/C off to see if anything would happen, then the service engine light went out? I don't understand why this happened. I haven't drove it since I got back home today to see if it will happen again.
Sep 8, 2023 at 5:03 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

if the light turned back off, chances are it was a one-time ordeal. The main computer (PCM) is designed to turn the light back off when the fault is no longer present. This can happen right away or after a specified number of starts.

Since the light is off, chances are there will be no codes present, so here is what I suggest.

If the vehicle continues to run properly, don't be afraid to drive it. If the light turns back on, pay attention to the gauges on the dash to make sure there is nothing indicating a problem such as overheating, oil pressure, and so on. If there are no indicators other than the light, drive to the nearest parts store and have them scan the computer for diagnostic trouble codes and let me know what they are.

Keep in mind, the light can turn on for many different things. For example, if the fuel cap is loose or has a small leak, it will turn on.

Let me know if the drivability changed when the light was on and if so, how.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe




Sep 8, 2023 at 9:04 PM
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RYKER
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When the light came on, I was getting ready to go around someone, it felt like I needed to give it more gas, I did, and it went down a gear and I went around them. Then since it was still flashing, I turned the A/C off, the light went out and driving felt normal. I drove the other 15 minutes home without the air on and everything felt normal. I will drive it today and see how it goes. Thank you for your help.
Sep 9, 2023 at 8:41 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. At this point, I think it may have been a fluke. Let me know if you notice anything odd or out of the ordinary when driving. Let me know and I'll do my best to help.

Let me know.

Joe
Sep 9, 2023 at 8:31 PM
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RYKER
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I drove 25 minutes without A/C at highway speeds today no issues, then 20 more minutes with ac on and no issues. Maybe a fluke, I will try this again this week and let you know.
Sep 10, 2023 at 10:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
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Hi,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear it worked properly today. Hopefully, it will continue. However, if anything changes, let me know. Also, while the light is on, try to stop at an auto parts store and have them scan the computer for codes. Make sure to record the codes that are found and let me know what they are.

Take care,

Joe
Sep 10, 2023 at 10:07 PM