Check Engine Light- constant on
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim
Check Engine Light- constant on
Hello group,
I bought my 2000 7.3L Ex as salvage back in 2005. It had been through a driver side rollover and the seller had restored it. We lived in North Idaho then. But I remember I always had an issue with the check engine light being on. I don't remember what the codes said, but many mechanics read them and determined that nothing was wrong. Many surmised that someone had put a high performance chip in the computer and that was what was causing the check engine light to come on. All of them reset the computer and every time it would come back on.
Fast forward to now and we have had to move back to Southern California, where we are from (mother with dementia and Alzheimer's). So I need to get the Ex registered in California but I can't pass the smog requirement (yes, there is one for my year) when the check engine light is on. I know, I tried today.
Does anyone have a suggestion for what I should do so I can pass the stinkin' California smog check? (NO, I am not happy to be back, can you tell?)
Should I replace the computer?
Thank you in advance!
I bought my 2000 7.3L Ex as salvage back in 2005. It had been through a driver side rollover and the seller had restored it. We lived in North Idaho then. But I remember I always had an issue with the check engine light being on. I don't remember what the codes said, but many mechanics read them and determined that nothing was wrong. Many surmised that someone had put a high performance chip in the computer and that was what was causing the check engine light to come on. All of them reset the computer and every time it would come back on.
Fast forward to now and we have had to move back to Southern California, where we are from (mother with dementia and Alzheimer's). So I need to get the Ex registered in California but I can't pass the smog requirement (yes, there is one for my year) when the check engine light is on. I know, I tried today.
Does anyone have a suggestion for what I should do so I can pass the stinkin' California smog check? (NO, I am not happy to be back, can you tell?)
Should I replace the computer?
Thank you in advance!
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,050
Likes: 1,549
From: Media PA
We will need to know what the exact code(s) are that are triggering the check engine light to give any valid advice. Also listing what engine you have will help too. 
Once the exact code is known you really should attempt to troubleshoot whatever is throwing that code first, then move on from there. It could be something as random as a broken electrical connector or pinched wire from the earlier rollover.
Once the exact code is known you really should attempt to troubleshoot whatever is throwing that code first, then move on from there. It could be something as random as a broken electrical connector or pinched wire from the earlier rollover.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 434
Likes: 7
From: Hemet
I had a similar problem with my 2000 7.3l and the code aaid it was the #4 glow plug. However there is an electrical plug behind the power point on the front dash, well there is actually 2 plugs. I switched the 2 accidentally but it made my rear defroster work (it didn't before) and fixed the check engine light. The problem is you have to take the dash almost completely off to do it. I was replacing the lights on my speedometer so it was just a happy accident. Don't know if it will help you but it is cheap and worth a try. 
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
As Tom said, knowing the exact code will help with this immensely. Keep in mind most part store freebie check machines won't pull every nitty gritty code, but it is worth a shot. Most of them will pull something, just not EVERYthing. There's a variety of scan tools and programs you can opt to use yourself, I personally favor the ScanGauge ii, a lot of others use the Torque Pro app and a Bluetooth dongle for the OBDII port. Do some advanced searches in the 7.3 forum (click on the Search up top, it drops down with a search bar and there's the advanced search option below that - rest is self explanatory).
Mine has smog-exempt stickers all over it from the factory, but I know California swings on a different orbit with vehicle related things.
Mine has smog-exempt stickers all over it from the factory, but I know California swings on a different orbit with vehicle related things.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Spread out along the core support and radiator beauty flap thingamajig. Mine didn't even have a catalytic converter leaving the plant (non-catalyst on sticker)... Has the GPCM and all that other jazz, just no emission requirements.
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim
Ya, mine never had a CC either. Sorry what is GPCM? I'm acronym deficient. But I don't know that I have seen a sticker.
On a unrelated note, how do you get all that stuff under the line? Stay Puft etc?
On a unrelated note, how do you get all that stuff under the line? Stay Puft etc?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Not smog exempt meaning you don't have to pass a test to register it in CA , exempt from needing a catalytic converter.
If it was chipped back in the day the computer actually has a new chipped burned and put in the computer. ypu would either need a new cpu or have your reflashed to a factory program.
If it was chipped back in the day the computer actually has a new chipped burned and put in the computer. ypu would either need a new cpu or have your reflashed to a factory program.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Smog shop cleared the codes.
Reflashed means a new program or operating system is downloaded onto the chip.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
If I recall there were both piggy back and replacement chips as the whole tunner era developed.
Find your computer down by the parking brake and see if it has a super chips emblem on it.
The first ones were inside. You may have to unscrew the cover and the chip itself will have a superchip sticker on it
Find your computer down by the parking brake and see if it has a super chips emblem on it.
The first ones were inside. You may have to unscrew the cover and the chip itself will have a superchip sticker on it
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
I do not recall the exact removal and uninstall procedure for that gold superch, but I seem to recall just unplugging it.
First see if that is what it is, if so call superchip for the correct procedure
First see if that is what it is, if so call superchip for the correct procedure
