Service engine lights & codes
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 7
From: Denver, Co
Service engine lights & codes
Greetings,
I have a sweet 2004 Lightning that sits too much. It has 18,000 miles, I just put a Flowmaster muffler on but stock otherwise.
I thought the gas was stale - ran it down - fresh gas still throws Service engine soon during second run. (after battery disconnect)
I found Stewart's instructions fo downloading codes:
First reading, what I believe DTC was none - the letters weren't exactly DTC
update, So far, knock on wood,, I think the good gas fixed the service light. I've had the truck out 3 times and still no faults of lights. sorry for jumping the gun
I have a sweet 2004 Lightning that sits too much. It has 18,000 miles, I just put a Flowmaster muffler on but stock otherwise.
I thought the gas was stale - ran it down - fresh gas still throws Service engine soon during second run. (after battery disconnect)
I found Stewart's instructions fo downloading codes:
Just in case you're not sure how to check for DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) here's the procedure:
After you get in your truck, before you turn the key on, press and hold the trip reset button.
Once you turn the key to the ON position, the lights on the odeometer read-out will light up and change. Let go of the button.
Press the reset button and scroll through the menu. If you press and hold it too long it will clear and reset back to the mileage readout.
Scroll through until you find the menu that says DTC.
If you have a code, it will say DTC2145 or something. Or it will show DTC NONE for no codes.
Stewart
After you get in your truck, before you turn the key on, press and hold the trip reset button.
Once you turn the key to the ON position, the lights on the odeometer read-out will light up and change. Let go of the button.
Press the reset button and scroll through the menu. If you press and hold it too long it will clear and reset back to the mileage readout.
Scroll through until you find the menu that says DTC.
If you have a code, it will say DTC2145 or something. Or it will show DTC NONE for no codes.
Stewart
update, So far, knock on wood,, I think the good gas fixed the service light. I've had the truck out 3 times and still no faults of lights. sorry for jumping the gun
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 7
From: Denver, Co
New day, light came back after about 20 miles. It was going off under 5 miles. Consistently.
When I try to view the codes, I can't get anything but trip miles or odometer.
Push button, turn key, odometer illuminates, release button - it goes to trip or miles.
push button insert key, turn to run, release button early, before, during or after - same thing straight to miles or trip.
start truck, run, turn off. Push button, turn key to run - same thing.
last code reading at Auto Zone was both banks lean, O2 sensors.
When I try to view the codes, I can't get anything but trip miles or odometer.
Push button, turn key, odometer illuminates, release button - it goes to trip or miles.
push button insert key, turn to run, release button early, before, during or after - same thing straight to miles or trip.
start truck, run, turn off. Push button, turn key to run - same thing.
last code reading at Auto Zone was both banks lean, O2 sensors.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I've found the on-board diagnostic check to be less than reliable. Many times I've had codes, read them with all three different code readers I own (Predator, SCT, and AE), but not had anything show up through the built in DTC check.
First thought since regarding your lean code, since it sits for long periods, is vacuum leak from hoses that have become compromised through age.
Stewart
First thought since regarding your lean code, since it sits for long periods, is vacuum leak from hoses that have become compromised through age.
Stewart
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 7
From: Denver, Co
Not as much fun troubleshooting as driving it.
Is it safe to assume the leak would be in front of the O2 sensor? (sensors)
Swapping sensors would not be your first choice for problem solving?
Thank you for stopping by.
Is it safe to assume the leak would be in front of the O2 sensor? (sensors)
Swapping sensors would not be your first choice for problem solving?
Thank you for stopping by.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
The "built-in DTC check" isn't what you think it is. It is restricted only to those systems that communicate through the cluster, it does NOT report anything related to the OBDII system. That level of functionality requires a scan tool talking directly to the PCM.
The "built-in DTC check" is properly called the HEC DTM (Hybrid Electronics Cluster Dealer Test Mode).
The "built-in DTC check" is properly called the HEC DTM (Hybrid Electronics Cluster Dealer Test Mode).
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 7
From: Denver, Co
My handy AutoEnginuity reader gave me the following results:
P0171 System Too Lean Bank 1
P0174 System Too Lean Bank 2
P0171 System Too Lean Bank 1
P0174 System Too Lean Bank 2
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
More than 90% of the time, that code pair is due to a vacuum leak in the intake tract. The rest of the time, it's spread across contaminated/defective MAF sensors, weak fuel pumps, etc.
You really have to pull the freeze frame data to get a better understanding of the operating conditions when the code was posted in order to diagnose. For example, the conditions for that code pair generation by a vacuum leak vs. a weak pump are markedly different.
Oh, and it is NOT the O2 sensors.
You really have to pull the freeze frame data to get a better understanding of the operating conditions when the code was posted in order to diagnose. For example, the conditions for that code pair generation by a vacuum leak vs. a weak pump are markedly different.
Oh, and it is NOT the O2 sensors.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 7
From: Denver, Co
Thanks for the tip ProjectSHO89.
Winter really messes with toy time, I'm still here, I did find the double set of service manuals and the electrical volume, for Heritage trucks, should be here before the weather warms lol.
Winter really messes with toy time, I'm still here, I did find the double set of service manuals and the electrical volume, for Heritage trucks, should be here before the weather warms lol.
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