"Service engine soon" light

[n-mo]

\"Service engine soon\" light

This evening, while going for a quick "Beef-A-Roo" run, the dreaded service engine soon light pops on... no change in engine running... no change in anything... however, the past few times I've brought her out, I have noticed a gassy smell (no, not from me - we did however have taco's and beans the other night). But seriously, I have sort of smelled a gassy odor mainly at stoplights from time to time. At first, I figured it was just the mighty V10, but I can't say I recall having that gas odor smell before. So, naturally, as the meticulous viper owner that we all tend to be, I literally ran in the house and did a search for a solution to this most horrific event - SOMETHING IS POSSIBLY WRONG WITH MY VIPER!!! It seems the best advice I could find here regarding this little problem is to check the gas cap. I did notice when checking it, that it may have not been secured all the way down... it is hard to say though... If this is or is not the case, 1. Should I bring her to a dealer anyway just to make sure daddy's little girl is ok? 2. If it is ok, how do I reset the computer so that this dreadful, horrific, bastardly light goes off? 3. Does this sound like a problem any of you have had in the past? and, if so, how did you fix it?

Thanks Laddies!!

Nate

 

[n-mo]

Re:

Update....

I just couldn't stand it, I went right out to the garage MADE SURE the gas cap was secure, and took her for another drive. I definitely noticed an improvement... no more gassy smell (except from the beef-a-roo now coming out of my tailpipe). So, I think at least the gassy odor problem is solved, and I am praying that was the extent of the problem.

However, my check engine light is still on, if this was actually the problem, why did it not go off? Does it take a few "runs"? Do I need to somehow reset the computer? How do I do this? And I did try the on-off-on-off-on to no avail, as the light did not flash for me...

OK....enough typing

thanks for the help!

Nate

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Re:

If it was the cap...it will clear itself after a certain number of key cycles (not sure how many). Chances are it will bug you too much to wait, so your options are to take it to dealer...or buy a code reader.

 

[VIPER BAZ UK]

Re:

I got the one from Roe Racing as it clears the light to...

http://www.roeracing.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=23&idproduct=76

 

[RoadiJeff]

Re: \"Service engine soon\" light

Stop by any AutoZone. They will scan the code for you for free and clear it upon request.

 

[Denny Wagner]

Re:

Remove the bulb.........

 

[ceieio]

Re:

Nate - this might get you started quicker:

From this thread:
http://www4.forum.viperclub.org/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=526055&Forum=UBB14&Words=key%20engine%20light%20code&Match=And&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=526055&Search=true#Post526055


Read easy way of getting the code out:
============================================================
OK...here is a quick how-to (I am pretty sure this works on a 98):

1)Sit in car.

2)Within a 5 second time frame turn the key from OFF to ACC (you know, when you hear the fuel pump kick in)...THREE times. That is OFF-ACC-OFF-ACC-OFF-ACC and on the third ACC LEAVE it there.

3)The CEL will go out.

4)It will do a series of flashes. It starts with a FLASH-Pause-Flash-Flash (that is 12...get it?)

12 means that is the START of the diagnostic. It ends with 55 (Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash-pause-Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash)

Count the flashes in between. If, after the 12 you see Flash-Flash-pause-Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash-Flash, that points to the IAC.

OK....I JUST learned this after owning my 97 GTS for six years! I am not sure how far along it works....but the 97 and 98 are so closely related that I am pretty sure it'll work. Once you know the codes, well, I have no idea what to do next. Having said that...if anyone has pointers to the documentation of codes....I'll add it somewhere here on the site (Or, is it already here and I am clueless???).

And I sencond Shelby3's comment...I love my Roe Reader.

--------------------
Tony (SuperchargedVipermad) Rickard

=========================================================

Craig

 

[viperdude118]

Re:

Remove the bulb.........

Don't do this, it is terrible advice. Read the code and figure out what it is! It's probably not a big deal, maybe gas cap, 02 sensor, etc....but you want to get it taken care of to prevent further more costly damage down the road. Removing the bulb will not only prevent you from knowing if the PCM throws more codes later, and could create much suspicion to a knowledgeable potential buyer should you ever decide to sell you viper.

OBD II is designed with sensitivity to help prevent long term damage and keep cars running in tip top shape, so don't ignore it and get it taken care of for the sake of long term health on your engine.