service engine light

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

coreys87

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2011
Posts
178
Reaction score
1
Location
newyork
First Name
corey
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
v1500
Engine Size
305
i was driving down the highway with my truck and out of the blue the service engine light came on. had oil pressure. was at temp (190 degrees) and had volts. what could it be? i was running about 2400 rpm
 

Old77

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Posts
28,273
Reaction score
8,763
Location
Kansas City, Mo
First Name
Jacob
Truck Year
1977/1990/1991
Truck Model
C10 longbed/R1500 Burb/R3500 Dually
Engine Size
350/350/454
Do you have an EGR valve on your truck? If that's bad it could throw a code...
 

RetroC10Sport

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Posts
17,094
Reaction score
2,220
Location
Green Bastard Parts Unknown
First Name
Jay
Truck Year
2001
Truck Model
pontiac aztek
Engine Size
3.4
For vehicles made after 1996, retrieving the codes of the check engine light in your dash panel is simple. All you need to do is find your diagnostic connector located under the dash by the driver side. You can then hook up a scanner and the codes will be displayed for you. If you don't have any scanner like most drivers, you can bring your vehicle to any local automotive store and they will usually scan the codes FREE for you. However, for vehicles made on or before 1995, there is only one cheap way to get it: You do it yourself!

On board diagnostic (OBD) was designed on vehicles equipped with electronic fuel injection so you can generally retrieve the codes yourself. No need buying a scanner or running to any parts stores to check the engine light.

This system is called obd1 and applies to most vehicles made before 1995 for domestics and 1993 on imports.

For GM domestic vehicles made before 1995, the diagnostic connector is located under the dash panel by the driver side.

To get the check engine codes to flash in your dash panel, use a jumper wire or a paper clip and connect terminals A and B of the diagnostic connector.

You must be registered for see images


Turn your ignition key on with engine off and the codes should start to blink. All codes should start with code 12 which is one long flash followed by 2 short flashes.

This code 12 means the diagnostic system is normal and will repeat itself continuously if there are no trouble codes. Otherwise, code 12 will flash 3 times before flashing the fault codes.




Below are the OBD DTC's for 1995-previous model year EFI-equipped GM vehicles.

DTC - 12 No distributor reference pulse (diagnostic test active)
DTC - 13 Oxygen sensor circuit open or no activity
DTC - 13 Left bank O2 sensor circuit open or no activity
DTC - 14 Engine coolant temp sensor error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 15 Engine coolant temp sensor error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 16 System voltage too low
DTC - 17 Camshaft position sensor error
DTC - 21 Throttle Position sensor error (signal high)
DTC - 22 Throttle position sensor error (signal low)
DTC - 23 Intake air temp sensor error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 24 Vehicle speed sensor error (open circuit or no activity)
DTC - 25 Intake air temp sensor error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 26 Quad Driver Module (QDM A) error
DTC - 28 Auto transmission range pressure switch error
DTC - 31 Wastegate solenoid circuit error
DTC - 31 Gear Position Switch (PRNDL) error
DTC - 32 EGR system failure
DTC - 33 MAP sensor circuit error (signal high indicating low vacuum)
DTC - 34 MAP sensor circuit error (signal low indicating high vacuum)
DTC - 35 IAC problem or idle error
DTC - 36 MAF sensor error
DTC - 36 24x Crankshaft position sensor circuit error
DTC - 36 4T60-E Shifting Error
DTC - 37 TCC brake switch circuit error
DTC - 38 TCC brake switch circuit error
DTC - 39 Clutch switch circuit error
DTC - 39 TCC error
DTC - 41 Ignition control error
DTC - 41 MEM-CAL error
DTC - 41 C³I Cam Sensor Signal error
DTC - 42 Ignition bypass circuit error
DTC - 43 Knock sensor error
DTC - 44 Oxygen sensor error (lean condition indicated)
DTC - 44 Left bank O2 sensor error (lean condition indicated)
DTC - 45 Oxygen sensor error (rich condition indicated)
DTC - 45 Left bank O2 sensor error (rich condition indicated)
DTC - 46 Pass-Key II (VATS) system error - circuit out of freq range
DTC - 47 UART (serial data) circuit error
DTC - 51 PROM error
DTC - 51 Incorrect MEM-CAL
DTC - 52 Fuel cal-pak incorrect or missing
DTC - 53 System voltage too high
DTC - 53 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 1 error
DTC - 54 Fuel pump circuit low voltage
DTC - 54 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 2 error
DTC - 55 ECM error
DTC - 55 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 3 error
DTC - 56 Quad Driver Module (QDM B) error
DTC - 57 Boost Control error
DTC - 58 Trans fluid temp sensor circuit error (low voltage)
DTC - 58 VATS system error
DTC - 59 Trans fluid temp sensor circuit error (high voltage)
DTC - 61 A/C system performance
DTC - 63 Right bank O2 sensor circuit error
DTC - 63 MAP sensor circuit signal voltage high (low vacuum indicated)
DTC - 64 Right bank O2 sensor lean exhaust indicated
DTC - 64 MAP sensor circuit signal voltage low (high vacuum indicated)
DTC - 65 Right bank O2 sensor rich exhaust indicated
DTC - 66 A/C pressure sensor circuit error (low pressure indicated)
DTC - 67 A/C pressure sensor circuit error
DTC - 68 A/C clutch relay circuit error (shorted to ground)
DTC - 69 A/C clutch relay circuit error (open circuit indicated)
DTC - 69 A/C high pressure switch error
DTC - 70 A/C pressure sensor circuit error (high pressure indicated)
DTC - 71 A/C evaporator temp sensor circuit error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 72 VSS signal circuit error
DTC - 73 A/C evaporator temp sensor circuit error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 75 Digital EGR solenoid #1 circuit error
DTC - 76 Digital EGR solenoid #2 circuit error
DTC - 77 Digital EGR solenoid #3 circuit error
DTC - 79 Transmission fluid overtemp
DTC - 80 Transmission component slipping
DTC - 82 3x Crankshaft position sensor circuit error
DTC - 85 PROM error
DTC - 86 A/D error
DTC - 87 EEPROM error (flash memory error)
DTC - 90 TCC error
DTC - 93 Transmission pressure control solenoid circuit error
DTC - 96 Transmission system voltage low
DTC - 98 Invalid PCM program
DTC - 99 Invalid PCM program

I hope the above information helps you GM owners
 

89Suburban

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2010
Posts
24,569
Reaction score
5,931
Location
Southeast PA
First Name
Paw Paw
Truck Year
2007
Truck Model
Chevrolet Tahoe LT
Engine Size
5.3, 4WD
:patriot:
 

Mike D

Junior Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2012
Posts
14
Reaction score
0
Location
Huntington, WV
First Name
Michael
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
1987 was the first year of almost fuel injection. I believed GM used EGR, O2 sensors, electric feedback carbs, knock sensors, and electronic ( not vacuum or mechanical ) distributors. If the engine light comes on after 20 -40 minutes driving, try dropping down one gear ( if you can do it safely ). Drive in that gear for for 10 minutes or 5 miles. Notice if the light goes out. It could be the O2 sensor overheating from too high an engine load. Probable cause was electronic carb enrichment too lean for load with EGR working. There was many gremlins on this system that TBI fixed.
 

Swims350

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Posts
4,351
Reaction score
812
Location
Logan WV
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
none
in 87 they was no carb it was tbi as far as I know. feedback carbs were earlier.
 

Old77

Administrator
Staff member
Admin
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Posts
28,273
Reaction score
8,763
Location
Kansas City, Mo
First Name
Jacob
Truck Year
1977/1990/1991
Truck Model
C10 longbed/R1500 Burb/R3500 Dually
Engine Size
350/350/454
I'm pretty sure that in 87 a carb was still an option. I had a buddy who's dad had a carb in his 93 silverado back in the day :)
 

dhamp

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Posts
1,170
Reaction score
18
Location
Atlanta Area, GA
First Name
Derek
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R-10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
VIN M 350 was still available in 1987...Rare though.

Probably finishing off their 1986 parts bins. It's not listed as an option in the '87 brochure though.
 

dhamp

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Posts
1,170
Reaction score
18
Location
Atlanta Area, GA
First Name
Derek
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R-10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
For vehicles made after 1996, retrieving the codes of the check engine light in your dash panel is simple. All you need to do is find your diagnostic connector located under the dash by the driver side. You can then hook up a scanner and the codes will be displayed for you. If you don't have any scanner like most drivers, you can bring your vehicle to any local automotive store and they will usually scan the codes FREE for you. However, for vehicles made on or before 1995, there is only one cheap way to get it: You do it yourself!

On board diagnostic (OBD) was designed on vehicles equipped with electronic fuel injection so you can generally retrieve the codes yourself. No need buying a scanner or running to any parts stores to check the engine light.

This system is called obd1 and applies to most vehicles made before 1995 for domestics and 1993 on imports.

For GM domestic vehicles made before 1995, the diagnostic connector is located under the dash panel by the driver side.

To get the check engine codes to flash in your dash panel, use a jumper wire or a paper clip and connect terminals A and B of the diagnostic connector.

You must be registered for see images


Turn your ignition key on with engine off and the codes should start to blink. All codes should start with code 12 which is one long flash followed by 2 short flashes.

This code 12 means the diagnostic system is normal and will repeat itself continuously if there are no trouble codes. Otherwise, code 12 will flash 3 times before flashing the fault codes.




Below are the OBD DTC's for 1995-previous model year EFI-equipped GM vehicles.

DTC - 12 No distributor reference pulse (diagnostic test active)
DTC - 13 Oxygen sensor circuit open or no activity
DTC - 13 Left bank O2 sensor circuit open or no activity
DTC - 14 Engine coolant temp sensor error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 15 Engine coolant temp sensor error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 16 System voltage too low
DTC - 17 Camshaft position sensor error
DTC - 21 Throttle Position sensor error (signal high)
DTC - 22 Throttle position sensor error (signal low)
DTC - 23 Intake air temp sensor error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 24 Vehicle speed sensor error (open circuit or no activity)
DTC - 25 Intake air temp sensor error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 26 Quad Driver Module (QDM A) error
DTC - 28 Auto transmission range pressure switch error
DTC - 31 Wastegate solenoid circuit error
DTC - 31 Gear Position Switch (PRNDL) error
DTC - 32 EGR system failure
DTC - 33 MAP sensor circuit error (signal high indicating low vacuum)
DTC - 34 MAP sensor circuit error (signal low indicating high vacuum)
DTC - 35 IAC problem or idle error
DTC - 36 MAF sensor error
DTC - 36 24x Crankshaft position sensor circuit error
DTC - 36 4T60-E Shifting Error
DTC - 37 TCC brake switch circuit error
DTC - 38 TCC brake switch circuit error
DTC - 39 Clutch switch circuit error
DTC - 39 TCC error
DTC - 41 Ignition control error
DTC - 41 MEM-CAL error
DTC - 41 C³I Cam Sensor Signal error
DTC - 42 Ignition bypass circuit error
DTC - 43 Knock sensor error
DTC - 44 Oxygen sensor error (lean condition indicated)
DTC - 44 Left bank O2 sensor error (lean condition indicated)
DTC - 45 Oxygen sensor error (rich condition indicated)
DTC - 45 Left bank O2 sensor error (rich condition indicated)
DTC - 46 Pass-Key II (VATS) system error - circuit out of freq range
DTC - 47 UART (serial data) circuit error
DTC - 51 PROM error
DTC - 51 Incorrect MEM-CAL
DTC - 52 Fuel cal-pak incorrect or missing
DTC - 53 System voltage too high
DTC - 53 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 1 error
DTC - 54 Fuel pump circuit low voltage
DTC - 54 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 2 error
DTC - 55 ECM error
DTC - 55 Digital EGR Valve solenoid 3 error
DTC - 56 Quad Driver Module (QDM B) error
DTC - 57 Boost Control error
DTC - 58 Trans fluid temp sensor circuit error (low voltage)
DTC - 58 VATS system error
DTC - 59 Trans fluid temp sensor circuit error (high voltage)
DTC - 61 A/C system performance
DTC - 63 Right bank O2 sensor circuit error
DTC - 63 MAP sensor circuit signal voltage high (low vacuum indicated)
DTC - 64 Right bank O2 sensor lean exhaust indicated
DTC - 64 MAP sensor circuit signal voltage low (high vacuum indicated)
DTC - 65 Right bank O2 sensor rich exhaust indicated
DTC - 66 A/C pressure sensor circuit error (low pressure indicated)
DTC - 67 A/C pressure sensor circuit error
DTC - 68 A/C clutch relay circuit error (shorted to ground)
DTC - 69 A/C clutch relay circuit error (open circuit indicated)
DTC - 69 A/C high pressure switch error
DTC - 70 A/C pressure sensor circuit error (high pressure indicated)
DTC - 71 A/C evaporator temp sensor circuit error (low temp indicated)
DTC - 72 VSS signal circuit error
DTC - 73 A/C evaporator temp sensor circuit error (high temp indicated)
DTC - 75 Digital EGR solenoid #1 circuit error
DTC - 76 Digital EGR solenoid #2 circuit error
DTC - 77 Digital EGR solenoid #3 circuit error
DTC - 79 Transmission fluid overtemp
DTC - 80 Transmission component slipping
DTC - 82 3x Crankshaft position sensor circuit error
DTC - 85 PROM error
DTC - 86 A/D error
DTC - 87 EEPROM error (flash memory error)
DTC - 90 TCC error
DTC - 93 Transmission pressure control solenoid circuit error
DTC - 96 Transmission system voltage low
DTC - 98 Invalid PCM program
DTC - 99 Invalid PCM program

I hope the above information helps you GM owners

Let me make sure I'm clear. If I had a code 32 for example. It would flash 3 long times, then 2 short times??
 

crazy4offroad

Equal Opportunity Destroyer
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Posts
8,468
Reaction score
1,070
Location
West BY-GOD Virginia
First Name
Curt
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
K-10
Engine Size
350/SM465/NP205
The flashes are the same with a small pause between them for one code, a longer pause for additional codes.
 

dhamp

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Posts
1,170
Reaction score
18
Location
Atlanta Area, GA
First Name
Derek
Truck Year
1987
Truck Model
R-10 Custom Deluxe
Engine Size
350
Hmmm...Cool! I'll have to keep this handy, just in case. Thanks!
 

Swims350

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2010
Posts
4,351
Reaction score
812
Location
Logan WV
First Name
Chris
Truck Year
1983
Truck Model
K10
Engine Size
none
carb was no option factory on a 93 as far as I know, my 88 350 truck is tbi.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
42,332
Posts
913,862
Members
33,834
Latest member
ceyman72
Top