Car-Forums.net

[rai]

does anyone know how to test the check engine light on a 98 buick skylark and also a list of codes would be helpful,just trying to fix it myself to save a trip to the shop.
thanks in advance

[lir]

Go to Autozone and borrow their code reader. There is a plug under the steering wheel
Plug it in and run the test, then go back into the store and tell them the code.

as for the codes see..http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/

or take it to a reputable mechanic. Remember that the code will lead you to the reason for
the light triggering but will not be specific in determining just what is causing the problem.

Good Luck to you...

[melvyn2]

Auto Zone's non mechanics are totally worthless when determining what specific item or items need to be fixed to properly repair a emissions code. There great at giving you a list of "could bee" causes. A GM dealer or trusted private mechanic will be able tin-point the cause of your problem.

How do you expect us to hand you a list of codes when we have no clue what's causing the check engine light to come on. A 14 year old car most likely might have one of the two oxygen sensor issues or catalytic converter problems. If the car hasn't had an electrical tune-up or fuel injector cleaning in the past 50,000 miles, add that to your list.

[nathraichean]

there should be a plug under the dash on the drivers side that reads A and B on it. take a paper clip and put it in the A and B place, turn the key on but don,t start it. it should flash 12 , 3 times which means it,s hooked up right. then after the 3rd time it will flash the codes. get a piece of paper and pencil and write down the codes. say it,s 14 it will flash once which means 1 and then pause then it will flash 4 more times which means 4. add it up and it means 14. call auto zone and tell them the codes and they should be able to tell you what it means. never start it with the paper clip in it or it could burn up the module.

[thorn]

Most of the time it will be a 02 sensor. That is really the only thing that the autozone tester can check out fairly accurate.It is a very good way to start the process of elimination, and it cost you zip. If it is a sensor be sure to use sensor safe silicone to dress the threads with. If not a sensor do the easy things like changing the air filter if needed and let your gas get down to a quarter tank and put in a couple bottles of Lucas injection cleaner and hit the expressway for a while. This is inexpensive and can take care of many minor problems. If that does not do the trick, you have performed maintenance that needed to be done anyway. ( but many times it will work...)