Check engine(idiot) light

[Buckmark]

Also it's good to note that the code reader is not going to tell you specifically what part is bad. It will tell you there is a misfire code but it won't tell you ... you have a bad spark plug... or something along those lines. Once you have the code you either actually diagnose the problem or shotgun/guess some parts at it.

Mine does. It told me that it was my number one spark plug that was causing the issue.

Not correct, it told you that cylinder #1 was misfiring or had a misfire, not what part of the secondary ignition system was causing the misfire, code p0301 misfire cylinder #1 detected.
Depending on the vehicle it could be many things that could cause it, spark plug yes, or ignition wire, ignition coil, distributor problem cap/rotor (if equipped), low compression, vacuum leak, injector issue, etc......

[Buckmark]

Here is how I see most try and deal with this. Take it to the Schmucks....get your code, Google the heck out of it, read a few forums, call and chat with either Buckmark or Jackelope about what it could be, narrow them down to thier top three choices, grind them about the labor times and keep asking why so much, then, get back to the parts guys, have them read you the part numbers for previously mentioned three posbilites, then remember you need a pen, ask them to repeat the numbers 3 times because you aren't paying attention or have anything to wright on, then get back on google, look for the cheapest place in the galaxy to buy the part, install it yourself, find out it didn't fix the problem, call back, complain, demand free diag and wholesale on the parts.

Easy as that.

Dont forget to add coach to the mix, very good shop.
Yep grind away on labor times and even hour rate, heck it"s only the minimum i will accept, you are welcome to pay me more per hour......we even accept tips like homemade cookies 

 

[jackelope]

Here is how I see most try and deal with this. Take it to the Schmucks....get your code, Google the heck out of it, read a few forums, call and chat with either Buckmark or Jackelope about what it could be, narrow them down to thier top three choices, grind them about the labor times and keep asking why so much, then, get back to the parts guys, have them read you the part numbers for previously mentioned three posbilites, then remember you need a pen, ask them to repeat the numbers 3 times because you aren't paying attention or have anything to wright on, then get back on google, look for the cheapest place in the galaxy to buy the part, install it yourself, find out it didn't fix the problem, call back, complain, demand free diag and wholesale on the parts.

Easy as that.

 

Hahaha!!

That's awesome....
 

[Woodchuck]

Thank you H2o, for several things in that post. 

[grundy53]

Also it's good to note that the code reader is not going to tell you specifically what part is bad. It will tell you there is a misfire code but it won't tell you ... you have a bad spark plug... or something along those lines. Once you have the code you either actually diagnose the problem or shotgun/guess some parts at it.

Mine does. It told me that it was my number one spark plug that was causing the issue.

Not correct, it told you that cylinder #1 was misfiring or had a misfire, not what part of the secondary ignition system was causing the misfire, code p0301 misfire cylinder #1 detected.
Depending on the vehicle it could be many things that could cause it, spark plug yes, or ignition wire, ignition coil, distributor problem cap/rotor (if equipped), low compression, vacuum leak, injector issue, etc......

Also it's good to note that the code reader is not going to tell you specifically what part is bad. It will tell you there is a misfire code but it won't tell you ... you have a bad spark plug... or something along those lines. Once you have the code you either actually diagnose the problem or shotgun/guess some parts at it.

Mine does. It told me that it was my number one spark plug that was causing the issue.

#1 cylinder maybe, but not #1 spark plug. We run $10k scan tools that won't tell you it's a spark plug.

Yep, you guys are correct. Just went and looked at the code book that came with it and it said this "P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected". I guess I just assumed it was the spark plug. I guess I got lucky because it was  .

[Buckmark]

Ok i have to confess, this is what we secretly use when the customer is not around... 

[Woodchuck]

Oh man, that is awesome, we just use the lucky wheel, kind of like the price is right. Just a matter of who the today's big winner is gonna be. 

[timberghost72]

Don't forget labor rates.

[NOCK NOCK]

Thanks to all for the advice. I am pretty sure I know what the issue is this time, but Going to have a parts store run it and give me a code. I let ya know when I find out.

[stevemiller]

I am not much of a gear head. I have a 2007 Chevy 2500  6 litre gasoline truck. Is there any way to reset or disable the check engine light without taking it to a professional?  I have heard about some kind of reader thing that you plug in and it tells you why the light is on/ gives you a code. 
Like I said, don't know much about this kind a thing, If I need to buy the reader thing(or something else) what is it that I would need to buy?

Thanks all.

To simply answer the question YES,you can by yourself reset the computer takes 1 min. UNHOOK BATTERY,leave off 1 min. codes are all clear,UNTIL YOU RUN IT AGAIN LONG ENOUGH THAT IT GOES OFF AGAIN. lol.If you fix the problem yourself unplug battery 1 min. and drive,if you did the right stuff your done.

[dewandgin]

I am not much of a gear head. I have a 2007 Chevy 2500  6 litre gasoline truck. Is there any way to reset or disable the check engine light without taking it to a professional?  I have heard about some kind of reader thing that you plug in and it tells you why the light is on/ gives you a code. 
Like I said, don't know much about this kind a thing, If I need to buy the reader thing(or something else) what is it that I would need to buy?

Thanks all.

To simply answer the question YES,you can by yourself reset the computer takes 1 min. UNHOOK BATTERY,leave off 1 min. codes are all clear,UNTIL YOU RUN IT AGAIN LONG ENOUGH THAT IT GOES OFF AGAIN. lol.If you fix the problem yourself unplug battery 1 min. and drive,if you did the right stuff your done.

Yes and no.  Some, very few , will clear when disconnecting the battery. OBDII latches codes and some codes can't be cleared without a code reader.

[TheSkyBuster]

OBDII code readers can be had for under $20   

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LHVOVK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


They work great, read and cancel codes, I keep one in each vehicle.   The book that comes with the reader doesn't list every code, but Google does.   

[jackelope]

I had a customer who had an app on his phone with a  Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the data link connector. He could pull codes with his smart phone. The guy worked for Bluetooth. Was a pretty cool setup.

[Fl0und3rz]

I have a Bluetooth code reader.  It's supposed to be able to pull all kinds of data that allows you to set up custom monitor panels.  I haven't had the need or time to play with it, though.

Here's one of the apps it works with.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torque&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dbluetooth+code+reader&pcampaignid=APPU_1_70VMVdjBMsWesAXdooHYBw

Those diagnostic dice remind me of a Chief on the boat.  We called it shotgun troubleshooting, and it is a dead giveaway that you don't understand the system you are troubleshooting.

[stevemiller]

I am not much of a gear head. I have a 2007 Chevy 2500  6 litre gasoline truck. Is there any way to reset or disable the check engine light without taking it to a professional?  I have heard about some kind of reader thing that you plug in and it tells you why the light is on/ gives you a code. 
Like I said, don't know much about this kind a thing, If I need to buy the reader thing(or something else) what is it that I would need to buy?

Thanks all.

To simply answer the question YES,you can by yourself reset the computer takes 1 min. UNHOOK BATTERY,leave off 1 min. codes are all clear,UNTIL YOU RUN IT AGAIN LONG ENOUGH THAT IT GOES OFF AGAIN. lol.If you fix the problem yourself unplug battery 1 min. and drive,if you did the right stuff your done.

Yes and no.  Some, very few , will clear when disconnecting the battery. OBDII latches codes and some codes can't be cleared without a code reader.

please name some,my suv to name one OBDII one of the most difficult to deal with even clears.I have worked on cars all sorts for years and havent had one not reset yet from unhooking battery for 1 min.