check engine light

[Dinghy]

My son has a 2000 Chevy Blazer. His check engine light came on once a couple months ago for about 2 days, then went back off. Now it's on and not going off. He doesn't have the money to take it to a garage right now. What are some of the things that could cause this that he could check himself? I suggested checking the air filter and also the fan belt, because I heard a noise one time when he started it up that sounded like a loose belt. He's good at fixing old cars, but doesn't know alot about the newer ones. My sister has been driving a van that the check engine light has been on for a long time. They were told it was a sensor and they could still drive it. Would appreciate any help!!

 

[royal]

Hello,
Have him check that the fuel cap is tight. if it is loose, it can cause the check light to come on.

Tim

 

[Dinghy]

Thanks Tim!

 

[Pathfinder]

If its a 4.3 Vortec motor, chances are its the EGR valve..

Take it by a Auto Zone and have them scan for free to be sure though.

 

[cin]

You know, I have been going through this for the last several months. I have a 95 Ford F150 and the check engine light was coming on intermittently and I noticed it was only since I once ran out of gas on my rear fuel tank. I had a mechanic run diagnotics and he says that he is getting three different codes and that it is most likely a mass airflow sensor, which of course is a $400.+ part. Sure. So he says we should try to replace the oxygen sensor first, because it would only be $144, and that this might just fix the problem. As I drove my truck away from the garage with my new oxygen sensor, my check engine light came on. GRRRR. At this point, I am not ready to surrender $500 more (including the labor) to these guys when it might not even fix the problem. Btw, I am in California, and must get a smog check every two years. I am due in June for another with registration. If your check engine light comes on at any time during your smog test, it's an automatic fail.
After doing some research of my own, and thinking it had something to do with my fuel system, the next day I topped off both tanks until I couldn't get anymore in. My check engine light hasn't come back on. I'm guessing it was something to do with pressure/vaccuum in the fuel system/tank.

I would first take Tim's advice and check that the fuel cap is on good and tight.

Hope I could help.

 

[Dinghy]

Thanks guys, My son changed his oil and the light was off for awhile. He said his gas cap is always on tight. Today he said it was back on, and he was going to Auto Zone to get it checked out. Hope it's nothing major because he doesn't have the money to sink into a big repair job right now.