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Post by 98burgOlds on Jun 19, 2004 13:52:09 GMT -6
Hello,
I have a 98 Aurora and the Check Engine light comes on. There seems to be no mechanical explanation. Anyone have a clue? Thanks in advance for replies =)
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Post by JimW on Jun 19, 2004 13:59:29 GMT -6
First thing you need to do is get the car scanned, you have an OBD2 port undneath and to the left of the steering column on the lower panel (hush panel?). If you can get to an AutoZone (in the US) or have access to an OBD2 scanner it will tell you the problem based on a series of computer OBD2 codes.
If you are an amateur unfamiliar with engine codes, go get it scanned at a shop or the dealer.
Are you experiencing any typical mechanical issues that may force an engine code? Rough idle? Disconnected IAT sensor? ABS or TC issues? Do you get a rotten egg smell or lousy fuel mileage? (could be the O2 sensor - there are 4 on yer car).
Any additional information you can give us AFTER the car is scanned will help, until that point, not much we can realisitcally do.
Good luck!
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 20, 2004 18:39:03 GMT -6
i've been told the ERG VALVE/SENSOR, whatever it is, causes the check engine light to come on. NAPA sells the part for $184. There was an aurora i was interested in which had the check engine light on and that fixed the problem. don't know if that is whats wrong cause im a rookie with this car, but it might help you. from what ive been told this is a common problem with this car.
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Post by JimW on Jul 20, 2004 20:36:39 GMT -6
EGR failure is not really all that common to the Aurora, it affects all cars, sensors have a lifespan.
Most common failure on the Aurora is the fuel pressure regulator and an oil leak in the 95 model year (either of those wont throw an engine code)
Bear in mind the Aurora has a myriad of codes, so its best to get the car scanned before attempting any repair.
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:32:53 GMT -6
ok, this is not funny. just bought mine and did as said, i took vehicle to autozone and napa both. both testers used would not communicate with scanner, yet engine light is on.
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Post by erw38 on Jul 21, 2004 22:40:36 GMT -6
if you have a 97 autozone should do the trick
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 22:48:09 GMT -6
my car is a 95, but i think its a problem with a plug or computer or SOMETHING not causing it to communicate with scanner.
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Post by JimW on Jul 21, 2004 22:50:40 GMT -6
my car is a 95, but i think its a problem with a plug or computer or SOMETHING not causing it to communicate with scanner. If indeed its the PCM, contact wrecker yards, I got an ETBCM (ABS brake module) for $150, regular $1100 new
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Post by tedhontz on Jul 21, 2004 23:19:52 GMT -6
a new ecm for the car runs $199. would it be worth it to chance it with a used one ?
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Post by JimW on Jul 21, 2004 23:20:55 GMT -6
$199 is a good price, I thought it would be much more then that. If that turns out to be the problem, I would get one for that price for sure.
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Post by Isnibs on Jul 22, 2004 4:37:07 GMT -6
quote tedhontz 'my car is a 95, but i think its a problem with a plug or computer or SOMETHING not causing it to communicate with scanner.
you need to use a OBD1 scanner
Isnibs
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Post by jt723 on Jul 27, 2004 10:15:11 GMT -6
I had a similar problem with my 98, and made many trips to the dealership. GM ended up dropping a whole new engine in the car at 75K miles. Several things to check and try especially if the light stays on and doesn't blink, which don't cost anything include:
- cracked plug wires - dirty spark plugs - bad fuel - reset computer by disconnecting "-" battery terminal for ~3 hours.
Hope this helps.
JT
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Post by erw38 on Jul 27, 2004 13:57:27 GMT -6
heres a question relating to disconnecting the negative battery terminal:
If you disconnect the battery terminal (I assume you have to do this under the rear seat) wont the set of the security in the radio making it inoperable? I don't doubt that it would clear the codes, but for someone that bought the car used (as about 99% of people with the 1st gen here have gotten their cars) I don't have/know the security code for the radio and don't really want to pay the dealer $200 for a stupid code.
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Post by JimW on Jul 27, 2004 14:21:42 GMT -6
Cant you disconnect the system simply via the junction box under the hood? Or do you physically have to take off the seat and disconnect at the battery?
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Post by jt723 on Jul 27, 2004 14:29:12 GMT -6
You're correct about the locationof the "-" battery terminal location (under back seat - passenger side).
I was unaware of losing the operation of my radio, or anything else in my car, when I disconnected the battery. I had no problems with any need for system security codes, and only had to reset the clock and on-board computer information center.
I was told by my Olds dealer that the Aurora engine and emission sensors are very sensitive to dirty fuel and incomplete burning of the fuel, which is why the light comes on. They routinely scan the OBD2 instrumentation to diagnose a problem and re-set the codes; however, unresolved problems can be fixed by disconnecting the "-" terminal of the battery. The latter fix works in my case, and may not be acceptable to all 98 Aurora's.
JT723
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Post by jt723 on Jul 27, 2004 14:32:12 GMT -6
Jim,
I can't answer your question, but find that removal of the seat is not that difficult. Besides, it helped me find the battery and rear fuse boxes. Still can't believe that Olds put this equipment under the rear seat.
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Post by erw38 on Jul 27, 2004 14:37:28 GMT -6
Cant you disconnect the system simply via the junction box under the hood? Or do you physically have to take off the seat and disconnect at the battery? Jim. is there a negative terminal under the hood? The only terminal that I have seen under the hood was the positive battery teminal.
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dred98
Aurora Driver
Posts: 470
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Post by dred98 on Jul 27, 2004 16:21:47 GMT -6
If you disconnect the battery terminal (I assume you have to do this under the rear seat) wont the set of the security in the radio making it inoperable? I don't doubt that it would clear the codes, but for someone that bought the car used (as about 99% of people with the 1st gen here have gotten their cars) I don't have/know the security code for the radio and don't really want to pay the dealer $200 for a stupid code. Security Code? Do you have a standard issue radio or something special - if there's normally a security code I don't know what mine is either - now I'm worried.
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Post by omegaic on Jul 27, 2004 16:25:38 GMT -6
Relax, the stock Aurora radio which says "Theftlock" on it gives you the ability to enter a 4 digit code to disable the radio if the power is disconnected. I have yet to find an Aurora owner who has used it tho.
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Post by erw38 on Jul 27, 2004 16:50:07 GMT -6
Well at least we know there shouldn't be an issue with the radio.
Thanks omegaic!
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Post by omegaic on Jul 27, 2004 17:06:54 GMT -6
Battery terminal under hood = (+) You will ignore the dirt.
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Post by JimW on Jul 27, 2004 18:49:31 GMT -6
What dirt? ;D
Thanks for the pic!
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Post by erw38 on Jul 27, 2004 18:57:52 GMT -6
That would be the positive terminal! Where is the negative terminal that Jim says is under the hood?
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Post by JimW on Jul 27, 2004 19:30:08 GMT -6
Evidently its not That pic cleared up the matter nicely. Guess I better rip up my back seat to check it out!
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Post by erw38 on Jul 27, 2004 19:36:28 GMT -6
I knew I wasn't that mechanically challanged. ;D
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scottydl
Super Moderator
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Jul 29, 2004 23:31:10 GMT -6
What a great thread... I guess you learn something new everyday, even the pros. I will join the club in checking under my backseat for future reference!
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