Hello all,
I have seen this problem before and would appreciate any help. I have had my car for about 8 years and the last 4 years the service engine soon light was on. I replaced everything you can think of, including the ECM, and it will not go out. I know there is a switch that you can flip to get the light to go out but I can not find it. What do I have to remove so I can hopefully fix my problem, without paying more money. Thanks for any help. I am desperate.
A 97 what? , 1.6L or 1.8L (tell us what you have) 2dr,4wd ?
or give us the VIN minus the last 5 digits(sn).
in 1995 SES function was ended , and on that day you now have OBD2 technology.
1996 is the change over year for SUZuki.
The lamp is labeled differently in each country but it is a CEL lamp to most.
The newer cars, 1996 and later, only turn the lamp on when there is a REAL problem.
Check engine lamp.
It is there for 2 reasons, 1 - a serious problem , or 2 - car is failing smog rules.
You didnt say what country you live but if in the USA, go to AUTOZONE (not in canada)
and ask them to PULL YOUR DTC codes . "FREE"
They will plug in a scan tool tell you all the codes your engine has been failing .
Post the codes, here !
Save money?
there are good odds after fixing the problem you could save BIG $$ in GAS alone.
For the average car , if stuck in limphome mode you waste $600 a year in gas.
(usa prices). 10k per year.
Everyone should own a $40 scan tool ( one per family , mom, dad, sistor, brother share)
The first time you use it , it gets paid for in gas savings.
It is a fact, that even a missing or loose gas caps ,can throw a CEL DTC.
Check engine lamp and the resulting Diagnostic trouble code.
The newer cars are much easier to fix and diagnose with such a nice system.
I will hope your code is not P0421 ( lazy cat) .
I can tell you are not in a federal smog zone . ( important to know that too)
Sorry, 97 Geo Tracker 4X4 vin# 2CNBJ1364V69. I live in PA and have had this problem with the emission testing since '03. I have had the sensors replaced, hoses checked, new gas cap, new battery, new ECM and anything else you can think of to have my car pass inspection. That is why I am asking about the switch. Everything I am reading, they talk about this, you flip it and for the next 50,000 it will not come on again, unless there is a serious problem. Thanks.
Sorry, no switch like that on a 97. Pick up a scan tool for about 40 dollars and you can read your codes with it so you'll know what to fix, and you can also turn off the CEL with it. But, it'll only stay off if you fix the problem. Tracka96
the lamp will turn of Automatically if you fix the problem, too.
pull the error codes , post them.
stop guessing and spending huge $
wow a new ECM on a 97,
you need help and a new mechanic,
pull the codes , post the codes and state your symptoms
you wont be sorry.
are you in the USA? yes, go to autozone and have them pull your codes.
if you want good advice,
try telling us ,everyone, what you are driving and at least what country you live in AND if you get annual smog checks,etc.
with good information you will get good help. ( dont need your address just LOCAL GENERAL)
see ?
I have been trying to fix this problem for years. (I like the car). Before I start, I have taken my car to Chevy dealers, Autozone, Monroe, Pep Boys, etc. and they all scratch their heads. The code is P0400 which is the EGR. I have had everything done that you can think of. New parts installed, etc. All of the mechanics I have taken it to, would not charge me anything because they can not find the problem. That is why I was asking about the switch. I think it was on this website, something about the OBD2. I guess the mechanics in Pennsylvania are not that familiar with GEO's or the codes. Thanks for any help you can give me.
tracker 97 ,
you finally TOLD us that code P0400 ;EGR.
this car is one of the hardest to pass , for EGR ops.
My EGR pages mentions how hard it is, and so do some really good write up's here.
First the passages must be cleaned , END TO END.
and there is a hidden set of Orifaces behind the Throttle plates that MUST be cleaned.
Any good Mech, knows the score on EGR. ( thowing parts is a travisty)
One guy here just posted last week on how to pull off induction pipes exposing the TB
and then propped open the Main TB butterfy valve,
then you can see these orfices .
he then cleaned them with a gun brush. (cylindrical brushes 5mm? or ?)
you see his trick , avoided removing the whole induction manifold to clean the egr.
I am sad for you that you are spent money on parts , when it is probably just dirty.
Almost all EGR fails (not all) are due to ONLY dirty.
One must understand the complete EGR path, then inspect it all, then clean it all.
when you clean it , the narrow parts must be PERFECT , with NO restrictions THERE.
Those Orifaces in your car are infamous for only being Narrowed down a tad and failing.
Hello all,
Thanks for the information. I have had everything checked and cleaned, by several different dealers, to no avail. They all tell me that everything is good and the light should not be on. My car will not pass the emission test until I can fix it or spend $300 for a waiver. I guess another waiver. Thanks for all your help.
The "mechanics" have probably done all of the regular stuff, I bet that if you just take that tube off that goes to the intake from the EGR, and work a gun cleaning brush around in that hole, you'll take care of it. Worked for me. Only 4 nuts to take off (or maybe bolts, don't remember) real easy, don't need any new gaskets. If that doesnt do it, take off the air intake tube so you can see the butterfly in the throttle body, hold the butterfly open and look straight back in for a little hole that comes in from the intake manifold. Poke a wire or small screwdriver around in that hole. You can do all of this yourself I'm sure, try it. Tracka96
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97 tracker "service engine soon"
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