check engine lights

JLX 1993 · 10-16-2008, 07:48 AM

my 94 sidekick has chech engine lights, where should i start? can this model be checked with the gadgets to check trouble codes? thanks

ranger88den · 10-16-2008, 08:03 AM

Check out jtgh's site. Good luck Jerrys main sidekick page

grats · 10-16-2008, 10:03 AM

If you have more than 150,000 kms it's more than likely the O2 sensor in your exhaust.

jtgh · 10-16-2008, 12:57 PM

this is a real Canada market car, has Day Lights on while running feature.
so , no SES on this car. (only USA fed48 has that)

i suspect this is not an 8v .

JLX 1993 · 10-17-2008, 07:49 AM

odometer is @ 199, 843...

ranger88den · 10-17-2008, 11:02 AM

Check Engine Lamp stuck ON?

jtgh · 10-17-2008, 01:29 PM

Check Engine Lamp stuck ON?

the lamp is on get the codes.

this car has no SES , mileage clock nag.

engine type unknown

JLX 1993 · 10-18-2008, 07:11 AM

Jerry to the rescue!!
I'll check the switch. Lamps been on for about couple hundred kms. I guess its a Canadian then. Initially it was the one lamp, now its both. Not sure what both lamps are called.

jtgh · 10-18-2008, 02:51 PM

they are not labeled.? these lamps, ( hard to believe it)
94 had 4 speedo heads used on diff models , in NA continent.
but...
on a 95 4d drive.
left to right

CEL >>> OIL >>> Brake >>> 4WD >>>Battery >>>seatbelts >>> blank.

all must glow key on,
all must go out ,started, strapped in,and Ebrake off.

tell more.

the E28 export code E28= canada, shown on engine bay sticker.
the E3 and E33 cars are the only sidekicks in the whole wide world with SES switches. (i think)

see attached photo.
see part 12, see the wires, it plugs into the back of the speedo.
if you dont have those wires going into back of speedo then its a CANADA car. No true Canada car has this switch. none.
if you do its a E03 or E33 car. USA.

also if you write down your VIN and do a free vin lookup online all this data is avail.

It is good to know what export model you have or you will keep getting the wrong parts. over 54 export models, tis true.

if you have the switch ,then flip it.
if you dont ,you have a real for sure CEL DTC pending a view, by you.
if you flip it and it still glows (CEL) then you have a CEL DTC.

DTc = DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE.

You can have 1 (12 normal) or many.

pulling the dome fuse ,erases the ECU memory. ( good to know if you create false errors, messing with sensors)
dont fear the sensors, they are hard to hurt, just never force a connector, always unlock it FIRST.

JLX 1993 · 10-18-2008, 10:24 PM

Engine bay sticker? I guess that's right on the engine? I checked for a switch under dash, couldn't find any... lamps on, are check engine, warning... other lights are 4x4, battery, but the latter two turns off. Initially the warning light came on first then, check engine. There's a slight hesitation on rpm when engine cold. Hope this helps.