Error code logging/history

[Skreemer]

On a 2002 Vue V6 AWD Autotranny

Does the car store a history of error codes? I'm having an issue where the tranny is acting funny and the engine will suddenly go into retard mode. (can't get above 3Krpm and the service light comes on)

The problems is that just turning the car off and waiting 5 minutes and turning it back on clears the error(turns the service light off and no more retard mode). I've taken my car to Murray's and Autozone trying to get a "read" from the ECU. Every time they hook up on of their units though it just gets a read error.

Does the service light need to be on to get a reading?

Does the car save a history so I can go to a dealer and have them do a "reading"?

I have the car nearly paid off and I don't want to spend more than the payoff amount to get it fixed. I've got the conditions down and if I just drive it back and forth I won't cause it to screw up... I just want to codes so I can see if it's something I can fix myself...

[ssicarman]

The codes are retained for a certain number of drive cycles and then automaticly erased if the concern does not happen for the number of drive cycles. When the SES light is not on the codes are still kept as history codes. So yes they will still be there to be read.
Not all codes readers are able to read transmission codes.

[Skreemer]

The SES came on and I took it in... All at once I am getting codes p0128/p1780/p0638/p0700...

The guy at Murray's thinks my themostat is busted and the tranny is thrashed...

This sucks, my old tranny went out at around 75K and now it's gone again at 106K. I was hoping to get to at least 112K out of it before it failed...

Funny thing is that when the first transmission failed there were no errors or codes... none of the dash lights came on. What I noticed was that when i shifted from park or reverse into drive you could literally wait three seconds and then the transmission would "clunk" and you could go...

I should be happy this time at least I'm gettin gerror codes...

[Gerry Proctor]

Sounds more like a voltage/ground issue to me.

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

Yeah, dont listen to the auto parts guys, just get the code numbers, and go from there.

I have to agree. Have your battery tested.

[Skreemer]

thanks for the tips I'll get that checked out asap...

think the cold might have anything to do with it... the new round of issues started only after we went near / below 0 for a few days...

(I live just outside of chicago)

[ssicarman]

P0128 in the 3.0 LT engine is the thermostat.

P0700 indicates that there is a trans code present.

P0638

Subject: Service Engine Soon (SES) and/or Reduced Power Lamp Illuminated, Limited Throttle Response Following Cold Engine Start Up DTC P0638 (Relocate Small Primary Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose) #04-06-04-074 - (10/11/2004)



Models: 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.0L V-6 Engine (VIN B - RPO L81)

Condition
Some customers may comment on the Service Engine Soon (SES) and/or Reduced Power lamp illuminating and limited throttle response immediately following cold engine start up during subfreezing temperatures. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0638 may be stored in the engine control module (ECM).

Cause
This condition may be caused by crankcase vapors inside the throttle body collecting at the throttle plate base as engine cools down while shut off, resulting in restricted throttle plate movement immediately following cold engine start up during subfreezing temperatures.

Correction
Re-locate primary positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose from throttle body to intake manifold top cover and re-route secondary PCV hose over intake manifold.


P1780


DTC P1780
Circuit Description
To improve shift feel, the transmission control module (TCM) may request that the engine control module (ECM) reduce engine torque during shift events. When such a request is received, the ECM responds by retarding the base ignition timing and notifying the TCM that the request has succeeded. If the ECM is unable to comply with the request, the ECM sends the TCM a message that the request has failed.

The torque reduction request is sent to the ECM through a communication network called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P1780 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P1780.

When the TCM receives a torque reduction failure message from the ECM, then DTC P1780 will set. DTC P1780 is a type A DTC.

Conditions for Running the DTC
No CAN DTC U2105.
The ignition voltage is 8-18 volts.
The engine run time is 3 seconds or greater.
Trans. Protection Mode is OFF.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM notifies the TCM that a torque reduction request has failed for 0.8 seconds.