SES illuminated

[mrriden]

My 2002 SC2 with 68,700miles has just lit the SES (not the wrench) Light. Car is running OK. Do I
1) Check the OBDII for codes?
2)Reset it (how)?
3) Perform a 65,000 mile maintenance (what needs attention / inspection)?
4) Some of the above
5)None of the above
6)Other

[2NDSOUT]

Originally Posted by mrriden

My 2002 SC2 with 68,700miles has just lit the SES (not the wrench) Light. Car is running OK. Do I
1) Check the OBDII for codes?
2)Reset it (how)?
3) Perform a 65,000 mile maintenance (what needs attention / inspection)?
4) Some of the above
5)None of the above
6)Other

1) Get the codes read at Autozone for free, post them here so we can figure out what code you have.
2) Pull the 30 Amp Ignition Fuse in the UHJB or pull the Negative Battery Cable for 30 seconds and reinstall the Battery Cable.
3) Check your owner's manual, there is a maintenance schedule there. It would be a good reccommended thing to to a 65,000 mile check, esp. if it's been a while since you change vital fluids. Coolant, brakes, Power Steering Fluid, Air Filter, PCV Valve, etc...

So...yes; do ALL of the above.

[01SuperCoupe]

I'm guessing that your in the States, if you are, and you have access to an AutoZone store, run in and get them to read your codes. After you get them, post 'em here and one or more of the resident Saturn "brain-e-acks" will likely chime in to save you some serious money.

As far as resetting the light yourself, you can do it by pulling the "PCM B" fuse from the under-hood fuse box for a minute or two. (with the key off, of course) If you do in fact have a genuine issue the light will return in short order.

[mrriden]

Thank you guys!
AutoZone is on my commute so will have the OBDII checked for stored codes on my way home tomorrow and post any found here.
I'll hold off on pulling the fuse in the under hood panel 'till after that.
I've always looked after the vital car juices changing them myself (oils and brake fluid) or having a shop flush (coolant) at regular intervals. Plugs, wires, hoses and belts are also self maintained.
See ya tomorrow

[adventureoflink]

Actually, this time, SCREW the shop flushing your coolant.

If you haven't done so, drain out that old coolant, flush your system out with electrosol and distilled water, then refill your system with 100% of either the green or yellow stuff, followed by a gallon of distilled water.

By all means, DO NOT let the coolant go 5 years or ESPECIALLY 150,000 miles, as it's dex-cool. it ruins motors long before that 150k point (and fwiw I've only seen ONE G.M. vehicle go past 150k miles within five years, and even still that was a 2005 chevy uplander and I rode in it in 2008, as part of someone's fleet).

[mrriden]

the Autozone code printout is a bit cryptic in that it really doesn't seem to give the codes. for what it's worth here is the printout in it's entirety:
---------------------------------------
Definition
BBEVAP (evaporative emission system) small leak/no
BBflow condition
Explanation
BBthe evaporative emission system is monitored for
BBit's ability to hold vacuum.
Probable cause
BB1.- Defective or loose fuel cap
BB2.- EVAP canister or hose cracked-not connected
BB3.- Purge or vent solenoid defective
BB4.- Vacuum leak at engine
---------------------------------------------------
So no codes were given to me (makes me want to get my own scanner) bit it seems there is a leak somewhere in the EVAP plumbing. I do have a vacuum gauge and a Mighty Vac but not sure where to start. Cap seemed tight to me and I have not pulled the fuse to reset the lamp yet.

[alordofchaos]

You can ask the guy at the AutoZone for the actual codes (they'll have to scan your car again). Have pen and paper ready to write it down.

A dirty air filter or clogged air intake can cause one of the evap codes. It's worth checking (and it's free to check; $5 or so to replace)