i got my first check engine light today.

i have no idea why. it didnt give me it this morning, but after work it was on.

i DO have the GMPP intake...but ive had it on for months without any CEL.
any ideas?

 

sometimes **** happens randomly... go have the code read... reset it... if it happens again... head to the dealer...

 

how can i get it read?

 

does the GM 2.4 intake come with an oiled filter?

 

with a diagnostic machine. go to auto zone, they do it for free.

 

i can just go up there and say "can i get my CEL read?"

 

i've done it before twice when i had my pontiac.

 

if you bought gas within the last few days check and make sure your cap is tight....not tight =vapor leak=cel

 

The Cobalt is well known for throwing codes all the time. It is VERY picky. Usually its a lean code. P0171. It'll happen if you get a hiccup in an injector, like maybe a speck of dirt spraying through. There are others. Getting your code read is really super easy and free. Like above, AutoZone will check and clear it for free. GM will too, but they are more likely to suggest you fix something as a result, which often isn't necessary.

 

if i do take it to a dealership...should i put back on my original intake and engine cover stuff?

 

Try AutoZone first. If it's a not one of the codes these guys mentioned, take it to a dealership. I've used AutoZone in my previous car, a Saturn. They've always been helpful.

 

so like ill only get a code right...what do i do with the code?

 

Had mine check about one month ago...roughly one month after I had the performance muffler installed. Took it to Spitzer (Dealer) ...they needed to download some new software for the flashing on the computer. Fixed it up, NO charge! Those guys are great, I am VERY glad a bought the car from them (Spitzer in Northfield).

BTW ... this is the fourth CEL I have had, one about two weeks after I bought it and once for every upgrade GM has installed since (except for the K&N I installed). That ol' puter inside the engine is fussy.

Got myself an early Xmas present.... one of those popup DVD players for the dash...now how to install it?

 

Depending on the scanner, you will at least get a code, and perhaps if the scanner has it what that code means. The list of DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) is somewhat standard for all vehicles. The lists for the Cobalts is posted here on this forum (courtesy WopOnTour).

If your code is a lean code (probably), and you went to the dealer with your intake on, the dealer would tell you its because of your intake. That's a load of crap, but that is what they would say.

Just go to Autozone already and get it read and then come back and tell us what the code was.

 

ok just came back form autozone. they couldnt link up. the scanner just said link error.

the guy told me its probably nothing if it wont link up, but i dunno. i thought it would at least link up and tell me theres nothing wrong.

 

That doesn't make sense. Can you go to another Autozone or DAP store in town? Maybe their scanner is messed up.

If another store has the same problem (link error) you need to take it to the dealer.

For peace-of-mind pick up your own scanner @$70.00 at AutoZone -- I have the Actron CP9125 (any manufacturer will do). It reads the codes, comes with a how-to booklet w/DTC listing, and can erase the codes too. That way no matter where you are if a CEL hits you can check for yourself and know whether or not it is safe to drive your Cobalt before taking it (or not taking it) to the dealer.

 

Yeah, that is strange. Try another store with a different scanner.

 

Yeah, it's either a lean code... or I had mine because my catalytic converter on my 2.2 was bad! And it ran just fine, just had a CEL!

 

should i just take it to a dealer? i dont really wanna buy a scanner...i dont plan on having alot of CELs lol.hopefully not. there might be one more autozone around here. im just kinda nervous about driving it around. it feels like its running fine though.

 

Its amazing isn't it? How that little stinking light puts the panic of armaggedon into you. Go ahead and take it to a dealer if you don't have any other autozones. Like I said, if its a lean code, they will try to blame your intake, but that's no big deal. Just have them clear the code. But if its not a lean code, you will be in the right place to get it fixed properly under warrenty, so you'll be fine.

 

Did u put gas in your car any time not to long ago? I get a CEL if my gas cap isint on tight. If thats the case, retighten the gas cap, and drive for awaile. I think it takes like 7 or 8 cycles to get it to go off along with some driving.

 

Some code scanners sold at Autozone are incompatible with the CAN Bus. I get a link error on a 2.2 with mine, but it works fine on a 2.0.

Also the lean code your'e referencing has nothing to do with injectors, nor the engine actually running lean. It means that your long term fuel trim values have exceeded a positive 20% trim correction twice for a period of longer than 2 minutes each time. Usually happens because of a large amount of incoming air that hasn't been accounted for by the MAF sensor. The correct DTC description is Fuel Trim System Lean.

 

CEL is just telling you something has been detected and you should schedule your car with the dealer to check it out. If the CEL goes out after driving a while it means it is not serious enough to stop driving. CELs set for a number of reasons, including intermittant problems.

A scanner is not for everyone -- I keep one just in case a CEL appears on any of my vehicles. If I were to get a CEL then I don't have to wonder what it is for -- I'll just check it myself rather than worry that I might cause more damage by continuing to drive.

 

The Actron CP9125 works fine on my 2.2.

 

Okay, I understand your description. I don't have access to service manuals with that precise of detail. So now what could the causes of that be? I would guess the following.

Dirty or low indicating MAF
Induction leak downstream of MAF
Incorrect lean O2 sensor indication (hence asking for more fuel)

Now once again, we don't even know if that's what his code is yet. But assuming it is, it would be logical to check his intake installation of induction leaks (loose fittings).

Now that I think about it, I need to buy a service manual. Forgot to put that on my Christmas list.