All...I have about 400 miles on my '04 SCAB and the emissions light just poppped on this morning. The only thing I've done to this truck is refill the gas tank. Any thoughts? I searched, but all the emission light threads seem to point to software errors in early model year trucks and aftermarket intakes. My trucks build date is 5/2004, so any input on software updates that were released post-May would be appreciated along with any other thoughts.

Michael

 

Check the fuel cap. If it's not on right it will light the light.

 

Thanks...actually checked that and no change after re-tightening the fuel cap. Although, I should add that I haven't driven the truck since that, only started it up to check the lights.

 

It'll take two consecutive drive cycles before the PCM determines the fault no longer exists and turns the light off. Drive it around a bit.

 

I will hope your wisdom proves correct...I was feeling a little frustrated about trading in a perfectly good '97 SCAB for an '04 that threw a code in the first K of miles. Stay tuned and thanks.

 

Dont get frustrated over it, these trucks are so complex its near impossible to learn all the little details. With the complexity of the computers there is all sorts of little tricks which 90% of people would never figure out. Just stick around these boards and youll find any information you need.

 

No joy. I went through two drive cycles; started, drove around, stopped the engine, got coffee, rinse and repeat. Then I started the car for a third time and the emissions light is still lit up. I'm pretty confident the gas cap is on tight.

Anybody have any other ideas? Is there any reasons putting a higher octane gas into the engine might throw a code? I know the truck doesn't need anything higher than 87, but I'm a moron new car owner and put some higher test stuff into the tank.

-Michael

 

The manual says it takes 3 driving cycles and "a driving cycle consists of a cold engine startup followed by mixed city/highway driving".

Instead of waiting for the "driving cycles", you may want to disconnect the negative battery cable for 10 minutes to clear the code. If the warning light comes on again after reconnection and startup, bring it into your dealer so they can see what code it is throwing.

Good luck,

 

Thanks John...appreciate the correction.

 

I was told it could take up to 1 hour to clear a code by disconnecting the negative battery cable. Dont know if that makes any difference.

 

Well the truck is now going in for service tonight...I had to drive to a couple of meetings today and on warm starts and drives, the truck started behaving like it was mis-firing or like an injector was clogged up. I'm taking it in to have them check the code and fix this mother. I've never had to take a vehicle of any make or model into a service department in the first 1000 miles...so this is not confidence-building.

-Michael

 

I have heard that you disconnect the negative terminal and then tap the brake inside the car. This is supposed to clear the memory.

 

Thanks, but this isn't about the light any more...this is about the driveability...there is a definite issue that needs to be investigated.

 

Disconnecting the battery clears the long and short term fuel trims as well, something you may not want to do, although if it's having drivability problems, it won't matter. Tote it down to the dealer. Don't sweat it, sometimes, stuff happens.

 

I have had to take my truck in 2 times already once for a paint chip/bubble just above my driverside rearview mirror and this last time for wheel alignment and Window smear.

I have owned the truck a whole 6 weeks but I do have to admit I still love it even with the few minor issues.