"Check Engine" error codes

Last post on Oct 01, 2009 at 6:04 PM

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#1 of 1 "Check Engine" error codes by patrickswem Oct 01, 2009 (6:04 pm)
98 Sonoma w/ 4.3L V6 (W). Bought used a year ago, check engine light came on while 20 miles away from the seller's location. Contacted seller via cell phone, was told this happens now and again, but it was most likely due to the cat converter or need of tune up. Another 20 miles down the road and the check engine light was back off. I originally assumed it was the cat and tune up, but didn't have the funds to get the parts to do the maintenance. Since then it comes on now and again, then goes back off, and goes back and forth. I finally got some cash, did an oil change, tune up (plugs, wires, rotor and cap, pcv valve), replaced the cat w/ direct fit cat, and replaced the downstream o2 sensor. I figured that would take care of it, but I was wrong. I disconnected the battery to try and clear it but no go. Took it down to the shop and had them test it and got the following 3 codes: ------------------------------------------ P0146: Definition: H02S13 circuit condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 3) Explanation: The Powertrain control module uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air/fuel ratio in the exhaust. Probable Cause: 1. Oxygen sensor defective 2. Fuel system running very rich or lean- check other codes first 3. Engine misfire condition- repair 4. Fuel pressure very high or low- fuel pump or pressure regulator P0452: Definition: Fuel tank pressure sensor condition Explanation: The evaporative emission system sealed condition is monitored by this sensor Possible Cause: 1. Fuel tank pressure sensor defective 2. Check connector and wiring 3. Check hoses and fittings P1870: Definition: Transmission component slipping Explanation: Transmission is in 4th gear with TCC engaged and the ECM has detected excessive slippage when comparing the input shaft speed to the output shaft speed Probable Cause: 1. Trailer towing may set code 2. Check transmission fluid level 3. Internal Transmission fault ------------------------------------- From what I know, when the check engine light comes on, it changes how much fuel is sent to the engine, making it run rich. I could be wrong, it is simply what I have heard, or possibly simply how I took the information given. This would make the explanation of issue 1 normal, and would then make you look at the second cause, which is to check other codes. Also, I don't believe there is a misfire as the engine runs fine, present issue aside. So it seems to me from cause 2 and 4 of the first issue, that there is something wrong with me fuel tank pressure sensor, which is also shown in the second issue. Questions on this would be 1) where is the sensor?, and 2) how do I change the sensor? The third issue gets me. I haven't towed anything, though I have taken loads to the dump which is roughly a mile away from me. My last load was just before replacing my rear shocks, and after weigh-out I found the load was around 1750 lbs., well over capacity for the truck, I know. Could this be the cause? If so how do I rectify the problem? It also states that it could be trans fluid level. I checked this during the oil change, and ended up adding a little. It was clearly discolored and I am certain that I need a fluid swap. If the fluid is the issue, would changing it solve this problem? And I am guessing that if it is the third cause of the issue, that I will most likely need an trans rebuild or swap. Unless you have other ideas. I know this is lengthy, but wanted to give all the info I could, along with ask questions to better educate myself to the problem. Thank you for taking the time, and for any advice you provide. Patrick

#1 of 1: "Check Engine" error codes by patrickswem; Oct 01, 2009 (6:04 pm)

98 Sonoma w/ 4.3L V6 (W).

Bought used a year ago, check engine light came on while 20 miles away from the seller's location. Contacted seller via cell phone, was told this happens now and again, but it was most likely due to the cat converter or need of tune up. Another 20 miles down the road and the check engine light was back off. I originally assumed it was the cat and tune up, but didn't have the funds to get the parts to do the maintenance. Since then it comes on now and again, then goes back off, and goes back and forth.

I finally got some cash, did an oil change, tune up (plugs, wires, rotor and cap, pcv valve), replaced the cat w/ direct fit cat, and replaced the downstream o2 sensor. I figured that would take care of it, but I was wrong. I disconnected the battery to try and clear it but no go. Took it down to the shop and had them test it and got the following 3 codes:
------------------------------------------
P0146:
Definition:
H02S13 circuit condition (heated oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 3)
Explanation:
The Powertrain control module uses the oxygen sensor to calculate the air/fuel ratio in the exhaust.
Probable Cause:
1. Oxygen sensor defective
2. Fuel system running very rich or lean- check other codes first
3. Engine misfire condition- repair
4. Fuel pressure very high or low- fuel pump or pressure regulator

P0452:
Definition:
Fuel tank pressure sensor condition
Explanation:
The evaporative emission system sealed condition is monitored by this sensor
Possible Cause:
1. Fuel tank pressure sensor defective
2. Check connector and wiring
3. Check hoses and fittings

P1870:
Definition:
Transmission component slipping
Explanation:
Transmission is in 4th gear with TCC engaged and the ECM has detected excessive slippage when comparing the input shaft speed to the output shaft speed
Probable Cause:
1. Trailer towing may set code
2. Check transmission fluid level
3. Internal Transmission fault
-------------------------------------

From what I know, when the check engine light comes on, it changes how much fuel is sent to the engine, making it run rich. I could be wrong, it is simply what I have heard, or possibly simply how I took the information given. This would make the explanation of issue 1 normal, and would then make you look at the second cause, which is to check other codes. Also, I don't believe there is a misfire as the engine runs fine, present issue aside. So it seems to me from cause 2 and 4 of the first issue, that there is something wrong with me fuel tank pressure sensor, which is also shown in the second issue. Questions on this would be 1) where is the sensor?, and 2) how do I change the sensor?

The third issue gets me. I haven't towed anything, though I have taken loads to the dump which is roughly a mile away from me. My last load was just before replacing my rear shocks, and after weigh-out I found the load was around 1750 lbs., well over capacity for the truck, I know. Could this be the cause? If so how do I rectify the problem? It also states that it could be trans fluid level. I checked this during the oil change, and ended up adding a little. It was clearly discolored and I am certain that I need a fluid swap. If the fluid is the issue, would changing it solve this problem? And I am guessing that if it is the third cause of the issue, that I will most likely need an trans rebuild or swap. Unless you have other ideas.

I know this is lengthy, but wanted to give all the info I could, along with ask questions to better educate myself to the problem. Thank you for taking the time, and for any advice you provide.

Patrick