Engine Alarm!!!!! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Stylish · 07-03-2009, 05:42 AM

I just had an Engine Alarm ON which is located in the MPH gauge. I have called OnStar to check this problem and they made a car diagnostic. Then they told if I made any fuel refill for my car because the fuel cap is not closed well!! (I don't know what is the relation between the Engine Alarm and the fuel cap).
Anyway they told me I need to check the fuel cap and close it well then they said to drive the car for a day or so to see if the Engine Alarm turn off or not. Then they told if its still ON, I have to take it to my dealer to check the car.
I just want to mention that my Camaro is a 2SS/RS with an Auto Transmission and the mileage is 458!

I am wondering if any one have an idea or similar issue.

Scott@Bjorn3D · 07-03-2009, 05:47 AM

Engine Alarm is alot like the check engine light. 90% of these case are gas cap not on tight. The system creates a vacumn and if not right the computer detects it and reports the issue.

Stylish · 07-03-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott@Bjorn3D

Engine Alarm is alot like the check engine light. 90% of these case are gas cap not on tight. The system creates a vacumn and if not right the computer detects it and reports the issue.

I didn't know that gas cap might cause this Engine Alarm Light. Thanks for the info.
But the gas cap is well closed, I checked it twice.
Do you have any idea what else it could be? :(

Verio · 07-03-2009, 06:24 AM

If the gas cap is closed well, and was already closed well... it's time to take it to the dealer and not let people theory craft your problem. There are quite a few VERY knowledgeable people on this board. On the flip side, there are a lot of people who give very BAD advice.

If my engine light was on, I'd be calling to have it picked up on a flat bed truck. It doesn't cost you a dime, and I'm not going to risk engine damage.

Scott@Bjorn3D · 07-03-2009, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Verio

If the gas cap is closed well, and was already closed well... it's time to take it to the dealer and not let people theory craft your problem. There are quite a few VERY knowledgeable people on this board. On the flip side, there are a lot of people who give very BAD advice.

If my engine light was on, I'd be calling to have it picked up on a flat bed truck. It doesn't cost you a dime, and I'm not going to risk engine damage.

Trying to figure out if you just slammed me.

*radz28* · 07-03-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott@Bjorn3D

Trying to figure out if you just slammed me.

Please keep comments respectful.

CamaroScotty · 07-03-2009, 08:36 AM

Scott is correct.

This happens on just about all GM cars and trucks, and has been for years.

You CAN drive it.

If there is a serious issue that warrant NOT DRIVING, the engine light will FLASH and you should NOT drive your car!

duder4thgen · 07-03-2009, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroScotty

Scott is correct.

This happens on just about all GM cars and trucks, and has been for years.

You CAN drive it.

If there is a serious issue that warrant NOT DRIVING, the engine light will FLASH and you should NOT drive your car!

To the OP-
Just to add, this isnt just GM vehicles, its across the board for all new vehicles as part of federal emission requirements.

I've personally seen these new 'easy off' gas caps do this every once in a while. Even if it looks like its on perfect sometimes they just arent right, nothings wrong with the cap or the car, just happens. If you havent already, when you have the car off, take the gas cap back off and screw it back on, just to make sure its on there good.

Also, Onstar told you it was the gas cap because your computer is throwing a trouble code specific to the gas cap.

2SSJIM · 07-03-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroScotty

Scott is correct.

This happens on just about all GM cars and trucks, and has been for years.

You CAN drive it.

If there is a serious issue that warrant NOT DRIVING, the engine light will FLASH and you should NOT drive your car!

+1! Happened to my GF truck! Check engine light came on and the gas cap had to be re-tightened but still had to go get the code reset!

Scott@Bjorn3D · 07-03-2009, 09:23 AM

Yep happened to my Honda and Autozone dude reset it for me for free.

themossman · 07-03-2009, 10:10 AM

On my M3 I had the light come on (service engine soon) and off intermittently and it was always blamed on the gas cap. Finally after being very insistent the dealer performed more extensive testing and found that it was a bad coil pack. (which was a known issue on the M3 and for which a tech bulletin existed)

My engine was never 'at risk' as there's was another warning indicator that would have lit if it was an 'at risk' issue. I would suggest resetting the gas cap, get 20-30 miles driving done...add some more gas/fill up...ensure gas cap is seated properly...and get another 20-30 miles done. Then, if issue still exists take it to the dealer and have them pull codes and diagnose.

Not sure if that's "bad advice", but that's what I would do based on experience.

carfansince73 · 07-03-2009, 10:38 AM

Look at it this way, it's another reminder for those absent minded people who forget to put their gas caps back on and end up driving around with it rubbing and scratching their paint.

Note this was NOT a slam on the OP because his just wasn't tight enough.

*Camaro_Corvette* · 07-03-2009, 10:51 AM

Common problem. Just didn't put it on tight enough.

96rss/ls6 · 07-03-2009, 12:14 PM

Hey here is another thing that could be causing it and I had no idea. I thought I knew about all there is to know about these new engines but one of my buddies who is a master tech said when you pump gas , once the pump cuts itself off do not keep pumping that last little bit in because it will mess up the carbon cannister and set off this same light. I had no idea. Maybee this is common knowledge, but ive built many of these engines and never heard anything like this

07-03-2009, 05:42 AM	#1
Stylish Stylish Drives: None, Camaro very soon! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 59	Engine Alarm!!!!! I just had an Engine Alarm ON which is located in the MPH gauge. I have called OnStar to check this problem and they made a car diagnostic. Then they told if I made any fuel refill for my car because the fuel cap is not closed well!! (I don't know what is the relation between the Engine Alarm and the fuel cap). Anyway they told me I need to check the fuel cap and close it well then they said to drive the car for a day or so to see if the Engine Alarm turn off or not. Then they told if its still ON, I have to take it to my dealer to check the car. I just want to mention that my Camaro is a 2SS/RS with an Auto Transmission and the mileage is 458! I am wondering if any one have an idea or similar issue. __________________ 2SS. Black on Black. RS Package. Sun roof. 6 speed Auto with tap shift.

07-03-2009, 06:24 AM	#4
Verio Taking it 1 day at a time Drives: 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS/RS Auto Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 751 View My Garage	If the gas cap is closed well, and was already closed well... it's time to take it to the dealer and not let people theory craft your problem. There are quite a few VERY knowledgeable people on this board. On the flip side, there are a lot of people who give very BAD advice. If my engine light was on, I'd be calling to have it picked up on a flat bed truck. It doesn't cost you a dime, and I'm not going to risk engine damage. __________________ Order#: NJWGTF 1100, Preliminary order accepted 04/27/2009 6000, Delivered to the customer 07/23/2009 - 3 Months (worth the wait!!)

07-03-2009, 10:10 AM	#11
themossman Apprehensive Optimist Drives: '10 SS/RS SIM Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: JAX Posts: 1,383	On my M3 I had the light come on (service engine soon) and off intermittently and it was always blamed on the gas cap. Finally after being very insistent the dealer performed more extensive testing and found that it was a bad coil pack. (which was a known issue on the M3 and for which a tech bulletin existed) My engine was never 'at risk' as there's was another warning indicator that would have lit if it was an 'at risk' issue. I would suggest resetting the gas cap, get 20-30 miles driving done...add some more gas/fill up...ensure gas cap is seated properly...and get another 20-30 miles done. Then, if issue still exists take it to the dealer and have them pull codes and diagnose. Not sure if that's "bad advice", but that's what I would do based on experience. __________________ Car is for sale --->http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158486 Current Summary: Engine:Phase One-(All work by Vengeance Racing): Custom Cam, AR Headers, ported throttle body, ported intake, custom tune, dual valve springs, hardened push rods, under drive pulley, thermostat, Vararam CAI, C5R timing chain, Melling oil pump catch can, breather, MagnaFlow Sport Axle Back Suspension: Pfadt Sport Sway Bars, Pfadt drop springs Other: MGW Shifter, Custom Paint my build journal ---->http://camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30057

07-03-2009, 10:38 AM	#12
carfansince73 Drives: Carefully Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 1,213 View My Garage	Look at it this way, it's another reminder for those absent minded people who forget to put their gas caps back on and end up driving around with it rubbing and scratching their paint. Note this was NOT a slam on the OP because his just wasn't tight enough. __________________ 2010 1SS RS, LS3, SIM/Black, painted rally stripes, AAC sidemarkers, Sunroof, B.A. sound sys; 20x9.5 & 20x11 SV1-C5's; MGW short shifter; Hotchkis Track Pack; Corsa catback; Kooks 1 7/8"; ADM Street; Magnacharger TVS2300 - 548rwhp/512rwtq 1100- 2/18/09; 3800- 6/15/09 VIN#18308; Delivered 6/29/09!!!!! 2014 CTS-V Sedan, Black/Black, Auto, Recaros, Ultra-view, Red Brembos. Stock

07-03-2009, 10:51 AM	#13
Camaro_Corvette 36.58625, -121.7568 Drives: Team 1LE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 23,709 View My Garage	Common problem. Just didn't put it on tight enough. __________________ I am seriously never serious vv V vv Next order of business

07-03-2009, 05:47 AM	#2
Scott@Bjorn3D Drives: Kami, 2013 2SS LS3 Luvin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 6,427	Engine Alarm is alot like the check engine light. 90% of these case are gas cap not on tight. The system creates a vacumn and if not right the computer detects it and reports the issue.

07-03-2009, 08:36 AM	#7
CamaroScotty Account Suspended Drives: Your new SLP Camaro! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Cedarburg, WI Posts: 6,801	Scott is correct. This happens on just about all GM cars and trucks, and has been for years. You CAN drive it. If there is a serious issue that warrant NOT DRIVING, the engine light will FLASH and you should NOT drive your car!

07-03-2009, 09:23 AM	#10
Scott@Bjorn3D Drives: Kami, 2013 2SS LS3 Luvin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 6,427	Yep happened to my Honda and Autozone dude reset it for me for free.

07-03-2009, 12:14 PM	#14
96rss/ls6 Inferno is the only color Drives: 96 ls6 camaro, iom 2ss/rss / Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: greer south carolina Posts: 236 View My Garage	Hey here is another thing that could be causing it and I had no idea. I thought I knew about all there is to know about these new engines but one of my buddies who is a master tech said when you pump gas , once the pump cuts itself off do not keep pumping that last little bit in because it will mess up the carbon cannister and set off this same light. I had no idea. Maybee this is common knowledge, but ive built many of these engines and never heard anything like this __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
BMEP-Or why you only need 1 camshaft	rayhawk	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	25	12-03-2008 12:28 AM
LS9 SC old news. Here comes the LSX. 850HP, 840 lb-ft of Torgue	13F20	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	15	09-22-2008 04:35 PM
Camaro ls3 news...true or false?	Dark Knight	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	74	06-05-2008 05:29 PM
GM moves closer to HCCI engine production	Scotsman	Camaro V8 LS3 / L99 Engine, Exhaust, and Bolt-Ons	16	05-16-2008 06:16 PM
Axial Vector Engine	Mr. Wyndham	General Automotive + Other Cars Discussion	6	06-20-2007 04:00 PM