CEL Advice

Tara Martin · 07-12-2018, 07:56 AM

I drove home from work yesterday, and after parking in my garage noticed that the CEL was on. I'm usually pretty observant, but didn't notice it until I pulled into the garage. There's no indications of anything wrong; good oil pressure, good engine temperature, and the car drives fine (M6.) I had to drive to work this morning and everything acts fine with all normal readings on the gauges.

Is there a way to reset this light and find out why it illuminated in the first place? Is it true that you can hit your OnStar button and ask them what the code is for the CEL?

Thanks for any help!

Tara

2017 ZL-1 M6 - all stock/no mods

Tara Martin · 07-12-2018, 08:45 AM

Update: I just got an email from OnStar advanced diagnostics saying that a problem popped up with my emission system and to take it to the dealer within 7 days.

Ugh, my dealer's an hour away...

Lethal Z · 07-12-2018, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tara Martin

Update: I just got an email from OnStar advanced diagnostics saying that a problem popped up with my emission system and to take it to the dealer within 7 days.

Ugh, my dealer's an hour away...

Another option is to go to your local auto parts store and get buy a Code Reader (around $100). It will let you know the exact engine error code and allow you to clear the dash CEL. The code reader will come with a manual that will list every CEL code and what they mean. If it's minor, you can just clear the code and life goes on. If the code indicates it's serious, you will need to bring it into the dealership. Good luck.

kaamacat · 07-12-2018, 09:18 AM

I've had OBDCarDoctor (free) on my iPhone for a while now and it works great for reading CELS, description of them.... lots of live stats plus ability to reset. Just get a Bluetooth or Wifi dongle from Amazon (ELM327...etc), and you are set.

303MattB · 07-12-2018, 07:19 PM

A lot of parts stores will read the codes for you.

My C5 would tell you the codes on the DIC. I wonder if we can get to them on ours.

hashtag · 07-12-2018, 07:45 PM

When was the last time you put fuel-in?

Tara Martin · 07-13-2018, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hashtag

When was the last time you put fuel-in?

It's interesting that you asked that. I usually fuel up once a week. Yesterday, after I fueled up and I restarted the car a couple of times, the CEL disappeared. There's still no other indication of anything wrong. I guess I'll wait and see if it was transient or comes on again.

Thanks!

Gunkk · 07-13-2018, 01:00 PM

Bluetooth OBD2 readers are <$20 on amazon. If you have an android phone you can use the Torque app (free) to read them.

07-12-2018, 07:56 AM	#1
Tara Martin Loves Camaros Drives: Red '79 Z28, '21 Red Hot M6 ZL-1! Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 1,623 View My Garage	CEL Advice I drove home from work yesterday, and after parking in my garage noticed that the CEL was on. I'm usually pretty observant, but didn't notice it until I pulled into the garage. There's no indications of anything wrong; good oil pressure, good engine temperature, and the car drives fine (M6.) I had to drive to work this morning and everything acts fine with all normal readings on the gauges. Is there a way to reset this light and find out why it illuminated in the first place? Is it true that you can hit your OnStar button and ask them what the code is for the CEL? Thanks for any help! Tara 2017 ZL-1 M6 - all stock/no mods __________________ Old and new, sharing space!

07-12-2018, 08:45 AM	#2
Tara Martin Loves Camaros Drives: Red '79 Z28, '21 Red Hot M6 ZL-1! Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 1,623 View My Garage	Update: I just got an email from OnStar advanced diagnostics saying that a problem popped up with my emission system and to take it to the dealer within 7 days. Ugh, my dealer's an hour away... __________________ Old and new, sharing space!

07-12-2018, 09:18 AM	#4
kaamacat Drives: 2018 ZL1/1LE Red Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 321	I've had OBDCarDoctor (free) on my iPhone for a while now and it works great for reading CELS, description of them.... lots of live stats plus ability to reset. Just get a Bluetooth or Wifi dongle from Amazon (ELM327...etc), and you are set. __________________ BobR 2018 ZL1 1LE (Red) - New Dec 2017 2015 ViperGT (Gunmetal w/Red stripes) 2013 ZR1 Anniversary 2014 ZL1 - BrightYellow, 6sp 2011 Porsche GT3RS - White w/red graphics 2009 Porsche C2S 2001 Ferrari 360

07-12-2018, 07:45 PM	#6
hashtag Drives: 2018 ZL1 A10/2018 GT350R #JR603 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Dublin CA Posts: 819	When was the last time you put fuel-in? __________________ 2018GT350R+2018 ZL1 "Red Hot" A10 w/ PDR, Nav, Carbon Fiber Hood insert, Carbon Fiber Dash Insert, Carbon Fiber Fuel Dior & Sun Roof. T/M T-Body, Roto Fab & Borla S Type.

07-12-2018, 07:19 PM	#5
303MattB Drives: ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Denver Posts: 18	A lot of parts stores will read the codes for you. My C5 would tell you the codes on the DIC. I wonder if we can get to them on ours.

07-13-2018, 01:00 PM	#8
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,978 View My Garage	Bluetooth OBD2 readers are <$20 on amazon. If you have an android phone you can use the Torque app (free) to read them.

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