Check Engine Light

[boblowes]

My 2014 (New to me last week) with 44,000 miles on it keeps turning on the yellow engine light. It's happened three times and after taking it back to the Dealer twice, they checked it and said it was OK. It's on again after driving 115 miles. Is this something that occurs to most or do I have a code that the dealer doesn't want to address. I'm still under the factory warranty and I purchased the "Extended Warranty" so I'm covered no matter what. I don't have a Owners Manual so I don't really know what it means. I checked the fluid levels and all are on the mark. I called the Dealer and he said to bring it back in and they'll check it again. They're 54 miles away. Could I do any harm by driving it? On the PT Cruiser you could bring up the codes on the speedometer by turning the key on 5 times. I have an OBI11 Scanner but can't figure where the plug is.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[Maddmatts]

OBD port is under the dash on the drivers side.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

My 2014 (New to me last week) with 44,000 miles on it keeps turning on the yellow engine light. It's happened three times and after taking it back to the Dealer twice, they checked it and said it was OK. It's on again after driving 115 miles. Is this something that occurs to most or do I have a code that the dealer doesn't want to address. I'm still under the factory warranty and I purchased the "Extended Warranty" so I'm covered no matter what. I don't have a Owners Manual so I don't really know what it means. I checked the fluid levels and all are on the mark. I called the Dealer and he said to bring it back in and they'll check it again. They're 54 miles away. Could I do any harm by driving it? On the PT Cruiser you could bring up the codes on the speedometer by turning the key on 5 times. I have an OBI11 Scanner but can't figure where the plug is.
Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob,

We understand how frustrating it may be when the dealership is unable to duplicate your concern. We welcome the opportunity to touch base with them and review your situation in greater depth. We're available via private message and would need your VIN, contact information, and preferred dealership to get started.

Kindly,

Jasmine
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[boblowes]

New 2014 Owner in Georgia

Checked it out and there weren't any codes. Turned light off and it came back on 22 miles later. Still have 1500 miles before next oil change. Checked breather tube, gas cap, all OK. Going back to the dealer tomorrow. If it keeps on, they're going to have a 2014 Sonic for sale again.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Care]

Checked it out and there weren't any codes. Turned light off and it came back on 22 miles later. Still have 1500 miles before next oil change. Checked breather tube, gas cap, all OK. Going back to the dealer tomorrow. If it keeps on, they're going to have a 2014 Sonic for sale again.

Hi boblowes,

We're sorry to hear that this check engine light concern has returned. Please keep us posted on how it goes at the dealership and let us know if we can be of any additional assistance!

Chelsea D.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[boblowes]

The dealer checked and found that the breather tube had a very small crack. They replaced it. Total cost: $216. I have the Extended Warranty Ins so I paid $100. Not bad for a $43. breather tube on Amazon. I must say the car runs much better and the MPG Gauge went from 29.9 to 37 MPG. I checked the MPG this morning when I filled up and was getting 30.2. Will check it again in two days as I drive 106 miles each day.
I am going to remove the new tube and spray it with the Rubber Sealer you see advertised on TV. Should outlast the car.
Thanks for all the help. I should of listened to what I was told and wrapped the old tube in duct tape. Never too old to learn!

 

[Donic]

Hi boblowes,

We're sorry to hear that this check engine light concern has returned. Please keep us posted on how it goes at the dealership and let us know if we can be of any additional assistance!

Chelsea D.
Chevrolet Customer Care

My check engine light came on 8 months ago. had it checked out - the car shop fixed one item, and I bypassed the recommendation for some other fix. Light went away for months. It is back now. Car repair shop tells me its a stuck thermostat. $491 to replace. Said computer shows a code of PO597.

Questions: Is it safe to drive the car for awhile yet - am tight on funds. If it begins to overheat, wouldn't another warning light come on and tell me to let it cool down? Also, is $491 a fair price for a thermostat replacement? And is there any possibility the problem is with the diagnostic systems rather than with the thermostat itself (e.g. false warning..)??

Thanks!

Don

 

[boblowes]

Just for your info-I bought a 04 Explorer and after 2 days the CEL came on. I took it to a shop who said the thermostat was stuck. Replaced it and the housing ($215) and I drove it 43 miles and was pulled over by a Deputy who stated that I was blowing steam from my engine. It was 0430 (dark) and I hadn't noticed. We opened the hood and the temperature sending unit was laying on the block and steam was blowing out the hole. Had it towed to a Ford dealer who said the engine (head gasket) was blown. $5900 to replace. The warning lights never came on.
If I was you, I'd be very careful driving a car with thermostat problems in this summer heat. Can't trust the Warning Lights. I traded the Explorer in on my Sonic. Gave me $500. Only lost $3700.

 

[Maddmatts]

P0597 is when the heating element inside the thermostat is broken. The t-stat will still open a little but probably not enough to keep the engine within it's normal operating spec.

It might be safe to drive for 10 minutes every few hours. Engine heat can be somewhat removed by turning your HVAC to full heat and set the fan to the highest setting. Your Sonic will be a sweatbox but every bit of heat leaving the vents is heat no longer in the engine. Keep in mind that this trick won't be enough for constant driving.

 

[Mad*Max]

My Sonic's check engine light came on last night - I used the code reader and it said there are two codes but when I went to read them they both said "N/A" - I have never seen that before.

I reset the codes and have been clear since, any idea what it could be or someone have a similar experience?