the car im having trouble with isnt a wagon, but i usually get better help here than from any other forum, its a 1990 buick riviera, and when i turn the car off and remove the key, the Service Engine Soon light illuminates. Anyone have any ideas on whats making this happen?
Check all the fluids and filters. Look at your mileage, compared to the owner's manual recommended service intervals. GM had some computer modules with pre-programmed service intervals. Since the Rivs were the fat-cats sports-car, they relied on this idiot warnings to get the assistant to 'take it in for service'.
but ive tried to reset it with the gas pedal and brake pedal, and unplugging the negative for a whole day. and it still comes back on after you crank it and shut it off. ive just never seen the SES light on with the key not even in the switch
Some non-mechanical filters were programmed too, like Air Conditioner air filters for people with respiratory issues, the fuel recirculation carbon canister. I don't know if they're on the SES system, but if all else fails, and the car is running fine, then those might be the cause. Check the manual or try a good Parts vendor for advice. Sounds weird alright. :confused:
So the light is not on when the key is in the ignition and running? If so, then I would say it is an electrical problem not connected with the system itself (sensors etc), otherwise, is it not possible to read out the fault code? I think it can be done easely by yourself and otherwise I can't imagine it will be so expensive to just have it checked by a garage.
this is a easy one...and you already answered it you said '90's and buick' in the same sentence!! everyone i know that has one (5 pals)...has all kinds of 'gremlins'...dont know why the Chevs dont suffer the same probs....but the Booicks are chronic for it my nieces R/M wagon...you'l be driving along and all of a sudden the radio comes on..or goes off...and as soon as that happens the 'check' light comes on!!! i hate technology!!
I ran across this old post and realized i never updated on it. Problem was with the ECM. I replaced the BCM which didnt affect the engine light, so i put a new ECM in. And that cured the Engine light. THEN it started having a light that said "Electrical Problem" I had a manual for this car and it said that low voltage would cause that, so i charged the battery and no light. After a week or so, the "Electrical Problem" light would reappear. So i sold the car. had it been a 93 model Riv, i would still have it, but 90 had toooo much experimental goodies. The ABS system was crazy looking, and had began to leak, and the wiring was a marvel in itself. so i just sold it.
I think Andy has the best "first thing to do" If it is a "buick bug" and the car has nothing wrong with it, take the bulb out.
Reminds me a filthy rich guy I knew that let people smoke in his car. He always showed up with a new car, so I asked him why. He said the ashtray got full and he didn't know how to take it out! :banghead3:
Hah a two year old thread and I was "suggesting" something because I really had no clue... Sooo how do you fix a Buick CEL? SELL the car!!
