Hi all,

Owner of a 2004 Dale Earnhardt SS/SC Monte Carlo, out of the frozen tundra of MN.

Recently my check engine light came on. Is there a way to check codes without going to the mechanic or using a scanner? I don't have a scanner...how much do they usually run?

At one time you could run a jumper wire between two ports on the wire block under the dash and the car would blink the code. Don't know if this is the case with the 04 Monte.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think AutoZone can scan your code for free.

 

my scaner is a Maxiscan MS309 OBD2 SCANNER CODE~READER I got mine for $36.00
http://www.carpartslights.com/maxisc...4psi3m4h989pa3
but x2 what amy said about auto zone

 

You can pick up a basic scanner for like $30 then just research the code. there is a list of codes and what they mean somewhere in this forum.. under the general tech area

 

I just go to my local AutoZone.
They have a Code Reader that they will let you use. Just leave your License.

Read the Codes.
Write down the Codes and Pendings so you have a record.

Bring the reader back inside and have them give you a READ-OUT.
The Read-Out is a paper strip with the Codes and Troubleshooting Sequence.

 

Thanks all. Where would I plug the scanner into? Is it a block under the dash?

 

Yes it's under the dash on the driver's side. The check engine lights that blinked were OBD1, OBD2 is used in cars '96 and newer.

 

And of course the light goes out as I am on my way to O' Reilly's to use the scanner.

Anyhow, I came up with a PO128 code. Looks like the most likely issues are my thermostat or the coolant level/strength.

Thanks all for your help! Hopefully one both of these fixes will take care of the issue. If there is something else you suggest I look at, please let me know.

 

Mine threw that code once a few weeks ago, but it hasn't come back yet.

 

If you threw that Code ...

Pop the Hood
Look at the Coolant Expansion Tank.
IF there's an AIR BUBBLE at the Top of the "Gooseneck" where the Overflow Hose is attached to the Tank, ...

Undo the Tank.
Unclip the Hose if its attached to wiring or frame.
Put-on Rubber Gloves.
Flip-open the Filler Lid, ...

Using Rubber Glove pressure on the Filler Neck, ... keep the Tank from Leaking.
Lift-up and Forward holding the Tank above the Battery.
INVERT the Tank and ROTATE it, ... FILLING the Voids and letting AIR Escape.
Hold the Filler Neck TIGHTLY so Coolant does NOT leak.

With the Expansion Tank NO Longer "Air Bound" ... let as much Coolant FLOW from the TANK into the Radiator.
(Paper Towels held against the Filler Neck will keep leaking to a minimum.)

Pitch, Roll and Yaw the Tank ... letting the AIR Escape and Coolant ENTER the Radiator.

When the Bubbles Stop ... OR ... Coolant Tank EMPTIES back into Radiator, ...
REPLACE Tank -- DO NOT TIGHTEN Hold-down Nuts.

Open Radiator Cap.
INSPECT Coolant Level.
Add Coolant if needed.

Adding Coolant:
50/50 Mix. Pour into Radiator.
START Engine. Heater Controls FULL w/ Fan on High.
FILL Radiator with Engine running.
Let ALL AIR Escape.
Continue adding Coolant UNTIL THERMOSTAT OPENS and circulates Coolant.
FILL Radiator until ALL Air is gone and Coolant is HOT and begins to overflow.
REPLACE Radiator Cap.

FILL Expansion Tank with Coolant until Level rises to Top of Gooseneck.
Add additional 1-Inch more.
Shut-Off Engine.
Maneuver Expansion Tank BACK to ABOVE Battery.
Have assistant START Engine.
>> AS BEFORE <<
Invert ... Pitch ... Roll and Yaw Expansion Tank until ALL AIR is evacuated.

STOP Engine.
Mount Expansion Tank.
FILL to LINE on Tank. L@@K for it.
Highlight the LINE with a Magic Marker.

++ Make the LINE and Fluid LEVEL --- Even!

Monitor Coolant Level Every Day for 2-Weeks.
If you lose COOLANT ...
Find-out where its going!!!