Service Engine Light?? New to this...

mychelleDeVille99 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-07, 10:38 PM

I have had my 99 DeVille for only a week now, and although it is a beautiful car with 92,000 miles on it, I don't want to regret trading in my trusty, boring Cavalier for it. A few days into riding in style, the "Service Engine Soon" light came on and has stayed on. There have been other odd things happen as well, the "Service Air Bag" warning was briefly displayed, the fuel door opened and would not shut, and the power door locks have behaved oddly. This may seem obvious, but can these issues be caused by cold weather? I live in Minnesota, and didn't notice any thing wrong until the temperature was around 10 degrees and below. By the way, everything seems to be working well and running fine, and the car starts right up even in the cold weather. I guess these other things are making me nervous. The only other thing I have noticed about the car is a sort of "oil burning" smell occasionally. I haven't even gotten through half of the owner's manual yet, can anyone tell me what I should do? I probably shouldn't ignore the "Service Engine " light, but of course I do not have a ton of money to spend... or else I would have bought a new Caddy with a warranty!! Thank you for any response, this website is great, has so much information!!

**Ranger** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-07, 10:57 PM

Cold weather should not have any effect on what you are experiencing. Check the battery cables for corrosion and a clean, tight connection. Then go to the Tech Tips section and read the "sticky" on how to pull the DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). If your SES light is on, a DTC is stored. That will tell you what tripped the light. It will be emission related.

mychelleDeVille99 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-07, 04:18 PM

Ok, an update, today, as mysteriously as it came on, the Service Engine light also went off...?? It was a wonderful thing, although I don't know why it did either thing. Anyways, so the service light is only emissions related? Meaning that it wouldn't be anything too serious, say to leave me stranded somewhere? And the other thing with the burning oil smell? Urgent situation or not? Thank you! (Sorry, I'm just a girl and this is the most complicated vehicle I have ever driven.)

MG Ron · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-07, 04:36 PM

Did you purchase your car from a dealer or from a private party? If it was a dealer, did they provide any type of a warranty (i.e. 30 days)? In any case, it might be worthwhile to take it back to have them take a quick look at the issues that you have identified. Even used car dealers need to be a bit concerned about their reputation.

misfit6794 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-07, 06:06 PM

Check engine light is emissions related, you probably have a bad oxygen sensor, its about $120 for a new one. Did you notice any oil on the ground, or any smoke coming from the engine bay, where the oil would be burning. You could be low on oil, my deville drinks about 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. But definetly take it back to the dealer unless you bought it as is.

**Ranger** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-07, 09:05 PM

Yes, the SES light is emissions related. Whatever tripped it set a DTC. When the fault is not detected for 3 ignition cycles, the light goes off and the DTC goes into history where it will remain for about 50 ignition cycles. Pull the codes like I told you and post the stored DTCs. They will either be current or history. The onboard diagnostics will store many more DTCs that do not turn on the SES light.

The burning oil smell is obviously a leak somewhere (not uncommom). Probably dripping on an exhaust pipe. Not likely to leave you stranded.