[Aka Nameless]

Hi, first post here so a little background...

Just bought a 1999 Deville D'Elegance with 61,000 miles for $9,000 2 weeks ago. Car is running fine, then again first cadillac i've ever owned, so who knows.. I have little to no knowledge of auto mechanics but I feel its something I need to learn, well its time, first problem has arisen. Check Gas Cap warning turned on on the main display about 3 days ago, so i check my gas cap, was no dirt or anything and seals looked fine but the warning stayed on when I tightened the cap.

Now as I said I want to learn, I don't want to take it to a mechanic. So I read up a bit on how to check the built in diagnostics "gotta love technology, and these forums", and I get a bunch of errors that say History at the end so I assume those were past problems that were fixed already. But I have 2 codes that are current... PCM P0440 "Evaporative Emissions System" and MSM B2116 "Rear Verticle Sensor Failed".

Are these problems fixable for a beginner to auto mechanics? The car still runs fine, but i'm not about to ignore these problems. I still have a Engine/powertrain warranty from the dealership, but that is very limited. Any Information on these codes and/or how to fix them would be greatly appreciated. Maybe even point me to a website that gives detailed instructions on fixing problems on my car, sorta like www.lextreme.com that i was planning on using for my old car 1990 lexus ls400 before i got rid of it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ranger]

The p0440 code is likely caused by the gas cap. Did you tighten it till it ratchets?

 

[Aka Nameless]

Ya, but unlike on my Lexus, this gascap never stops spinning "although it clicks and clicks and clicks", my lexus would click twice then i couldn't turn it anymore. Maybe a new gascap is in order? Think that may fix both problems?

 

[Ranger]

That is how it is supposed to work. Since you got the check gas cap warning I would try a new one. I'm not sure about the MSM B2116 "Rear Verticle Sensor Failed", but I don't think it is related.

 

[Aka Nameless]

Should I hit up the cadillac dealership for a gas cap? Or there a better place to find them?

 

[Ranger]

probably cheaper here.
http://www.rockauto.com (very fast shipping)

 

[Aka Nameless]

Well, I did a little more research and the MSM B2116 code is a faulty sensor in the drivers seat for the verticle axis. And come to think of it I was messin with the seat a few days ago and when i put it into full recline I felt a pop in the back of the seat. Not an immediate problem i suppose. guess I just have to hope that a new gas cap fixes the other problem.

Thanks for all the help Ranger, you the man.

 

[Ranger]

BTW, I almost forgot. :welcome:

 

[Aka Nameless]

Once I get a new gas cap, how can I check to see if it fixed the problem? I'm assuming I would clear the diagnostics and run a fresh one. How would I go about clearing it? if thats what I do, lol.

 

[Aka Nameless]

Sorry for all the questions, but when I run the diagnostics by turning ignition to on, then press and hold off and warmer does that run a fresh diagnostic or is that an old diagnostics that i'm seeing? in which case i would need to run a new one? Thanks in advance.

 

[Aka Nameless]

BTW, I almost forgot. :welcome:

Thanks, great forums you have here, and Ranger your so damn helpful :thumbsup: .

Hope I picked a good car to learn on.

 

[Ranger]

After you get the new cap, clear the codes and see if it returns. I am not sure what dash configuration you have. If your is like my '97, after the codes have been displayed you will see PCM?. Answer NO with the LOW FAN button. Continue to answer No to the next prompts til you see CLEAR ALL CODES? Answer yes with the HI FAN button. If your dash has the INFO, RESET & ON/OFF button, do a search for the proceedure posted by JimD.

You picked a great car to learn on. You'll find all the help you need here. BTW, a FSM (factory service manual) will be invaluable. NOT Chiltons or Haynes.

Glad to help, and hope I did.

 

[Aka Nameless]

Ya it says "PCM?"

Hope my car is safe to drive, off to work I go... :musical:

Thanks again for the help, i'll let ya know what happens. Think you'll be seeing me around here pretty often.