Service Engine Soon?

[teemsta]

my 93 k1500 5.7 started to be bogging when first stepping on the gas and after a while it would go away and run fine. now the service engine light came on today but when I turned the truck off the light stayed off. does anyone know what causes the service engine soon light to come on? does it have anything to do with the reason why it boggs for the short period of time when cold? thanks for any and all info

[crabtruck]

I suggest you pull the codes. You know, jumping A(gnd) to B on ALDL, counting the blinks.
An IAC problem might be causing your cold running thing but look for codes first.

[teemsta]

sorrry but have no clue on pulling codes from this truck. how do i get them? is there a web site to read what codes mean? thanks for the help

[lonestar1128]

any sensor input that the computer sees as "outside parameters" will trigger the engine light. pulling the codes will give you a starting point for troubleshooting / repairing. as for actually getting the codes, i don't know how to do it without a scanner. many parts/lube shops (pep boys, jiffy lube, etc.) have scanners for OBD1 chevys. Just don't trust their interpretation of what the codes mean. get the code(s), and come back to this forum or search the internet to find your next step.

[crabtruck]

Here's a link to a related thread
Check Engine Light?
You should have a connector like the one in the dead center of the picture in post #5
On that connector A&B are the two on top, right corner.
The letters are embossed on the plastic. That's an OBD-I type.
For OBD-I a paperclip is about as good as a scanner.
Codes are read by shorting the pin holes with key on, engine off.
Codes (if any) will flash the check lite for each code a certain number of times.
When done, it will repeat them all again. Write down the codes.
A code of 1-2 (12) is "no codes stored"
You could ask local parts place for free scan, some do it.
Try to not disconnect battery or random fuses before getting a read
that can reset codes.

[Case 7230]

Excellent thread. Another super post from crabtruck. I an new to Chevy trucks and to EFI. And although my `92 K1500 does not have any engine related problems (as far as I know) it is posts like these that could turn out to be pure gold. Thanks to everyone.Teemsta, good luck these guys have given you plenty to go on. This forum is great.

[crabtruck]

..........

[teemsta]

case, you took the words right out of my mouth. its great theres a place you can turn to for info before you go and hand your truck over to a shop. thanks fellas

[03chevy]

you can go to autozone and have the codes pulled for free