Similar Solenoid problem...

jrt7878 · 09-14-2009, 11:15 AM

I have a 2006 GMC Siera 4x4 with 27000 miles, the check engine light recently came on, so I brought it to the shop, the mechanic ran the codes and said it could be one of two problems, the first being that the the gas cap was not properly on which would have have popped the light on, the second was that I could have a problem with the fuel solenoid vent (which is apparently pretty common on 2000 and newer GMC trucks), however the mechanic reset the light and it stayed off for 5 days until it came on again when I had below 1/8 tank of gas. I'm not convinced that it is the solenoid problem, today I filled the tank and I want to reset the check engine light again to see if it follows the same pattern, How do I do this? and based on the above information what is the

mudseeker · 09-14-2009, 11:27 AM

the mechanic could have solved it real fast by commanding the system closed with a tech2 and smoke testing it or did you just want him to pull codes? dirt and overfilling the tank can cause these to go bad.

NCroadracer · 09-14-2009, 01:55 PM

An EVAP system test requirement is that the fuel level can not be more than 3/4 or less than 1/4 in order for the self test to innitiate.... Some people have evap problems and don't get a light for miles and miles as a result. There are a list of other conditions that must be met prior to the test running also.

THe mechanic could have very easily done a purge/seal test while you were there, as it only takes an additional 30 seconds MAX. Sounds like you got a lazy or incompetent mechanic.

jrt7878 · 09-14-2009, 08:12 PM

I appreciate the feedback. And I got a follow up question, the same mechanic said he could take care of it for around $300 parts and labor which i don't exactly have right now. If I run the truck around town for a couple weeks is there any way I could do any actuall damage? I figure since it's just potentially an emisions problem I'll be fine but im not sure, I had never even heard of a fuel soleniod until I talked to him.

NCroadracer · 09-15-2009, 04:53 AM

It will not cause any damage to anything to run it like that.. But, it won't pass the new emissions inspection, only due to the potential to give off excessive evaporative emissions during heat cycles to the fuel cell...

jrt7878 · 09-22-2009, 06:22 AM

Thanks, appreciate the help

09-14-2009, 11:15 AM	#1
jrt7878 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	Similar Solenoid problem... I have a 2006 GMC Siera 4x4 with 27000 miles, the check engine light recently came on, so I brought it to the shop, the mechanic ran the codes and said it could be one of two problems, the first being that the the gas cap was not properly on which would have have popped the light on, the second was that I could have a problem with the fuel solenoid vent (which is apparently pretty common on 2000 and newer GMC trucks), however the mechanic reset the light and it stayed off for 5 days until it came on again when I had below 1/8 tank of gas. I'm not convinced that it is the solenoid problem, today I filled the tank and I want to reset the check engine light again to see if it follows the same pattern, How do I do this? and based on the above information what is the

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09-14-2009, 11:27 AM	#2
mudseeker Senior Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: michigan Posts: 7,155	the mechanic could have solved it real fast by commanding the system closed with a tech2 and smoke testing it or did you just want him to pull codes? dirt and overfilling the tank can cause these to go bad.

09-14-2009, 01:55 PM	#3
NCroadracer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 306	An EVAP system test requirement is that the fuel level can not be more than 3/4 or less than 1/4 in order for the self test to innitiate.... Some people have evap problems and don't get a light for miles and miles as a result. There are a list of other conditions that must be met prior to the test running also. THe mechanic could have very easily done a purge/seal test while you were there, as it only takes an additional 30 seconds MAX. Sounds like you got a lazy or incompetent mechanic.

09-14-2009, 08:12 PM	#4
jrt7878 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	I appreciate the feedback. And I got a follow up question, the same mechanic said he could take care of it for around $300 parts and labor which i don't exactly have right now. If I run the truck around town for a couple weeks is there any way I could do any actuall damage? I figure since it's just potentially an emisions problem I'll be fine but im not sure, I had never even heard of a fuel soleniod until I talked to him.

09-15-2009, 04:53 AM	#5
NCroadracer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 306	It will not cause any damage to anything to run it like that.. But, it won't pass the new emissions inspection, only due to the potential to give off excessive evaporative emissions during heat cycles to the fuel cell...

09-22-2009, 06:22 AM	#6
jrt7878 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3	Thanks, appreciate the help