Service Engine Soon
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Service Engine Soon
I replaced the O2 sensor, but the service engine soon light didn't go off.
I would appreciate it very much if someone would tell me how to cancel the light.
Thanks,
PPB
20160919.1.180100
I would appreciate it very much if someone would tell me how to cancel the light.
Thanks,
PPB
20160919.1.180100
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10 seconds. You will have to reset your radio presets.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi Knucklehead39,
Thanks for the suggestion...
I did it, but it didn't work... the light is still on just as bright as ever.
I could use some more suggestions from you guys/gals.
PPB
20160920.2.184000
Thanks for the suggestion...
I did it, but it didn't work... the light is still on just as bright as ever.
I could use some more suggestions from you guys/gals.
PPB
20160920.2.184000
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
I should have said leave the battery disconnected for 30 seconds, not 10. If you left it off for at least that long, it sounds like either there's something else wrong or the connection is bad. Make sure the plug is solidly connected. Why did you replace the oxygen sensor? Did you get a code 13 from the computer, or were there other symptoms?
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 270
Likes: 17
Car: '86 Iroc Z & '91 RS
Engine: 305 TPI & 305 Qjet - Future LC9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Service Engine Soon
Could always cancel the light by simply removing the bulb... 
But the best option is to get your Light Flash Code and continue to diagnose the problem until it is resolved..

But the best option is to get your Light Flash Code and continue to diagnose the problem until it is resolved..
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
As the above says, you need to find out what's wrong. There are plenty of discussions on line of what to do when the check engine light comes on. Though written for W-bodies, here's a good one:
http://www.seanster.com/scantool/ecm-codes.html
http://www.seanster.com/scantool/ecm-codes.html
Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Clinton, UT
Car: 86 Iroc Z-28
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: Automatic
Re: Service Engine Soon
I would try and pull out your ECM and verify that your PROM chip is fully seated. When I bought my current Camaro, the SES wouldn't go out and the flash codes wouldn't work. I pulled ECM and realized the PROM wasn't fully seated. I pushed it in and the light went out and the flash codes worked.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hey Knuckle,
I did 10 seconds just as you suggested, but now I'll try 30.
I don't know what you mean by 'make sure the plug is solidly connected', and I didn't get a code 13 from the computer because I didn't connect anything anywhere, and furthermore I wouldn't know what to connect where.
Do I sound like a 'newbie' that doesn't know what I'm doing... because I am!
I replaced the O2 sensor because everyone said that 90% of the time that is the problem so I just went ahead and replaced the sensor.
Hey Camaro,
Or, I could put a piece of black tape like 'Click and Clack' use to recommend!
Thanks guys,
PPB
20160923.5.122400
I did 10 seconds just as you suggested, but now I'll try 30.
I don't know what you mean by 'make sure the plug is solidly connected', and I didn't get a code 13 from the computer because I didn't connect anything anywhere, and furthermore I wouldn't know what to connect where.
Do I sound like a 'newbie' that doesn't know what I'm doing... because I am!
I replaced the O2 sensor because everyone said that 90% of the time that is the problem so I just went ahead and replaced the sensor.
Hey Camaro,
Or, I could put a piece of black tape like 'Click and Clack' use to recommend!
Thanks guys,
PPB
20160923.5.122400
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
Don't apologize for being a newby -- everybody was one once. When I said make sure it was plugged in, I was talking about making sure the new oxygen sensor was securely plugged into the wiring harness. If disconnecting the battery >30 seconds doesn't shut off the light, then the O2 sensor wasn't the problem. In post #6 above I suggested you follow the instructions in a web site to obtain real data on what's wrong. You need nothing more than a bent paper clip to run the test. Connect it to the top right two contacts in your computer link (under dash to right of steering column) and follow the directions. Let us know what the light blinks.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi guys,
I'm finally back after reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading the link in #6 and following Knuckle's instructions for the paper clip insertion and BINGO
I get 12,12,12,34,34,34,12,12,12!
Now all I have to do is make sense regarding the MAP explanation.
Also, I removed the ECM fuse, waited a few minutes, put it back in, restarted the car, but the light came back on and stayed on!!!
Now WHAT?
I need more help guys.
PPB
20160926.1.112900
I'm finally back after reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading the link in #6 and following Knuckle's instructions for the paper clip insertion and BINGO
I get 12,12,12,34,34,34,12,12,12!
Now all I have to do is make sense regarding the MAP explanation.
Also, I removed the ECM fuse, waited a few minutes, put it back in, restarted the car, but the light came back on and stayed on!!!
Now WHAT?
I need more help guys.
PPB
20160926.1.112900
Last edited by ppborceb; Sep 26, 2016 at 10:29 AM. Reason: Trying to reply,but I get a message that I logged on....
Supreme Member




Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 48
From: Tracy, CA
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi guys,
I'm finally back after reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading the link in #6 and following Knuckle's instructions for the paper clip insertion and BINGO
I get 12,12,12,34,34,34,12,12,12!
Now all I have to do is make sense regarding the MAP explanation.
Also, I removed the ECM fuse, waited a few minutes, put it back in, restarted the car, but the light came back on and stayed on!!!
Now WHAT?
I need more help guys.
PPB
20160926.1.112900
I'm finally back after reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading the link in #6 and following Knuckle's instructions for the paper clip insertion and BINGO
I get 12,12,12,34,34,34,12,12,12!
Now all I have to do is make sense regarding the MAP explanation.
Also, I removed the ECM fuse, waited a few minutes, put it back in, restarted the car, but the light came back on and stayed on!!!
Now WHAT?
I need more help guys.
PPB
20160926.1.112900
Locate the MAP sensor (I can't help you other than it's under the hood) and make sure the vacuum line and electrical connector are hooked up to the sensor.
The map sensor looks like this (click on the little images):
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/p...le.com+URL+%2F
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi Paulo,
Thanks for the information.
Now, I'll go out to the garage and try to find the little 'bugger', but as you can see from the prior postings, it's going to take a while because of my inexperience.
PPB
20160926.1.153800
Thanks for the information.
Now, I'll go out to the garage and try to find the little 'bugger', but as you can see from the prior postings, it's going to take a while because of my inexperience.
PPB
20160926.1.153800
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
Google is your friend. Just Google:
map sensor location gm 2.8 v6
If that's the wrong engine, change the ID.
map sensor location gm 2.8 v6
If that's the wrong engine, change the ID.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi GPen,
I don't know where the ECM & prom chip are located AND I don't know what they look like either... any guidance would help at this point.
PPB
20160926.1.172200
I don't know where the ECM & prom chip are located AND I don't know what they look like either... any guidance would help at this point.
PPB
20160926.1.172200
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
See Paulo post above. Code 34 means a bad/disconnected MAP sensor. I would order a new MAP sensor for your car, look at the link I posted to find your MAP sensor, and replace it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi Knuckle&Company,
Well, I'm finally back after looking for that MAP/MAF under the hood, but now I'm confused about what I am supposed to call that little 'bugger'.
I was reading the Haynes manual and I'm seeing two explanations for code #34.
One says after 1989, it's called a MAP and the other says 1989 and earlier it's called a MAF. So, my question is are they really the same, but only called differently?
Also, I'm still not sure that I'm looking in the right place, and I'm sure that someone will steer me in the right direction and then I'll go and get MAF/MAP.
PPB
20160929.4.162100
Well, I'm finally back after looking for that MAP/MAF under the hood, but now I'm confused about what I am supposed to call that little 'bugger'.
I was reading the Haynes manual and I'm seeing two explanations for code #34.
One says after 1989, it's called a MAP and the other says 1989 and earlier it's called a MAF. So, my question is are they really the same, but only called differently?
Also, I'm still not sure that I'm looking in the right place, and I'm sure that someone will steer me in the right direction and then I'll go and get MAF/MAP.
PPB
20160929.4.162100
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi Knuckle&Company,
Well, I'm finally back after looking for that MAP/MAF under the hood, but now I'm confused about what I am supposed to call that little 'bugger'.
I was reading the Haynes manual and I'm seeing two explanations for code #34.
One says after 1989, it's called a MAP and the other says 1989 and earlier it's called a MAF. So, my question is are they really the same, but only called differently?
Also, I'm still not sure that I'm looking in the right place, and I'm sure that someone will steer me in the right direction and then I'll go and get MAF/MAP.
PPB
20160929.4.162100
Well, I'm finally back after looking for that MAP/MAF under the hood, but now I'm confused about what I am supposed to call that little 'bugger'.
I was reading the Haynes manual and I'm seeing two explanations for code #34.
One says after 1989, it's called a MAP and the other says 1989 and earlier it's called a MAF. So, my question is are they really the same, but only called differently?
Also, I'm still not sure that I'm looking in the right place, and I'm sure that someone will steer me in the right direction and then I'll go and get MAF/MAP.
PPB
20160929.4.162100
PS , I'm pretty sure that in 1990 , when the 2.8 became a 3.1 is when it went from MAF to MAP , just to let you know why the same code could come to mean two different parts ......
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hi All You Helper Guys,
I'm finally back after reading, searching, and watching YouTube videos regarding cleaning, testing, replacing, and many 'how-to' videos about MAF sensors.
After seeing how expensive new MAF sensors were going to be, I tried to clean the MAF with CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner; But, first what a job to get it out!
And of course, it didn't work... still got code #34.
Now I'm trying to figure out what this 'ecm' thing-a-ma-gig is and what to do with it.
And of course, I have to find out where it is and how to get at it.
Help guys!
PPB
20161005.3.100700
I'm finally back after reading, searching, and watching YouTube videos regarding cleaning, testing, replacing, and many 'how-to' videos about MAF sensors.
After seeing how expensive new MAF sensors were going to be, I tried to clean the MAF with CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner; But, first what a job to get it out!
And of course, it didn't work... still got code #34.
Now I'm trying to figure out what this 'ecm' thing-a-ma-gig is and what to do with it.
And of course, I have to find out where it is and how to get at it.
Help guys!
PPB
20161005.3.100700
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: Automatic with OD
Axle/Gears: Don't know
Re: Service Engine Soon
Hello Again!
Well, I'm back and the light is OUT after following your recommendations of BUYING A NEW (NOT A REMANUFACTURED) MAF SENSOR.
So, I want to thank Knucklehead39, Camaro86IrocZ, G.Penrod, paulo57509, OrangeBird.
All of your suggestions were very helpful to me and I hope that in the future, I might be able to help a newbie like me.
Again, thanks guys.
PPB
20161025.2.141100
Well, I'm back and the light is OUT after following your recommendations of BUYING A NEW (NOT A REMANUFACTURED) MAF SENSOR.
So, I want to thank Knucklehead39, Camaro86IrocZ, G.Penrod, paulo57509, OrangeBird.
All of your suggestions were very helpful to me and I hope that in the future, I might be able to help a newbie like me.
Again, thanks guys.
PPB
20161025.2.141100
Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Washington DC
Car: 70 SS350, 89 IROC-Z, 95 Z-28
Engine: 350, 305, 350
Transmission: 4-spd, 5-spd, 6-spd
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.08, 3.31
Re: Service Engine Soon
Glad to hear it worked. We're all newbies at some time or other (some for longer than others . . . . . . ).
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