SES light on 2000 SL2

Hi,

but here's my story. I own a used (not previously owned) Saturn which
has had its share of problems. Over the summer the SES light came on
and I took it to the dealer who said there was "a small emissions leak"
but after they pressurized the system they couldn't find anything...and
took my money. Two weeks later I was back with the same result (except
i didn't get charged). Over the next few months the light would come on
and off intermitently, but was fortunately off for the emissions test,
which it passed. It has stayed off for two months now but came on this
morning. Is there anything I can tell my mechanic to point them in the
right direction because I don't mind paying to have it fixed, I'm just
fed up with paying for nothin'. Thanks for your time.

 

What is the error code? Your symptoms seem consistent with a plugged EGR
valve. Without the code it is difficult to guess. Provide the error code
they saw or when the light is on, take it to Autozone for a free scan.

Bob

 

I have pretty much the same issue with my 2000 SL2. Autozone scanned it
and came up with a P0442 small EVAP Emission Control leak. Was told that
nine times out of ten its a bad gas cap, so I replaced it, looked for
anything obvious, like split or cracked lines or damage to the canister
(I'm no expert; just using a Haynes book), but I don't see anything and
the light is still on, though I've only driven it four or five times
since Saturday (I understand it takes a few startups to clear the error
code), when I replaced plugs, cables, air filter and cleaned the
throttle body, hoping that would solve the problem. Inspection times
coming up, need help!!

 

a quick fix to pass inspection would be to fill it up, and pull the pcm
fuses under the hood. and start the car (it's going to stall first start)
the light should stay off untill your hit 3/4 tank mark, this is because the
pcm doesn't look for a evap leak untill 1/4 of the tank has been used.