Ok Guys..Check Engine Light Question

[New97owner]

My '97 GTS has 21,000 miles, and the only thing I have done recently is removed the cats, resonators and muffler, and replaced them with a set of glasspacks. This evening (after about 100 miles since the cat delete), the check engine light came on. I am a former Vette guy (please forgive me... ),but on the Vette, I could find the problem by using a short piece of wire and crossing 2 diagnostic terminals. Is there a way to do this on the GTS? I know nothing about OBD2, as I think the '97 has? Can I take it to a dealer and let them plug in a diagnostic tester and diagnose the light? I know the '97 cat removal doesn't suppose to activate the check engine light (or so I was told), but I would like to know if this is the reason, or if I have another problem. I know this sounds elementary to most of you guys, but I am lost here (shade tree mechanic here at best).
Thanks,
Mike

 

[orlandov10]

no, there is no self diagnosis feature, go to AutoZone and read the code or buy a OBD II code reader for $100.00. I just bought one myself and used it 3 times, it will work on any post 96 car.

this is the one AutoZone uses, its also the same on I bought.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Actron-AutoScanner-OBDII-Code-Reader_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQitemZ4584838222QQrdZ1

 

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Yes...you can cycle the key on-off-on-off-on and watch the flashes. I have the write-up in my manual (and it is here on the board somewhere). The check engine light will flash a series of flashes. I honestly have only done it ONCE...and I had someone with a clue on the cell phone with me to assist.

I got the reader that Sean Roe sells...worked like a charm.

 

[Gerald]

Clear the code with a code reader.. ONly about 75 bucks at your local parts dept.. Or they can clear it for you.

You'll also need , I think , to look into rear simms for your rear 02 sensors. Do a search on this board and you'll find your answers.. They're pretty simple to install, just take out the old 02's and plug the new simms in their place. YOur sig states you have a '97.. I dunno if they have front and rear 02 sensors, but my 98 does...
If you don't do this, the code will keep coming back...

Hope that helped. Sheeeit, and I hope my advice was right too.. LOL!!

Gerald

 

[Gerald]

you'll actually have to leave your old 02's in there, just unhook them, and hook the new simms in their place..

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?lang=-1&catalogId=10002&storeId=10001&categoryId=21989&searchItemId=80971

 

[New97owner]

Guys, I appreciate it..one more question from a newbie...where is the diagnostic connector located on the '97? (I know that may seem to be a stupid question, but I really have not looked for it).
Mike

 

[luc]

Mike:

That is the cheapest code reader around (same than S Roe without the Viper tax)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46030

The connector is under the dash,on the tranny tunnel by your right leg.

Luc.00GTS

 

[Jack B]

A couple of minor corrections:

The OBD port is by your left knee. Before you clear the code find out what the number is so you know the issue. It will be a series of flashs with a pause between the numbers. The codes are unniversal in most cases and apply to all OBDII cars.

Second, the 97 should not throw a code because you removed the cats, there has to be another issue. Perhaps you damaged a sensor or sensor wire. The 99 or 00 was the first year where the PCM created the need for simms.

 

[luc]

The OBD port is by your left knee

Jack is correct, I was giving the location for my XJR ( and nobody asked for it!!!)

Luc.00GTS

 

[Jack B]

Luc:

which connector were you referring to and what is the purpose.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

A couple of minor corrections:

The OBD port is by your left knee. Before you clear the code find out what the number is so you know the issue. It will be a series of flashs with a pause between the numbers. The codes are unniversal in most cases and apply to all OBDII cars.

Second, the 97 should not throw a code because you removed the cats, there has to be another issue. Perhaps you damaged a sensor or sensor wire. The 99 or 00 was the first year where the PCM created the need for simms.

1998 the rear O2 sensors were installed needing SIMMS if going catless.

 

[New97owner]

Thanks guys, I will have to check it out with a reader..but I do know that on my '97, it does have sensors after (where the cats and resonators were at). It has 2 before where the cats were, and 2 after. I didn't think catless would throw a code on a '97, or so I was told...but an OBDII reader will let me know I suppose.
Thanks Again, and I will post the results of the diagnosis,
Mike

 

[Chuck B 98 GTS]

A couple of minor corrections:

The OBD port is by your left knee. Before you clear the code find out what the number is so you know the issue. It will be a series of flashs with a pause between the numbers. The codes are unniversal in most cases and apply to all OBDII cars.

Second, the 97 should not throw a code because you removed the cats, there has to be another issue. Perhaps you damaged a sensor or sensor wire. The 99 or 00 was the first year where the PCM created the need for simms.

1998 the rear O2 sensors were installed needing SIMMS if going catless.

That's true, the 98 needs sims if you remove the cats.

 

[New97owner]

Well...on some '97's...going catless must throw a code after all. I stopped by and used the OBDII, and it shows the following info:
PO432
Main Catalyst
Below Threshold
Bank 2
The tech says it is throwing the code because the cats have been removed. Oh well...just my luck! I guess now I have to purchase some simms...unless someone else has another idea? I suppose she was correct on the code?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Gerald]

I knew it, I guess it's 1998 and above... Sorry for the bad info..

G

 

[Eric H]

My 98 has no cats and i have never thrown a code, i got a nice Tekmate code reader that also graphs dyno charts and gives all sorts of reading for $75 on ebay, works great.


worth every penny

 

[Jack B]

Mine is a 97, no cats and no code. When Tom Welch first started selling the Balengers, he sold dozens for 97/98 cars without throwing a code (many with no cats). Maybe if Tom's aboard, he can comment.

Mike:
Did you reconnect the rear O2 sensors?

 

[New97owner]

Jack, they never were disconnected, as the friend doing the work just removed the cats and resonators and replaced the cats with short glasspack mufflers (12" I think), and welded in a straight pipe in place of the resonators. In the location the O2 sensors behind the resonators, they were never touched. I have driven the Viper about 125 miles since resetting the code, and so far no code...
Mike