Bogus SES Code?

[JVT007]

When to autozone :rolleyes: to get my SES light checked and it came back 1870 according to them 4x4 drive system error or something. Is that right or maybe its just the dumbass light that says hey bring me in so chevy can eat your money!

Is there a website that has a list of the codes and what they mean?

[treklav]

Actually, if it is 1870 like you say it is not 4x4 ANYTHING.

it is actually this:
1870 Transmission Component Slipping

That is what code 1870 is. they didn't know what they were talking about. [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[JVT007]

Wow are you serious? Then i should bring it in huh? How serious is this?

[strange_trp]

clear the code and see if it comes up again.
make sure you're following proper maintenance schedule for changing trans fluid/filter.

sometimes an 1870 will set momentarily when nothing is really wrong. or maybe just an intermittent problem. so clear codes and see if it comes back on. if it does, drop the trans pan and see if you have a lot of nasty debris from your trans in the pan. a small collection of metallic "dust" on the magnet in there is normal, but if you see big chunks of stuff in there something is bad wrong. THEN its time to take it in.

edit: i can't believe whoever scanned the code for you actually told you that it said anything about 4x4. never never ever go back to that store. the lack of knowledge in that place is so severe that it may be contagious. you probably dropped your IQ 10 points just by going there the first time. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ June 22, 2002: Message edited by: strange_trp ]</p>

[strange_trp]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> Is there a website that has a list of the codes and what they mean? <hr></blockquote>

uh, this one does. someone posted it a while back. do a search. k? [img]smile.gif[/img]
btw, some of the p1xxx codes will vary by year.

[JVT007]

He was like its a 4 wheel drive error I was like no... no its not. Time to buy my own scanner [img]smile.gif[/img]


Its cleared if it comes on again I'll check my trans fluid and diff fluid but I only have 57k miles I should have some time before I change/replace that stuff

[treklav]

I have had the code several times. every time i have had it i have had to change my tranny fluid and filters etc. So you might want to take it in to get it checked just to be on the safe side.

The first time the code went off and they changed teh fuid, etc. the difference in color coming out and going in was like red and black. it was seriously very black. Just lettin you know.

[strange_trp]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by JVT007:
Its cleared if it comes on again I'll check my trans fluid and diff fluid but I only have 57k miles I should have some time before I change/replace that stuff<hr></blockquote>

trans should be serviced at least every 30k miles. try a trans fluid and filter change (easy and cheap) if you get the light again. probably a good idea to do the trans service anyway since youre way over the suggested maintenance interval if it has never been done.

diff fluid is not as important to service so regularly because it is not used as hydraulic fluid like in the trans. still, changing diff fluid is also quick and easy and it makes sense to service both diff and trans at the same time. replace the fuel filter while you're under there too.... preventative maintenance is the key to avoiding big problems in the future.

[JVT007]

ok how do I go about changing the trans fluid? I'm just a youngin no training but I'm willing to learn and do the work myself (i'm not dumb). I bought the Haynes Repair manual and I was just looking through it but didn't see the page for replacing the auto trans fluid... I'm scared to do the fuel filter! :eek: But would be willing.

Can you point me in the direction of directions for replacing the trans fluid?

[strange_trp]

fuel filter is very easy. so is trans service and rear diff service. i'm looking at haynes part number 24017... : look at page 1-20. it's section 27 in chapter 1 that tells you about trans service. fuel filter is just above it. diff service is in section 29.
good luck. there are plenty of us here to help you if you need help.

it is encouraging that you took the initiative to get a haynes book and read up on it a little yourself before mindlessly posting a "how do i..." question. you got a good head on your shoulders [img]smile.gif[/img]
let me know if i can help, feel free to email.

[JVT007]

well i really want to learn to do the work myself. That's why I have the book... I can do fluid changes and filter changes with a little guidance any idiot can do that (and i'm that idiot!)

I'm afraid to do my break pads though... I need to get that done!

[strange_trp]

you know how i learned how to do brakes?
by doing them.
rebuild transmissions? rebuild engines?
doing it.
struts?
doing it.
fuel management and ignition?
doing it.

don't be afraid of it dude. as long as you have some basic hand tools, some patience, and a service manual, you'll be okay. that's how you learn, by doing....

[JVT007]

yeah I know but its always scary your first time! I'm going to do my brakes worst case is I have to bring it to a shop if I mess up!

So will the Haynes manual give me enough info to do my own breaks? Now I need jack stands [img]smile.gif[/img]

[strange_trp]

haynes will tell you step-by-step with pictures about servicing your brake system. once you do it once, you will realize it was not as bad as you thought.
you have the information in the manual. having correct service information is 75% of automotive repair. i think you'll be okay.

[JVT007]

Hey! The light came on so I called carmax (where I got my car) since I'm still under warrenty and was like hey you... fix this [img]smile.gif[/img] and while your at it replace my passanger window motor [img]smile.gif[/img]